As I headed through the two massive doors that lead onto the reception area and bar, overlooking a three-level pool and golden beaches, my heart skipped a beat.
Lémuria is one of Constance's "ultimate" hotels and is breathtakingly beautiful. The staff (from 32 countries, including SA), are super friendly, and all tasks are executed with a smile.The resort also boasts the only 18-hole golf course in the Seychelles, voted one of the 10 best courses in Africa by CNN.Not being a golfer myself, I skipped the two-hour initiation with a pro and opted instead for a swim and cocktails on the beach.A group of rich Russians once sterilised a foot cut with the most expensive Remy Martin cognac, and a sheik and his wife came with 48 pieces of luggage for a few days' stay.
Another guest had them fly in caviar from Dubai overnight, only to not eat it in the end.The hotel was at 84% occupancy at the time of our visit, but Lémuria's design is such that you often feel you have the whole place to yourself. No wonder it was voted one of the top 25 romance hotels in Africa.
I spent a lot of time in the sea, snorkelling among the plentiful sea life, but there are many recreational activities on the island. You can do a mountain trail, go to the indoor gym or do some windsurfing.
For nature lovers, Lémuria is a Garden of Eden, with mango and ficus trees, fruit bats, and two 40-year-old tortoises on the property.One of the best five-star elements was definitely the food. From the sit-down fine dining to the poolside snacks, this is a food lover's dream.
The chefs are clearly passionate about their culinary creations and there are sommeliers on hand to help you make those difficult decisions about which wine to choose.
Each of the four restaurants offers something unique in cuisine, décor and ambience.They also have a new concept, which they call #myconstancemoments, which is about doing something unique on your holiday.
For instance, you could do a wine pairing with a sommelier or have your menu especially created by the chef after you choose the wine.
There are also Tech Shacks, offering cameras and items such as smart watches and power banks for sale or rent - to save the day for those who forgot their gadgets behind. You definitely don't want to miss all those photo opportunities.Another #myconstancemoment is termed, "We ship love, free of charge." This lets guests send two postcards (free cards and stamps provided on arrival) to their loved ones. How's that for memories made?After four days of sheer bliss, we departed for Mahé Island and the Constance Ephelia resort.
Ephelia for me is all about body, mind and soul. Here, I attempted my first yoga class ever. Yes, I did it and even though I could not master all the moves and stretches, I must say it is a form of exercise I would benefit from.
Ephelia is set on 120ha and also has the most beautiful, unspoilt beaches. It is a bit more vibey than Lémuria - and much bigger.At the Adam and Eve Bar we had a mixology lesson, where we each had a turn to mix our own cocktail - and enjoyed lots of laughs.GETAWAYS FOR WELLNESS
For the health- and waistline-conscious, Constance in January brought on Rosanna Davidson to design a nutrition, wellness and fitness programme for their resorts.
"More and more people are looking for resorts that have a big wellness focus," she said. "For busy people, it's the perfect opportunity to detox, de-stress and work on their fitness or rid themselves of unhealthy food habits."
So, they've created balanced meals, breakfast buffets and wellness menus based on the fresh produce available.
"We will also place a much bigger focus on smoothies and juices designed for detox, immune support, fitness and muscle-building," she said.To go with all that healthy eating, the resort's zen-like spa is the largest in the Indian Ocean, actually a 5,000 square metre village of massages, facials, and body treatments.
It is made up of 18 single and couples treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, heated pool, a jacuzzi and a cold plunge pool - all welcome treats.I opted for the full-body and head massage. My therapist was great, I wanted more and more and more - and that goes double for my six days in #heavenonearth.
• Prince was a guest of Constance Hotels.EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER
Seyunique has a great deal just for readers of the Sunday Times: enjoy seven luxurious nights split between the Constance Ephelia and Constance Lémuria in the Seychelles.
The package price, from R38,000 per adult sharing, includes:
• Return airfares ex JNB
• Return airfare from Mahé to Praslin
• Return airport-hotel transfers in the Seychelles
• Four nights at Constance Ephelia on Mahé in a junior suite
• Three nights at Constance Lemuria on Praslin in a junior suite
• Dinner & breakfast throughout
• All current taxes, surcharges and levies.
This offer is valid for departure on May 17 2018. To book or for more information, call 011-453-2933 and quote "Sunday Times Readers' special offer"...