Silhouette Island
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| By Niki Gower |
Hilton Labriz and the island of Silhouette
Ever sat on Beau Vallon Beach and stared off in to the distance, wondering about that prominent silhouette that looms from the horizon like a sentinel emerging from the sea? Close enough to feel as though it is the companion it has always been to Mahé’s inhabitants, yet far enough to retain a otherworldly mystique that stirs feelings of isolation and romantic curiosities.
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97% of Silhouette Island is classified as a National Nature Reserve and the island itself is in fact located within a Marine National Park – making Silhouette an oasis of pristine natural heritage. With its host of endemic and rare animals, lush tropical forests, unspoilt beaches, scenic mountain hikes and wetlands teaming with an array of life – Silhouette is a paradise for nature lovers or anyone looking for Eden on Earth. Silhouette is also a time capsule - a living museum of sorts –offering visitors a glimpse into the Seychellois ways of yesteryear.
Seychelles Livin' recently accompanied a delegation from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture on a familiarisation visit to Silhouette Island.
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| Organic herb and vegetable farming on Silhouette |
The delegation was hosted by with representatives from the Hilton Labriz Resort and Spa’s (the only hotel on the island), the Island Development Company (IDC - responsible for the management of the island,) as well as the Island Conservation Society (ICS - responsible for conservation on Silhouette).
The ICS presentation included an introduction to some of the flora, fauna and geology that make Silhouette a unique ecosystem – endemic and rare species that, in the view of ICS’s Benjamin Thompson, are “just as brand-able as the more famous Coco De Mer and Giant Tortoises that are traditionally associated with Seychelles”. The island does boast specimens of these two iconic species; however it is the unique species that present themselves as unique selling points for Silhouette and leave potential for the development of niche tourism attractions on the island – such as opportunities for nature lovers to view the Sheath Tailed Bat, hailed as the world’s rarest mammal.
The IDC presented the challenges and triumphs of its management of the island and its 150 local residents and 350 Hilton staff. Working closely with Hilton and ICS, the IDC has managed to maintain Silhouette as a pristine natural ecosystem as well as preserve its historical heritage.
The delegation was then treated to a tour of the Hilton Labriz Resort and Spa. The resort boasts 110 spacious villas divided into three categories. The Garden Villas are set among lush vegetation and offer spectacular views of Mount Dauban. The Beachfront Villas are tucked into the jungle and open onto pristine beach, offering unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean. The Deluxe Pool Side Villas – both hillside and beachfront – offer the same luxurious setting as the others, but come complete with their own private swimming pool and a separate thatched pavilion. The feather in the cap – the 111th villa on offer – is the Presidential Villa. Spread out with the convenience of two stylish bedrooms and boasting its own private swimming pool, a spacious living room and exclusive access to the beach!
The resort also offers guests the opportunity to visit their mountainside spa. Set amidst massive boulders in the fringes of the forest and offering a full suite of beauty treatments and revitalising rituals. Also on offer are seven international restaurants and a bar, a fitness centre, tennis court, diving and fishing adventures, guided nature walks, sunset cruises and a host of other activities to keep guests occupied. For the little ones, the Jungle Kids Club will keep the children occupied and entertained for hours.
But Silhouette is not just reserved for tourists with the funds and means to enjoy the full Hilton Labriz experience. The IDC also runs a small guest house on the island. Simple and clean with options for full board and housekeeping, the IDC guesthouse is the ideal opportunity for residents and tourists staying on other islands to get to experience Silhouette and all it has to offer.Day trips are also available – a cooperative between Hilton, IDC and ICS – that incorporates ferry transportation to the island, guided nature walks and a visit to Hilton Labriz to enjoy some of its offerings.
{ This article, by Niki Gower, was originally published in the TODAY in Seychelles Newspaper on the 04.05.2013 (www.today.sc), and also appears on the travel blog www.newworldnomad.blogspot.com. All photos copyright www.nikigowerphoto.com email: niki@silverspoonmedia.biz }
***MORE INFO***
ICS: www.islandconservationseychelles.com
IDC: : +248 4 38 46 40
HILTON LABRIZ: http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/seychelles/hilton-seychelles-labriz-resort-and-spa-SEZLBHI/index.html
Restaurant Review: Bodamier Cafe and Bar
Re-launched, revamped and ready for you
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| By Niki Gower |
So what has changed? First thing you will notice is that the interior has been redesigned. Furnishings have been rearranged and the courtyard now has a variety of seating options, an arrangement that flows from the dinner tables, through the lounge-style placing and back to the spacious couch - which Kelly has jokingly dubbed “the VIP room.” The indoors section has also been redesigned, with practicality in mind, and now offers more space as well as more efficient work flow for the staff.
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“We also spent some time and energy redoing the courtyard ceiling with Coco De Mer palm leaves – which are said to have a natural cooling effect,” explains Kelly. Coincide with the re-launch, Bodamier also brings you a fresh new menu of delicious and healthy meals. Along with more traditional favourites such as burgers, fish and chips and kari koko zourit (octopus curry), customers will notice there are some new exotic dishes now on offer – such as Balinese Pork with Ginger, Vietnamese Paper Rolls and Spanish Paella.
“We have re-designed the menu based on Indo-Pacific culinary tastes and customers will notice some new, exotic additions in addition to more traditional offerings. We wanted to offer the public a bit of variety and something different from what is offered at other restaurants around town,” continues Kelly.
The new menu features breakfasts, salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, desserts and a dedicated “kid’s menu.” Bodamier also offers aroma-rich tea and coffee as well as freshly made fruit juices and ice-teas, among other beverages. Beers and wines are on hand to help you relax in the cool shade of the courtyard.A brand new Bodamier with a brand new menu calls for fresh creativity in the kitchen and the new man at the helm is Chef Dan Payet. Born and raised in Seychelles, Chef Payet has spent the last 29 years living in Germany. Back in his homeland, Chef Payet will be bringing his skills and expertise – culinary and managerial – to the new Bodamier experience.
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“It’s good to be back in sunny Seychelles,” says Chef Payet, “ and it’s exciting to be involved in Bodamier and being able to offer customers an opportunity to enjoy a great menu accented by a great venue with a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere.”Supporting Chef Payet in the running of the new Bodamier Cafe and Bar is a new team of friendly and efficient staff. When the heat and the stresses of the city streets are getting too much to bear, it’s a welcome relief to step into the safety of the courtyard and be greeted by a welcoming smile, ready to make sure you have everything you need.
“We are excited about the re-launch and having Chef Payet and the new team on board. We have just reopened but there are some exciting ideas on the table and we will be making a lot of changes and improvements as we move along, always looking to offer our customers something more and a better Bodamier experience,” concludes Kelly.
Bodamier Cafe and Bar is open Monday to Saturday from 07:30 am until 05:30 pm, and of course Friday evenings until late (happy hour starts at 4:30pm). So whether it’s a healthy breakfast and a strong cup of coffee to get you going, a tasty lunch and relaxing time out to break your busy day or perhaps a pick-me up snack or a beverage to help you relax, Bodamier is the oasis in the heart of Victoria where you will find whatever it is you require.
*** IMPORTANT UPDATE***
A part from operating their usual Monday to Saturday breakfast and lunch offerings between 07:30am and 5:00pm, Bodamier will now be open on Friday evenings too – with live music, chilled drinks, great food and an unbeatable ambience providing you with the perfect place to unwind after a busy work-week and get the week-end started.
{ This article, by Niki Gower, was originally published (in part) in the TODAY in Seychelles Newspaper on the 01.04.2013 (www.today.sc), and also appears on the travel blog www.newworldnomad.blogspot.com. All photos copyright www.nikigowerphoto.com email: niki@silverspoonmedia.biz }
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