Situated on Mahé island – which inspired the setting of the Bond novella, For Your Eyes Only, following a visit to Northolme by its author in 1958 – the hotel welcomes adults and kids over 13 years, and is the epitome of secluded luxury. Nestled in the coves of Mahé’s northern shore and oozing tropical charm, Northolme offers a boutique experience in paradise, for those seeking an adult-friendly setting.
Set amongst the quiet coves of Mahé’s Beau Vallon Bay, this exclusive hotel is steeped in the rich history of the Seychelles and retains the beauty and charm of an undiscovered beach paradise. Built before the First World War on an island largely uninhabited until the 18th century, today the hotel is made up of 56 bright and spacious private villas, each with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.
The hotel’s interiors combine stylish aesthetic blends, traditional Seychellois woodwork, with sleek contemporary comforts, and offer an array of villa styles and categories. A King Hillside Villa boasts beautifully decorated dark wooden floors, traditional ceiling fans, a whirlpool bath and comfortable lazy chairs to lounge in the sun on. Marine-obsessed guests will fall in love with the King Oceanfront Villas set on stilts over the Indian Ocean, with their whirlpool baths, and balconies with unforgettable views of the sea.
For those visiting the Seychelles for a special occasion, such as honeymoons, anniversaries or birthdays, the hotel’s spacious Grand Ocean View Pool Villas are the ultimate in elegant Seychelles living, each one an impressive 1399 square feet in size. Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean with lush tropical forests surroundings, the classic wooden villas are built with brand new private infinity pools looking out to sea so guests can enjoy quiet seclusion in the lap of luxury. For the extra WOW factor, why not impress your loved one with a fun and celebratory in-pool private dining experience, new and exclusive to guests booking these villas.
VIP visitors can lose themselves in the calm of the warm sea breeze with a cocktail in hand from the large deck of the magnificent Northolme Villa. The two-bedroom property is spread over an expansive 3,700 square feet and offers guests a private ocean-side pool, the largest in the north of Mahé, with stunning panoramic views of Silhouette Island, the Indian Ocean and the Beau Vallon Bay. This expansive villa has all the amenities you can dream of – and more – ensuring guests can want for nothing during their stay.
For utter relaxation, head to the hotel’s luxurious eforea spa, an incredible retreat located right on the water. All treatment rooms are sea-facing, encouraging guests to switch off their busy minds and focus on the calming sound of waves instead, as they enjoy one of three spa ‘Journeys’. From ‘Essentials’ face and body care, in partnership with Dr Burgener to enhance your skin, to ‘Escape’, a collaboration with Terres D’Afrique products, a natural brand inspired by the plants, places and people of the continent, and finally ‘Enhancement’, created especially for Hilton as mini treatments that use rare techniques from around the world to introduce guests to unique experiences. Guests of eforea spa will be sure to emerge brighter, feeling refreshed and fully settled in to holiday mode.
Visitors looking for more active experiences at Northolme will find plenty on offer, with an abundance of excursions to choose from both on land and at sea. You’ll be spoilt for choice between guided tours of Silhouette Island which, as the third largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, is also home to the largest National and marine park in the archipelago. Also on offer are exciting marine safaris on glass-bottomed or motor boats, with snorkelling out at sea to explore the colourful aquatic life beneath the surface; big game fishing trips both day and night for sharks and Barracuda; or PADI diving and helicopter tours for the even more adventurous!
There’s plenty to see and do on land too; from island tours of the beautiful Mahé, the smallest capital in the world, where you can explore traditional Seychellois culture and heritage and the brilliant Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, built in 1840 and still thriving in the heart of the city. Discover traces of the Seychelles’ French legacy at Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden, with its mountain hikes and beautiful gardens filled with richly scented herbs and spices, or experience a tour and tasting at the Takamaka Bay Rum Distillery, a restored plantation house dating back to 1792 that now creates the country’s most famous spirit.
And when you return to Northolme after a busy day of sun and sightseeing? There’s an abundance of choice for sundowners and supper on offer: sample the local flavours of the Seychelles at Les Cocotiers, an al fresco dining experience offering Creole-infused dishes under the starry night skies, or enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and neighbouring islands at The Hilltop Restaurant, with its international à la carte menu and alternating themed nights featuring Italian, Asian and Seafood specialities. For more casual dining or delicious after-hours cocktails, enjoy the split-level terraces of the Ocean View Bar, perched on an outcrop with live music accompanying the unforgettable sunset. Whatever your choice, there’s something for everyone to fall in love with at Hilton Seychelles’ Northolme Resort & Spa.
Hilton Seychelles’ Northolme Resort & Spa is located in northwest Mahé, 25 minutes away from Seychelles International Airport by car or taxi.
To make a reservation please visit www.seychelles.hilton.com