Laïla, Seychelles: A New Tribute Portfolio Resort

Marking the brand’s debut in Seychelles, the new boutique sanctuary offers natural botanical beauty, close to the white sands of Anse Royale. The 76-bedroom family and couple-friendly property is a foodie and wellness haven, with a French-Creole fine dining restaurant and a spa providing healing rituals using organic, handmade products. And, with a selection of bespoke activities, enables guests to immerse in the local culture.

Paradise in the Indian Ocean

Located on the island of Mahé, the largest in Seychelles, Laila provides plenty of opportunity to discover this incredible part of the world. Guests can take part in curated village experiences including Creole cooking classes, traditional weaving demonstrations and evenings dancing around the bonfire to the traditional and charming sounds of Moutya music. Take a day trip to explore the village market, go on a fishing trip, hike through the jungle, or take expeditions to neighbouring islands arranged by native experts. The resort also hosts sunrise yoga, offers tropical trails for a run and provides jewellery-making sessions using foraged shells. Water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkelling are available on-site, as well as via expeditions to the famous uninhabited ‘Ile Souris’ coral island, where you can observe coral fish and sea turtles.

Nature-inspired aesthetics

The resort’s design is courtesy of MMAC Design and features a calming colour palette accented by bold pops of green which pay homage to the beautiful tropical surroundings. Intricate detailing is found throughout, including the lobby ceiling, carved to reflect the shapes of the many islands in the Seychelles. Each of the resort’s rooms boasts a mural of the Seychelles’ plant silhouette, a hand woven macramé bed board and a room separator made with wood and rattan (natural materials often used in the island’s traditional architecture). In addition, families or a collective of friends can book one of eight boutique suites, including the Senior Suite with a private plunge pool and terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean and surrounding mountains.

Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in the Seychelles

Play and relax

The resort amenities include a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, a 24/7 gym, a barbershop and a kids’ recreation area. Meanwhile the Laïla Spa, with its expert therapists and full range of facial and body treatments, offers healing practices using only organic and handmade products made with local ingredients, such as coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Time to dine

Five restaurants and bars have been created to capture the spirit of the community and attract guests and locals alike. Laroul offers an international array of cuisines and cultures with a distinctive Seychellois flavour from breakfast to dinner. Signature dishes feature daily catches from the Indian Ocean and seasonal produce, such as Grilled Red Snapper and Flambé with Star Fruit. Kafe Kreol Beachside Bar and Restaurant is a rustic concept eatery, serving up authentic Creole and Italian cuisine paired. Here you can order both classic, and locally inspired, cocktails made with Takamaka Bay rum and fresh local produce such as coconuts and tamarind. For guests who gravitate towards a sip-and-swim session, the poolside Laroul Bar offers expertly prepared drinks and snacks.

“We are thrilled to be opening Laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort and to introduce the brand to this vibrant, leisure destination,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium & Select Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, “As the first Tribute Portfolio property in the Seychelles and further growing its footprint in EMEA, this resort advocates the brand’s passion for captivating design and sincere service, while offering unique experiences that connect guests to the spirit of the destination.”

www.marriott.co.uk