MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa, Mahé, Seychelles – a luxury hideaway with style & heart

A paradise for honeymooners at Anse Louis

If you are looking for the perfect place to recharge your batteries, propose to your loved one, go on honeymoon or have your dream wedding on the beach, then the MAIA on a private peninsula in the Seychelles is just the place to be! The Seychelles itself is pure relaxation – but at the MAIA you enter a sanctuary of tranquility!

Rediscover dulled senses and restore yourself on a private peninsula!

A fantastic beach, lush tropical gardens, huge granite rocks; Cheerful staff who greets you by placing their hands on their chests; A dedicated butler who warmly welcomes you; Absolute privacy; The finest all-inclusive à la carte cuisine; Sweeping ocean views from your villa’s private infinity edged pool and a Balinese spa with open-air treatment rooms – these are just some of the highlights you will get to experience at this romantic “Leading Hotel of the World“!

MAIA Mythology – the luxurious five-star resort “MAIA” has been named after the oldest, most timid and most beautiful daughter of the Greek titan, Atlas and the Roman goddess of spring – here it symbolizes rejuvenation, beauty and discretion!

I see – the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, award-winning exotic gardens and magic tropical sunsets…
I hear – the chorus of tropical birdsong…
I smell  delicate jasmine, exotic spices and the ocean…
I feel  revived, relaxed and radiant…
I taste – a romantic dinner under the stars with only the Indian Ocean for company…
I sense  tranquility, serenity and complete happiness…

Special MAIA Experiences: Collection of Emotions

The exceptional design of the resort is inspired by Bangkok-based designer Bill Bensley. It is a blend of African and Asian influences, with thatched roofs, giant wooden doors, natural stone, precious wood and mosaic floors, warm wooden tones and creamy elements.

“The site was fantastic, and has the world’s oldest rocks, which are granite, and huge boulders. We placed wooden bungalows among the boulders, to make one feel as if it grows out of the earth. There was not one tree felled.” -Bill Bensley

On this island sanctuary, everyone can feel as if they are on honeymoon, because everything that is usually available to honeymooners only, is already included here. For example: Champagne on arrival, a romantic dinner on the beach or in the villa and a romantic bath in your private outdoor bath. For newlyweds on honeymoon another special treat is added – a 75 min massage in the beautiful MAIA Spa!

Next to the dreamlike turquoise Indian Ocean with its white sandy beach, there is a large pool with breath taking views of the ocean, a sun deck and sun beds. (Activities brochure >>)

Ultimate privacy in spectacular pool villas

The 30 private villas are beautifully integrated into the natural surroundings and all have their own private infinity pool, an outdoor pavilion with daybed and dining area, discreet butler service, Hermès toiletries, a custom-made minibar, an entertainment system and a great bathroom. They are about 250 square meters and are hidden between the granite rocks and surrounded by tropical vegetation.

Ocean Panoramic Villas

There are 13 Ocean Panoramic Villas situated on the top of the hill and they offer spectacular views of the ocean and the bay. We stayed in one of these great panoramic villas almost on top of the hill.

We were warmly greeted by our personal butler, Delfi.

Apart from us, only Delfi was allowed to enter our villa. If you would not like to be disturbed, you simply hang a coconut in front of the gate. We did not even need to do that, because Delfi was very discreet, yet always there when we needed him.

Delfi is from Jakarta in Indonesia and is a really witty and lovable guy. We had a lot of fun with him.

The design of the villas as well as the view of Anse Louis Bay is simply breath taking. Although the resort is 10 years old, everything looks brand new thanks to the clear and simple design as General Manager Lionel Ferrari explained to us.

The villa itself blew us off our feet! Simply breathtakingly beautiful! And the view – just WOW!

To welcome us, a bottle of champagne and all sorts of snacks were awaiting us.

Gracious. Spacious. Secluded. Sublime.

Great furniture, noble fabrics, superb floors and many warm light sources create an incredibly noble and warm ambience.

This view is unbeatable – there is no better view than one of the ocean!

The bathroom is also very special with its outdoor bath, antique fittings, exquisite toiletries and a glass exterior shower! To have a bath here – whether during the day or at night – unique!

MAIA Signature Villas

The Signature Villas are widely scattered in the tropical garden and some even have their own beach access.

They are perfect for families because they are connected by garden paths.

The villas are far apart, some also high on the hill – but one of the friendly buggy drivers will pick you up and drop you off again anytime.

Whatever. Whenever. Wherever.

The MAIA has a very special BEYOND ALL-INCLUSIVE concept – you can eat whatever you want, whenever and wherever you feel like doing so! Whether you would like to eat in the villa, on the beach or have a romantic dinner on the helicopter landing area – anything and everything is possible! You could even order breakfast in the afternoon. All your wishes are fulfilled and you can plan your time according to your own wishes. Just great!

Sunset Pool Bar

In the cozy Sunset Pool Bar there are, of course, delicious cocktails and everything else you could feel like eating and drinking. Everything is, of course, included, except for certain food and drinks that has a price tag. But, this only applies to the very expensive items.

Must try: Bartender Jeromo’s self-made rum with Passionfruit!

Tec-Tec Restaurant

In the open-air Tec-Tec restaurant you can choose between Mediterranean, Asian, Creole, Italian and Indian cuisine. And even if something is not on the menu, the staff do their best to accommodate individual requests.

Insider tip from the general manager, Lionel Ferrari: The pomelo salad with giant prawns and the Wagyu Beef burger – so delicious!

In the evening, everything is bathed in a completely different light – then it is really romantic here!

The whole ambiance is very relaxed, so romantic and the food top class. And since everyone can eat, whenever and wherever they want, it is never crowded. The concept is also great for couples with children, as they can opt to have dinner in their own villa.

Wine cellar
You can enjoy a private tasting in the glass wine boutique.

In Villa Dining

We also made use of this offer by enjoying breakfast in the villa with its magnificent view. Each villa has its own small kitchen and Delphi prepared us a great breakfast with freshly made egg dishes.

In the afternoon, after we had our treatments at the spa, a delicious lunch was already awaiting us in the villa. With Delfi, everything was just a call away! If you would like to, you can even enjoy your own barbecue in the villa!

Find some inner peace in the luxury spa

Great spa treatments make a holiday or get-away perfect. The MAIA Spa is definitely not to be missed! All therapists are from Indonesia and are trained in Balinese techniques.

The three beautifully designed open-air treatment rooms are embedded into nature and only separated by rocks. The ambiance is one of relaxation pure! Homemade massage oils and skin care products with a spa tradition going back over 2,000 years are used, for example, the Hungarian brand “Omorovicza”.

The pavilion where we got to enjoy our MAIA signature massage, even had its own small waterfall.

MAIA Signature massage
A unique fusion of consistent pressure, long strokes and gentle stretching, blended with a soothing rhythmical flow of delivery to ease muscle tension.

Spa Menu

FULL MOON MASSAGE (for couples)
This open air, restorative treatment takes place from MAIA’s highest vantage point, under the Full Moon’s enticing and ephemeral glow, and imbues a sense of calm and inner beauty.
(more info >>)

After a foot bath, our two therapists Karisna and Ari, gave us a wonderful massage and eased all those tense muscles. We asked for a “medium” pressure massage. Karisna told us afterwards, that after a “strong” pressure massage you feel like a new person in just a day or two. This then resembles the “Healing” massages we got to experience in Bali. Good to know!

As relaxing as the massage looks like – it feels even better! A Balinese massage with the right therapist, is in our opinion, the best massage in the world – the Balinese quite simply have it in their blood.

Morning Yoga and Qi Gong sessions are available free of charge.

Flourishing landscapes thanks to many green thumbs

The award-winning 30-hectare tropical garden at the MAIA Resort is the work of Head Gardener Allan Marguerite and his team. 18 gardeners take care of about 300 different species of exotic and endemic plants.

In the small vegetable gardens, you will find all kinds of herbs, bananas and papayas to name just a few.

Honeymoon & Wedding

Honeymoon Special
SPA DELUXE DINING EXPERIENCE
1 candlelight 3-course spa dinner including a bottle of champagne and a 75-minute massage per couple / stay

Minimum stay of 5 nights, can be combined with the special offer of stay for 7 nights only pay for 6.  Valid up to 12 months after the wedding. (weitere Infos >>)

Wedding-Package

FRANGIPANI WEDDING (from 2550 EUR)
Champagne and fruit on arrival, villa upgrade upon availability, wedding co-ordinator, manicure and pedicure for the bride and groom, decoration of the MAIA garden on the beach, bridal bouquet and buttonhole for the groom, wedding certificate, photographer, wedding cake, a bottle of champagne, drinks and canapés during the ceremony and a romantic breakfast (witnesses can be provided).

SIGNATURE SUNSET WEDDING (from 5550 EUR)
As above plus 75 min MAIA signature massage for the couple, 90 min facial treatment for the bride, decoration at Anne Louis beach, Seychellois musicians during the wedding ceremony, 15 min helicopter flight, private candlelight dinner, romantic bath in the villa, romantic breakfast on the beach or in the villa, romantic champagne picnic lunch on a day during your stay, wedding gift.

More information >>

Conclusion

Luxury and pure romance! Here you can really relax and just enjoy! The concept of the MAIA is really great – here the guest is always top priority. After only 2 days, we were already as relaxed, as seldom at any other place! Just perfect for that romantic getaway, for your honeymoon, your wedding or simply to relax and unwind! The attention to detail and the passion of the whole MAIA family is so evident, you feel the difference.

Rooms: 30 villas
Transfer: About 25 minutes from the airport, about 30 minutes from the capital, Victoria
Air Temp.: 24 – 30 degrees Celsius
Temp. Water: 25 – 27 degrees Celsius
Best time: All year round
Duration: Nonstop from Germany to Mahé approx. 10 hours
Time shift: CET + 3 hours, summer + 2 hours
Price: from 1762 EUR / night (All-inclusive concept plus yoga, Qi Gong and diving)
Romantic highlight: romantic dinner on the beach or barbecue in the villa
Special offerings: 7 = 6, 8 = 7, 10 = 8, 9 = 8, 11 = 9, 13 = 11, 14 = 12, 20 = 16
Activities: Water sports activities such as: snorkeling, canoeing, diving and fishing (additional charge)
Special features: stunning villas with sea views, great concept, butler service, excellent cuisine
Perfect for: Honeymooners, weddings, couples, peace and quiet seekers, romantics, families

MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa
Anse Louis
Mahé Seychelles
Phone: +248 4 390 000
www.tsogosun.com/maia

Leading Hotels of the World
8 of the best resorts in the Seychelles – CNN Travel 2017
World Travel Awards – Seychelles` Leading Luxury Hotel Villa – 2017
World Travel Awards – Seychelles` Leading Boutique Hotel – 2017
SALI (South African Landscapers Institute) – Gold Award of Excellence – 2015
World Luxury Spa Awards – Best Luxury Destination Spa – 2012
The Daily Telegraph – Voted #41 – 50 Best Hotels in the World – 2010
World Travel Awards – Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort – 2010
The Leading Hotels of the World – Commitment to Quality – 2009
SALI (South African Landscapers Institute) – Best Landscape and Turf Maintenance in Africa – 2008

Our tip for romance, privacy and butler-service in:
Namibia: OKONJIMA Lodge, Namibia – Luxuslodge & gelebter Tierschutz für Raubkatzen
Kenia: MANDHARI, Shimba Hills, Kenia – ein privates Hideaway mit spektakulärer Aussicht

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Please note: Our stay was sponsored by MAIA Luxury Resort. Thank you very much! Nevertheless, the opinions expressed in this article is as always, 100% our own!

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CaranaBeach Hotel, Mahé, Seychelles – ocean themed elegance on a picturesque sandy beach

Chic beach boutique hotel in Creole style

This 4-star boutique hotel opened in 2016 and has 40 chalets. It is located in a quiet bay on the northeast coast of Mahe at Carana Beach. Our taxi driver immediately told us, that is one of the most beautiful and quiet beaches on the island.

The CaranaBeach Hotel belongs to the friendly Mason family and it is their third hotel. Mason’s Travel is the largest travel agency in the Seychelles. Recently, we have also had the privilege to visit the beautiful Denis Private Island on Denis Island and the “Indian Ocean Lodge” on Praslin. The three hotels are perfect for island hopping!

Here, you will find timeless, classy design mixed with traditional Creole island architecture and modern beach house style. Warm natural tones, the finest fabrics, neutral and modern colors as well as ocean themed decor elements ensure a cozy ambience. Style wise, it is similar to the tastefully designed, wonderful lodge on Denis Island.

“When you come to CaranaBeach you come to uncover the true island experience, where the Seychelles spirit awaits you.”

Pool

The large infinity pool is situated directly next to the bar and offers great ocean views.

Strand

The 150 m long secluded beach is for hotel guests only and therefore mostly deserted. It is framed by beautiful granite rocks on both sides. The waves are quite big as there is no reef here!

Chalets

All Ocean View Pool Chalets have sea views and are surrounded by rocks and beautiful tropical vegetation.

12 of the chalets (Ocean View Pool Chalets) also have their own plunge pools and Nespresso machines.

The modern touch can especially be seen in the bathrooms that are illuminated in cheerful purple.

Restaurant & Bar

The restaurant and the trendy bar right on the beach are not just very cozy, but also offer great food with stunning ocean views.

The chef, Darren Roberts, who hails from Australia was also in charge of the kitchen on Denis Island and his dishes are truly a culinary delight.

The Carana Beach Bar & Restaurant is open during the day and in the evenings. Here you get to enjoy snacks and cocktails in the fresh sea air.

Most of the ingredients are from Mike and Kathy Mason’s own farm on Denis Island where they keep some livestock such as guinea fowls, ducks, geese, pigs and cows.

Breakfast and dinner are served à la carte in the Lorizon restaurant.

Spa

The spa has two treatment rooms for massages and beauty treatments.

Honeymoon & Wedding

Honeymoon Offer

  • Up to 25% discount for the bridal couple
  • 1 Sundowner cocktail during your stay
  • Romantic Turndown service and a Honeymooner’s Indulge Experience
  • Romantic dinner plus a bottle of champagne when booking half-board

A minimum stay of 4 nights applies.

Wedding Package (from 675 EUR)
Includes fees, a marriage certificate, wedding decor, a bottle of champagne, a wedding cake and a romantic candlelight dinner on the beach for bride & groom.

Conclusion

The great secluded location on the beautiful beach is something special – beach feeling and pure relaxation! We were especially impressed with the bar! For a romantic, authentic and quiet Seychelles holiday, this hotel with its beautiful pool suites is highly recommended!

Rooms: 40 Ocean View Pool Chalets (12 of them with private plunge pools)
Transfer: About 35 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the capital, Victoria
Air Temperature: 24 – 30 degrees Celsius
Water Temperature: 25 – 27 degrees Celsius
Best time to travel: All year round
Duration: Nonstop from Germany to Mahé in approximately 10 hours
Time shift: CET + 3 hours, summer + 2 hours
Price: From 382 EUR per night breakfast included
Specials: Stay for seven nights and only pay for six
Special features: Quiet, picturesque location on the beach, tastefully decorated rooms, great bar
Perfect for: Couples, people seeking peace and quiet, romance seekers, families

CaranaBeach Hotel
Mahé, Seychellen
Tel: (248) 438 3333
Email: info@caranabeach.com
www.caranabeach.com

In addition to the Indian Ocean Lodge, the beautiful Denis Private Island on the deserted Denis island and the Indian Ocean Lodge on Praslin are also part of Mason’s Travel.

You will also find this hotel in our “Top 20 Honeymoon Collection Seychelles

Did you like this article? Then make our day and share it!
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Please note: Our stay was sponsored by Mason´s Travel. Thank you very much! Nevertheless, the opinions expressed in this article is as always, 100% our own!

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Our insider tip: Living Heritage Koslanda – Hidden jewel in the heart of Sri Lanka

Romantic boutique hotel with spectacular infinity pool in the mountains

This small boutique hotel is a real gem in the heart of Sri Lanka. It is located between the southern mountains of central Sri Lanka and is surrounded by picturesque tea and pepper plantations as well as waterfalls. It is the perfect stopover on the way from Nuwera Eliya to Yala.

It is hardly visible from the road. Our driver had to ask around first, before he found it. When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the manager, Carrim. Here, you do not feel like you are a guest at hotel, but rather a guest in a private home.

The hotel is built and designed in typical Sri Lankan style. The beautiful architecture stems from the filmmaker, Manik Sandrasagra, in collaboration with the renowned Sri Lankan architect, Channa Daswatte.

There even is a pepper plantation on the 80-hectare property that also serves as an elephant corridor, as these gentle giants migrate over the property from June to August every year.

Infinity Pool

The absolute highlight is the amazing infinity pool! From here you have breath taking views of the surrounding mountains and tea plantations.

To reach the pool you have to go up a small hill, but it is absolutely worth it!

You can even order cocktails from there via your mobile phone.

At the heart of Sri Lanka with the Soul of Sri Lanka

Rooms

This small hotel has 4 romantic and rustic suites. Three suites are located in the main house next to the restaurant and another suite is located in a small cottage near the pool.

Luxury Villa Suites

The 3 Luxury Villa Suites have a communal veranda, their own patio and are equipped with antiques, outdoor plunge pools, en-suite bathrooms and open showers.

Pepper Garden Cottage Suite

We stayed in the small stone cottage with private garden and its own Ambalama (an open-air pavilion to relax in). The cottage is a bit tucked away, but has loads of privacy.

Two more rooms in the tent pavilion style are being planned! – All very exciting!

Restaurant

The rustic restaurant, with its open wooden pavilion pagoda-like roof, is particularly romantic in the evening when the lights are dimmed. The beautiful antique furniture and stone walls create a very cozy atmosphere.

Delicious Sri Lankan meals consisting of curries, rice and lots of vegetables are served. Everything is freshly cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven.

Honeymoon & Wedding

Honeymoon Special
Upgrade subject to availability & welcome champagne cocktail
Honeymoon Experiences at Living Heritage Koslanda

Wedding-Package (ab USD 350)
Celebrate your special day at this magical place!
More information: Your Wedding and Honeymoon in the mountains at Koslanda

Tips for Trips

Hike to the waterfall
The idyllic walk through the jungle and through “God’s forest” to the waterfall is an absolute must. If you feel like it, you can also have a swim here. However, on the way there, you should be careful of the vast amounts of leeches! Shoes providing the proper protection up to your knees are available though. And you can easily get the leeches off with some salt water.

Buduruwagalas – Ancient, Buddhist temple with huge statues, the highest one being 16m
Tea factory and plantation visit
Kataragama – Holy city, whose temple is scared to four different faiths
Safari in the Udawalawe National Park

There is so much to be discovered here – or if you prefer, you can simply spend the day at the pool!

Conclusion

This place is pure relaxation – balm for the eyes and soul! Here you can just be – everything is very comfortable and the guests are lovingly taken care of. There were even a bunch of freshly picked flowers, when we had to say goodbye! Unfortunately, we were only here for one night – definitely too short!

Rooms: 4 suites
Flight duration: 12 hours flight from Germany (via Dubai) to Colombo
Transfer: 210 km from Colombo Airport; The nearest train station (Haputale) is 29 km away – a driver from the hotel will gladly pick you up
Check-in / Check-out Times: 14:00 / 11:00
Air Temperature: 8 – 27.8 degrees Celsius
Malaria: Malaria free
Vaccinations: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Measles vaccinations are recommended
Best travel time: East and north-east of the island: Mid-May to late September; West and south-west coast: October to mid-April; Mountainous regions: January to March
Time shift: 5.5 hours
Price: From 250 EUR per night (breakfast included)
Special features: spectacular infinity pool, beautiful landscape, delicious food in a very cozy restaurant
Perfect for: couples, nature lovers, romantics, honeymooners

Living Heritage Koslanda
Egodawatte Estate
Naulla, Koslanda, Sri Lanka
Mobile: +94 (0) 779 355 785
info@koslanda.com
www.koslanda.com

Did you like this article? Then please make our day and share it!
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Please note: Our stay was at our own expense.

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