PERFECT COMBINATION – SOUTH AFRICA & SEYCHELLES!

August 20, 2009

PERFECT COMBINATION

Combine the diversity of two exciting countries – from the bustle of Cape Town and the beauty of South Africa’s winelands to secluded beaches and unique flora and fauna on the Seychelles.  The perfect combination!

Cosmopolitan Cape Town in the shadow of the majestic Table Mountain – quaint Franschhoek in the heart of South Africa’s winelands:

Franschhoek Country House and Villas Exterior

Franschhoek Country House and Villas Exterior

Cape Town is southern Africa’s most beautiful, most romantic and most visited city.  It sits in the shadow of the majestic Table Mountain – a designated World Heritage Site.  Other attractions of Cape Town include the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront on Table Bay Harbour. Set in the heart of the working harbour, original dockside buildings have been renovated into a collection of shops, restaurants, pubs and museums making it a highlight of any stay.  Within easy reach of Cape Town, you will reach the quaint town of Franschhoek, where you will be able to sample  amazing wine and delicious food from some of the world’s top chefs.

The ‘Nellie’ provides gracious Cape hospitality, quiet sophistication and style:

Fly with British Airways and stay at iconic The Mount Nelson, occupying a breathtaking site on the lower slopes of Table Mountain and set in lush park-like gardens.  The historic Mount Nelson is one of Cape Town’s established landmarks, reflecting classic luxury, elegance and tradition.  The ‘Nellie’ provides gracious Cape hospitality, quiet sophistication and style. The Mount Nelson Hotel boasts four individual wings, separated from the Main Hotel, each with its own unique character, private gardens and facilities.  This arrangement provides guests with unparalleled privacy and seclusion, all with the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain.

The Mount Nelson South Africa Main Pool

The Mount Nelson South Africa Main Pool

The Cape Colony Restaurant combines fine dining with impeccable service amid an elegant interior, with live music each evening.  The menu features contemporary South African food with an interesting Asian influence, while the wine list was recently awarded the Diners Club Award of Excellence.  Overlooking the picturesque gardens and swimming pool, the Oasis Restaurant offers a simple and contemporary take on alfresco dining, with daily menus incorporating the Cape’s best local and seasonal produce in a relaxed, stylish and tranquil setting.

Franschhoek Country House & Villas – a restored manor house and former perfumery:

Franschhoek Country House & Villas is a restored manor house and former perfumery dating back to 1890, situated on the outskirts of Franschhoek Village, surrounded by enchanting vineyards and majestic mountains.  The in-house Monneaux Restaurant, voted as one of South Africa’s top restaurants, has become known for its innovative modern French cuisine plus there are many local wines to be enjoyed in the cosy wine bar or underground cellar.  There is a choice of 14 Luxury Rooms and 12 Villa Suites, most of which lead out onto a private balcony or patio offering magnificent views.  The Villa Suites are very luxurious with air-conditioning, fireplace, satellite television, DVD-player and two balconies.

The Mount Nelson South Africa Oasis Restaurant Terrace

The Mount Nelson South Africa Oasis Restaurant Terrace

Seychelles – a fusion of magical natural setting and simple elegance:

A thousand miles from anywhere but an easy flight from Cape Town, General Gordon of Khartoum described the Seychelles as the original Garden of Eden.  You’ll catch the drift as soon as you reach this mid-ocean cluster of 115 exotic islands – large and small – some of granite, lush and mountainous, others of coral and hugged by eye-popping Robinson Crusoe beaches.  Long isolated, the islands retain their character and charm.

Banyan Tree Seychelles – private and exclusive ‘boutique’ style:

Set beside the glorious sweep of Intendance Bay on Mahé’s south-west, Banyan Tree Seychelles is a very exclusive resort with villas carefully designed to blend into its virgin jungle setting or directly edging the beach.  The private and exclusive ‘boutique’ style of this tranquil property make it a perfect Seychelles sanctuary – enhanced by its award-winning spa and a choice of fine dining venues – elegant, gracious and, above all, a setting for the romantic.

Banyan Tree Seychelles Evening Pool Villa By The Rocks

Banyan Tree Seychelles Evening Pool Villa By The Rocks

If you prefer an elevated position high on the hill with glorious ocean views and serene rainforest all around, the Hillside Pool Villa is the perfect choice.  Its inspired architecture and interior furnishings reflect the natural style of the Seychelles through the use of indigenous materials.  A small private swimming pool, veranda with sun lounges and open-air pavilion invite you to let the world pass by while spending leisurely days taking in the panoramic environment.  Amidst the canopy of sheltering trees, privacy and tranquillity are easily found.  Stunning Pool Villas-by-the-Rocks and Beachfront Spa Pool Villas are also available.

Au Jardin d’Epices is an eclectic restaurant with a homely, African ethnic feel to it.  Full buffet breakfasts are on offer in the mornings, a selection of snacks, sandwiches, salads and light meals for lunch, and some fine international cuisine for dinner.  The seductive dinner menu is inspired by local fresh ingredients to Mediterranean rim cuisine and dishes from Mauritius and South Africa and all round the globe.  Au Jardin d’Epices looks out onto the turquoise blue Indian Ocean and the idyllic surroundings of Anse Intendance – the perfect place for a relaxing meal.

If you dream of leading the charmed life of a plantation owner – sitting on the veranda of a graceful colonial mansion on a balmy day while gazing at the sunset over the shimmering ocean with a glass of fine port – come to La Varangue.  This intimate lounge bar serves a good selection of snacks such as tapas, pizzas and light Thai specialities, as well as a wide range of refreshing alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.  It is an enchanting place for casual moments during the day or aperitifs and after dinner drinks in the evenings.

Discover the culinary arts of Southeast Asia (Thailand in particular) at Saffron, where chefs prepare authentic dishes using traditional recipes and cooking methods.  Unique Southeast Asian touches are incorporated into the service style and atmosphere of the restaurant.  Like the countries of Southeast Asia – multi faceted, exotic and intriguing – the cuisines of Southeast Asia make up a mosaic of styles, each one as different as the social customs and age-old traditions that have shaped it.  You will love the restaurant’s elegant and authentic ambience.  The interior decorations have been selected piece by piece from all over Southeast Asia.  Enjoy dinner amidst a delightful array of tastes, colours and spices.

Savour the very best of gourmet Creole cuisine with your loved one amidst the gorgeous settings of Chez Lamar – the newest dining venue at Banyan Tree Seychelles.  Set in a beautiful colonial style house that exudes old-world charm, guests bask in the natural splendour of Seychellois’ wetlands while experiencing authentic Creole cuisine lovingly prepared with the freshest ingredients.  Drawing its influence from Western European, African, Caribbean and native Indian cuisine, Creole dishes are prepared with exotic spices and a unique cooking style that will leave you yearning for more.

Sainte Anne Resort & Spa – a tranquil island oasis of style and elegance:

The delightful Sainte Anne Resort & Spa is a tranquil island oasis of style and elegance set on a picture-book 550-acre private island in the midst of a National Marine Park, only an l0-minute boat ride from Mahé – great for island hopping in the Seychelles.  Lush colourful bougainvilleas, frangipane trees, and palm trees tumble down to three pristine beaches and provide a magnificent natural backdrop.  By day, partake in a nature walk, take a diving trip or just laze on the beach and soak up the tropical tranquillity and island lifestyle.  In 2008, 28 new villas with private pools and gardens were introduced – allowing for complete privacy on your secluded island retreat.

Sainte Anne Island Arrival

Sainte Anne Island Arrival

L’Abondance is the main restaurant overlooking the beach and the swimming pool, the setting is exotic and the atmosphere relaxed and casual.  The restaurant leads onto an expansive paved terrace and the beach beyond which is shaded by a grove of coconut trees. Tables are laid under the trees to enhance the ultimate island atmosphere: outdoor dining.

Located on the most exotic site of the island, Le Mont Fleuri Beach Restaurant opens directly onto the beach.  Set into a giant granite rock face, wooden decks link three thatched dining areas which are suspended on stilts over the gentle lapping waters of the sea.  Le Mont Fleuri has a typically Mediterranean atmosphere.

Inviting guests to dine alfresco while digging their toes in the sand, L’Océane Restaurant is located on the beach facing L’Abondance.  Thatched pavilions are central to its design exuding simplicity and authenticity.  These characteristics are reflected into the menu itself which is mainly composed of grilled fish, fresh seafood and traditional Creole recipes.

The beach beneath the deck of Le Mont Fleuri Restaurant provides the perfect setting for an intimate 20-seat venue called Le Robinson.  Lined with granite rocks and trees, the restaurant opens for dinner only.

The Spa by Clarins is nestled in a quiet spot among the island’s lush vegetation, to enhance the calm and soothing ambience.  Products of the Paris cosmetics house Clarins have been chosen as the preferred product range for beauty care at the spa.

Sainte Anne Island Restaurant

Sainte Anne Island Restaurant

Sainte Anne has all the amenities of a truly romantic yet family-friendly resort.  The resort is a perfect backdrop for your dream wedding.  Celebrate your wedding in the Garden of Eden, surrounded by lush nature and simple elegance, an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience!  The prefect combination!

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