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Welcome back – your home away from home!
For our 3rd wedding anniversary, we finally went back to the Seychelles! Three years ago, we stayed at this exceptional hotel and experienced our dream wedding on the beach at Anse Source d’Argent.
This time, we (me, as photographer and my husband Marcus, as videographer) accompanied another wedding couple to their dream wedding and were so fortunate to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary, in this beloved hotel.
With a golf cart we were picked up from the jetty and brought to the hotel. Here we were welcomed with the sound of the gong, a refreshing drink and warm smiles. It is these warm and lovely details that made us fall in love with the hotel on our first visit!
A lot has happened in the last 3 years! The Garden Villas were completely rebuilt and renovated. More Villas de Charmes have been added and the restaurant was somewhat rebuilt and expanded. In addition, 8 new Garden Suite Residences were added. So the hotel went from the previously 45 to 63 Villas now.
Of course, it is also a bit busier, but thankfully, the personal service, charm and attention to detail have remained!
In addition, modern mountain bikes have been imported from Germany for the bicycle rental. These can be rented for 5 euros a day.
Interview with Manager Selby Pool
We spoke with Selby Pool – the super friendly Marketing Manager of Le Domaine.
Rooms
Garden Villas (renovated)
The Garden Villas were completely rebuilt and given a facelift. Although cosy, the previously dark and colonial-dominated 60 square meter room now has a stylish Zen feel to it with fresh colours, light wood, stone walls and floors, ornate objects and endless attention to detail.
The 10 former 2-storey rooms were converted into two separate rooms and so there are now 20 Garden Villas where three guests can comfortably stay.
The design is unusual, contemporary and modern. Nevertheless, also playful and romantic and fits in perfectly with the overall concept of the hotel.
I just love these beautiful stone strings. They are ultra-stylish and can be found everywhere in the hotel.
Garden Suite Residences (new)
Directly behind the Garden Villas, 8 new Garden Suite Residences were built. These Suites are ideal for families as they all have a bedroom and a living room where up to 2 children can stay. The design is a good blend of the Zen style of the modern Garden Villas and the more romantic Villas de Charme. They are super cosy and have plenty of space with a seating area and a big half-open bathroom. From the terraces, you have an idyllic view over a small river and the countryside.
Villas de Charme / Villas de Charme Élégance (beautiful as ever)
These 31 Villas de Charme embody the charm of La Digue and are unique, romantic tree houses built into the slopes of the hillside. The 3 Villas de Charme Elegance also have their own private jacuzzis.
Our tip: The really stunning view, that otherwise only the President Villa offers, you also have from Villas 224 and 234. You are welcome to enquire about the availability of these particular Villas, but it cannot be guaranteed that they will be available.
Of course, you also have to accept the ascent that comes with an exceptional view like this or you simply have to wait for one of the golf carts.
The highlight: You can also enjoy the beautiful view from your bathtub!
Villa Présidentielle (speechless)
The 485 square meter presidential villa is an absolute dream. The pool and the spectacular views, are simply stunning! Here there is a feeling of absolute tranquility and freedom.
Those who have the necessary means can enjoy the brilliant view with up to 6 guests from their own infinity pool. In addition, there are also a jacuzzi, a butler and soon, your own fitness equipment.
Pool
The beautiful pool area with infinity pool, countless deckchairs and a poolside bar is a refreshing alternative to a swim in the Indian Ocean.
Infinity Pool Bar
The Pool Bar on the seafront is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a sundowner cocktail while watching a spectacular sunset!
The Alambic bar is open from 6 in the evening.
Restaurants
Santosha Restaurant
Breakfast and dinner is served buffet style in the chic Santosha Restaurant, overlooking the Indian Ocean. If you want to, even with your feet in the sand!
Our beloved turtledoves were back!
In the evening, Santosha serves popular international fare and local Creole specialties in a live cooking style and a “Catch of the day” buffet. The cuisine is varied, fresh and very tasty!
Le Combava Restaurant
The highly recommended Le Combava Restaurant is a romantic à la carte restaurant with a few tables right by the pool and excellent cuisine!
Spa
Unfortunately, we did not get a chance to visit the beautiful Eden Rock Spa this time round, but our report from our previous visit, can be found here.
Beaches
Hotel beach
Next to the hotel is the small hotel beach with its dreamy pavilions as sun protection.
Anse Servere
If you drive a few minutes by bike in a northerly direction, you can go and swim at the beautiful Anse Severe beach. There is not much going on here and you will find a shady spot.
Anse Source d´Argent
This picturesque dream beach is definitely not to be missed! The famous Bacardi beach is the purest and whitest beach that we have found so far and is absolutely worth a visit.
The beach is about a 20-30 minute bike ride from the hotel. Just like 3 years ago, there are still some dogs on the beach, but unfortunately, not as many as before.
Anyone who has more time, should also cycle to the Grand Anse and Petit Anse beaches.
We simply love this romantic island pearl on La Digue!
It really was an absolute dream come true to check in at this hotel and this oasis of peace and serenity again. The wonderful tropical vegetation, the beautiful Zen-like design, the excellent cuisine and the welcoming staff ensure an absolute feel-good atmosphere and all-round relaxation. In our opinion, it remains one of the finest and most distinctive hotels we have ever stayed at! It was certainly not our last time here!
Rooms: 63 Villas in 5 Categories
Air Temperature: 24 – 30 degrees Celsius
Water Temperature: 25 – 27 degrees Celsius
Best time to visit: April, May and October to mid-December
Price: From 350 EUR / night breakfast included
Special: 6 = 7 offer
Honeymoon Special: Welcome fruit basket and champagne in your room | from 5 nights in addition: a 30-minute manicure or pedicure for the woman as well as a romantic candlelight dinner at Le Restaurant Combava
Re-admission Special: Up to 15% discount on the room
Special features: Very personal service | extremely romantic ambience | the nicest place on the island | stunning Zen Design
Perfect for: Couples, honeymooners, discerning travellers, nature lovers, people seeking peace and quiet, romantic souls and families
Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie
Anse Sévère, La Digue, Seychelles
Tel : (00248) 4299 999
Fax : (00248) 4299 888
reservations@orangeraie.sc
www.orangeraie.sc
L’OFFICIEL VOYAGES Avril-Mai 2012 – Adresses d’initiés:
« Un cocon ouvert sur la nature »
TRAVEL LIVING UK September 2012 – « The most stylish »
CONDE NAST TRAVELLER December 2011 – Lesser Spotted Seychelles:
« A very smart mini-resort »
CONDE NAST TRAVELLER December 2011 – Le Domaine’s Restaurant:
« The best place to eat on the island »
CONDE NAST TRAVELLER December 2011 – Lesser Spotted Seychelles:
« Excellent spa »
TRAVELMAG South Africa April 2011 – « Paradise at its best »
LE FIGARO February 2011 – Style & Vous: « Hôtel étonnant »
CLASS & RELAX Luxury Travel, Art and Lifestyle February 2011 –
« Combining elegance and zen refinement »
THE SUNDAY TIMES TRAVEL April 2010 – Seychelles : Where to stay:
« Best for Traditionalists »
ELLE MAGAZINE February 2010 – Top 10 des lunes de miel:
« Le 7ème Ciel aux Seychelles »