Emirates Unveils New Resort Project in Seychelles
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Emirates Unveils New Resort Project in Seychelles
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Category: Africa Indian Ocean -
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2007-05-11
On the first day of the Arabian Travel Market, Emirates Hotels and Resorts announced a historic new project in Mahe, Seychelles, slated to open in 2010 with an investment of US$253 million. This is the largest international investment by Emirates Hotels & Resorts, and one of the largest-ever in the islands of Seychelles.
The joint agreement for the Emirates Cap Ternay Resort & Spa was signed earlier today at the Emirates stand by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group and Joseph Belmont, Vice-President and Minister for Tourism & Transport of Seychelles. The agreement formalises Emirates’ commercial investment into the development and the resort’s concept, while securing the rights to a 99-year land lease over the property.
Commenting on the project, Sheikh Ahmed said: “Seychelles is truly a paradise and one of the worlds’ most beautiful locations. Our development will enhance this paradise into an unforgettable destination for discerning holidaymakers, especially environmentally-conscious travellers keen to ensure responsible development. While the proposed resort is large, it promises to be ecologically-sensitive in its design and rival the best in the Indian Ocean. Emirates brings a wealth of expertise to this project – with the airline, Emirates Holidays and Emirates Hotels & Resorts all working in a synergistic manner to leverage tourism opportunities.”
Vice President Joseph Belmont said: “We are delighted to partner with Emirates, and we feel that this project will further realise the incredible potential of this partnership. Their award-winning flagship property, Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, is recognised worldwide for its service excellence, environmentally sustainable design, and its real contributions to conservation, and that track record was hugely important to us as our environment and natural beauty is the basis of our entire industry. This inspires immense confidence, and we believe this development will be a great boost to the industry as a whole, especially as it will be an integrated resort with different accommodation tiers for a diverse range of clientele. The Emirates Cap Ternay concept plan, which is based on distinctive Seychellois architecture, has been approved by our cabinet, and we believe it will be a major asset to our destination.”
Emirates Hotels and Resorts will directly employ over 700 staff for the resort’s operations, and provide training and career development to Seychellois staff, as well as opportunities across all its properties.
Construction of the Emirates Cap Ternay Resort & Spa will commence in 2008, with the resort’s two distinct areas spread over 22 acres of land. The main resort features 186 rooms planned for families and budget-conscious travellers, and 230 deluxe rooms designed as semi-detached, cottage-style complexes situated in landscaped beachfront locations.
A private resort area, directly modelled on the exclusivity, standards and luxury provided by the Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, will feature 15 water-bungalows, the first of their kind in Seychelles and rivalling the best in the world. This area will also house 40 two-bedroom villas, each of over 150 square metres, and a Presidential suite of over 600 square metres. The villas and the suite, each featuring a private pool and deck, are located on a forested hillside with ocean views over Baie Ternay Marine Sanctuary and Morne Seychellois National Park, inarguably one of the most spectacular views in the world.
Guest rooms are located at various levels of the resort, with balconies providing unobstructed views of the sea and surrounding forests. At the heart of the site will be one of the largest swimming pools in the Indian Ocean, covering six acres (2.5 hectares), and made up of a series of cascading pools with a children’s pool, a pool bar, and smaller private pools set into landscaped coves, all catering to different needs.
The Timeless Spa, first developed successfully at the Emirates Al Maha, will be part of the Emirates Cap Ternay Resort & Spa, featuring 10 double treatment rooms; eight specialist treatment rooms providing hydro and related beauty therapies; gymnasium; and a specialist health-food restaurant.
The resort will also develop a number of speciality restaurants, entertainment facilities, children’s park, and a recreation area. Other facilities include a dive centre, jetties and a variety of beach activities.
Located at Baie Ternay, the Emirates Cap Ternay Resort & Spa is positioned between steep-sided granite outcrops of the Matoopa Peninsula and the Morne Seychellois National Park. Offering unparalleled views of pristine beaches, forests and waterfalls, guests can participate in nature walks and activities that showcase the country’s unique flora and fauna.
The resort design closely follows the conservation-orientated model set by the flagship Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa and the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa. The resort will establish the first feral-free wildlife reserve, with its 60-acres protecting many species endemic to Seychelles. Emirates Hotels & Resorts is in discussions with the Seychelles Ministry for Environment, to establish a Conservation Trust aimed at identifying threatened species, and establishing a long-term strategy for the management of ecosystems and the surrounding marine environment.
Emirates Airline offers four weekly services to Seychelles, using an Airbus A330-200 in a two-class configuration – 27 seats in Business and 251 in Economy. Seychelles is well-represented in the Emirates Holidays World of Choice brochure, offering island-hopping, cruises and resort stays on several islands. Seychelles is a popular destination, with visitor numbers from the UAE more than doubling since the country’s entry in the Emirates Holidays brochure.
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