Praslin, La Digue and North Island in ten nights
Three islands, three speeds: a hillside pool villa on Praslin near the Vallée de Mai, bicycles and granite boulders on La Digue, and four nights on North Island, reached by helicopter from Mahé.
Constance Ephelia
A 120-hectare resort between two beaches on Port Launay Marine National Park, 40 minutes from the airport, with a spa village and kids club.
Why we love it
Ephelia is the resort we suggest most often to families who want space and plenty to do without a boat or a flight after landing. It covers 120 hectares on the north-west coast of Mahé, with a beach on either side and the marine park in front, and it is about 40 minutes by road from the airport.
There is a lot going on: a zip line through the trees, tennis, squash and padel, non-motorised water sports, and the Coconut Tribe kids club for four to 11 year olds. The spa village has a full thermal circuit, and the two- and three-bedroom family villas each come with a private pool.
The scale is the catch. With five restaurants, five bars and a wide spread of rooms, it can feel like a small town at breakfast in the school holidays. Couples after quiet should book a Hillside Villa, set up on the granite above the marine park.
Rooms and villas
Junior Suite
A 62 square metre suite a few steps from the beach, with a large bed, a seating area and a sunlit terrace.
Senior Suite
A 72 square metre suite with a furnished terrace with a view and a bathroom with a bath tub.
Family Villa
Two- or three-bedroom villas of 330 to 350 square metres, each with a private pool and a pergola, built for families.
Beach Villa
One- or two-bedroom villas of 240 to 370 square metres by North Beach, with a private pool and a large bathroom.
Hillside Villa
Villas of 120 to 220 square metres on the granite above Port Launay, with an infinity pool and in-villa dining, the pick for couples.
Dining
Five restaurants cover the range, from Corossol and Helios to Adam and Eve, Cyann and Kabana, each with its own style. Five bars, including Zee Bar and Seselwa Bar, mean there is always somewhere for a drink at sunset.
Wellness
The Constance Spa village sits in tropical gardens and uses Sisley products. Its thermal journey takes in a sauna, steam room, thermal pool, Jacuzzi, still pool and Kneipp footpath, with a yoga pavilion and a fitness centre alongside.
Children and families
Coconut Tribe takes children aged four to 11 and can be joined at any point in the stay, with a separate space for four to six year olds. Family Villas have two or three bedrooms and a private pool.
The facts
| Transfer | About 40 minutes by road from Seychelles International Airport |
|---|---|
| Grounds | 120 hectares |
| Restaurants and bars | Five restaurants and five bars |
| Spa | Constance Spa village with thermal circuit |
| Kids club | Coconut Tribe, ages four to 11 |
| Activities | Zip line, tennis, squash, padel and non-motorised water sports |
Where it is
Port Launay, north-west Mahé, Seychelles
Nearby
A few of the things we plan for guests in Seychelles.
Coco de mer in the Vallée de Mai
The Vallée de Mai on Praslin is a UNESCO-listed palm forest and the home of the coco de mer, whose seed is the largest in the plant kingdom. Paths wind under huge fan-shaped leaves, and it is one of the few places to see the rare Seychelles black parrot. Go at opening time, when the birds are most active.
Cycling La Digue to Anse Source d'Argent
La Digue has few cars; most people get around by bicycle. Ride through the L'Union estate, past the old plantation house and vanilla, to Anse Source d'Argent, with its sculpted granite boulders and shallow water. Time it for low tide in the early morning. On the east side, Grand Anse is wilder but not for swimming when the surf is up.
Giant tortoises and mangroves on Curieuse
Curieuse is a protected island a short boat ride from Praslin. A boardwalk runs through the mangroves to Baie Laraie, where Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely around the ranger station. Most trips add snorkelling off neighbouring St Pierre, a tiny granite islet.
Journeys in Seychelles
Ask about Constance Ephelia
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability, suggest the right room and send a price.