Hotel review: Coral Strand, Mahe, Seychelles

Beautiful beaches, colourful coral reefs and crystal clear waters are what await you on the luxury islands of Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.

Recently awarded four stars status The Coral Strand Hotel has undergone a makeover to bring it inline with other family-friendly hotels in the vicinity. This family friendly resort is located on the famous Beau Vallon Beach on Seychelles main island of Mahé – one of Seychelles more popular and lively beaches.

The 165 contemporary and attractively equipped rooms include 140 standard rooms; four silhouette junior suites and 21 deluxe rooms all spread over five floors.

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The hotel’s location is ideal for those seeking adventure, thrills and water sport action on the water with all the family. The contemporary Indian Ocean hotel is perfect for families with children as the Seychelles is one of the few countries in the tropics that can be visited without any special preventative vaccinations. There is no risk of malaria, yellow fever or cholera and the slight time difference does not disturb the normal sleeping pattern of children.

Another positive is that there are no dangerous animals on the islands, rather rare flora and fauna that will fascinate young children. Whether it is the heaviest giant tortoise, the smallest frog, the unusual double nut species Coco-de-Mer or the rare jellyfish tree – of which there are only eight existing – the Seychelles is a place of unique biodiversity.

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First impressions: cozy, comfortable and modern

Legend has it pirate Oliver Le Vasseur; also known locally as La Buse, plied his dastardly trade at the beginning of the 18th century in the Indian Ocean and around Seychelles. To this date, La Buse’s treasure has never been found and historians venture that a part of the riches could still be hidden in Seychelles. The hunt for the pirate treasure can immediately start in the capital, Victoria, with a visit to the historical cemetery – the site of La Buse’s last resting place.

Unfortunately I didn’t find any pirate treasure but on check-in I was offered a refreshing cold welcome drink – a treasure in itself. I was also told my room had been upgraded to the fabulous deluxe sea view room, which literally is on the beach. The room was spacious, contemporary and comes with all the usual mod cons one expects from a modern hotel.  The breathtaking views from the large family size balcony will stay with me for a very long time.

In addition, the hotel also provides guests with a basket of fresh tropical fruit and complimentary bottled water. I really enjoyed munching on the bananas, they were the smallest and sweetest bananas I’ve ever come across.

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Food and Dining

Coral Strand Hotel boasts two restaurants and a bar. In addition the hotel has a policy to source local produce and support local businesses by hiring local people, unlike some of the larger chain hotels where you will find a significant number of expat staff.

Island Trader offers gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean.  A continental buffet breakfast is served daily, plus an omelette station is available for some tasty treats by the chef.

The Seychelles hotel also plans to open this year a Japanese Corner in the restaurant, which will serve sushi and sashimi – a first for this part of the island.

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Mahek Restaurant is a gourmet Indian restaurant where food is served in traditional Asian crockery. The eatery is also the only air-conned and Indian restaurant on the island. Interior design is cozy but traditional. The colour scheme is red and brown lacquer – and I loved the instrumental Bollywood music vibes.

Menu choice at Mahek is vast, so it may take you a while to order. The complimentary Poppadoms and chutney are ideal for gustation while you decide on your order. As with Indian cuisine there are plenty of veggie options too.

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To get me started I ordered the sweet mango lassi (milkshake), which was really refreshing and a much needed thirst quencher. What followed was fish curry cooked in a rich spicy sauce, served with pilau rice or chapatti (traditional bread). Fish is caught daily, so you know what you are eating is going to be fresh and caught that day. Portion size of the dishes were colossal so I didn’t have room for dessert, but if you do have space it is worth sampling as the mains were to die for. The fish was cooked to perfection and the sauce was out of this world. The food is really mouth watering.

The Coral Strand Hotel is a great choice if you are looking for some affordable luxury in the Seychelles. The hotel would be an ideal choice for families and young holiday makers who don’t want to spend too much on accommodation, the hotel is great value for money. The hotel may not have the wow factor like some other luxury hotels in the Seychelles. However, the hotel does enjoy a first-class location on the most beautiful section of the famous Beau Vallon Bay on the island of Mahé. And is located just 15 kilometres from the airport and five kilometres from the centre in Victoria. The unusual hotel concept works: premium comfort at an affordable price.

Coral Strand Hotel, P.O. BOX 400, Mahe, Seychelles

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