One day, you are going to meet someone who you will fall deep for. It will happen slowly, and then all at once. It could happen in a day, or in a year. But you will fall and for some reason you won’t be so scared anymore. Because the way they say your name, and smile slightly at you when you aren’t looking, says everything you’ll ever need to know. Fueled by love, my fiance and I decided to take the plunge – and embarked on a magical journey, a journey that began with a single step towards lifelong togetherness.
We booked our flights on Emirates, enjoyed the luxurious Business class settings and in no time, landed on the shores of beautiful Seychelles.
As a little girl, growing up atop a mountain – I learnt to dream, dream big – some dreams being outrageous, others zany – but there was always one constant. That when I do grow up, I’ll like to get married on the beach – where the sand glistened white, the waters turquoise; surrounded by natural beauty that would take my breath away, and make time stand still. Being bitten by the wanderlust bug and blessed to constantly travel the world, we had a plethora of luxurious hotels to select from – so eventually when we did come around and flicked through the online brochure of Kempinski Seychelles, we smiled ear to ear. And quite suddenly, there and then we knew – it was time to trust the magic of beginnings.
Tip: I’ve always advocated the need to join loyalty schemes, and seek out additional travel benefits and hotel discounts that would otherwise not be available. Case in point is a 15% saving on the best available rate at Kempinski Seychelles, provided you are member of the DISCOVERY Loyalty programme (To know more click here).
Located on the exclusive south end of Mahé directly on the famous Baie Lazare, this Kempinski resort is a mere 20 minutes taxi ride from the international airport and only 40 minutes from the capital Victoria. But we were in no mood to leave the resort – from secluded bays and a treasure trove of underwater gems with snorkeling and fishing, along with a luxurious spa to tickle our fancy, we had everything we ever wanted – right at our doorstep.
Upon checking into our one bedroom sea view garden suite, we were pleasantly surprised to have a bottle of bubbly, fruits and a hand-written note welcoming us. It’s little acts of personalised kindness such as these, that leave an imprint on you and compels you to bond with a brand or in this case, the resort.
Located on the ground floor, this sea view suite features a terrace with direct access to the beach – definite plus for long walks with my significant other, especially after sunset. I for one, quite liked the tasteful decor of the room – pleasing to the eye, and a nice mix of warm and relaxing tones.
With all the delights of the beach on my doorstep, the resort offers an ideal accommodation for people like me who can’t bear to be away from the sands for too long.
This is the view every morning – makes one realise how amazing life is. Standing here in the lobby of the resort and admitting to myself that I will never be completely at home again. Because part of my heart will always be here.
Creative capture, overlooking the all-day dining restaurant Cafe Lazare – enjoyed the delicious themed buffets in the evenings. Fantastic service, friendly attendants and some great food.
The property is vast, and a buggy is always on call to ferry you around. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to walk around the resort, soaking in the sights and sounds this magical place has to offer. This is the lagoon side, with access to Aldabra giant tortoises in the vicinity – something that I would recommend to try in a heart beat.
….if you’re ever tired of the beach, the lagoon – then these breathtaking mountains will call out to you.
I settled for some pool action….
…followed by fun and frolic on the private beach.
…and then opted to climb trees. Yes, you got that right – palm trees, salty hair, ocean breeze, clear skies, sunshine, sandy feet – island living gripped my soul – absolutely loved my time whilst at Kempinski Seychelles.
They say, life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain….or in this case, climbing a thick undergrowth of a mountain, braving strong winds, only to reach the summit, with gusto. And right before you, the universe unfolds rewarding you with a beautiful sunset and a spectacular view of the resort and the bay.
If you’re wondering, if I had taken a video of the view from that mountain top – then wonder no more. Of course, I did. Click on the below link, and enjoy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOyl7mjg8KB/
With all the fun and adventure I was in the midst of, one could be forgiven to think I had thrown caution to the wind – after all, I had a wedding to attend – my very own.
Keeping aside all that mountain trekking, tree climbing, swimming in the sea and even running alongside horses on the beach – I felt it was a good idea to do something relaxing prior to this momentous occasion in my life. With this in mind, I redeemed my DISCOVERY Loyalty Black Local Experience Award for  a rejuvenating Island Tranquility spa experience – absolutely free. Remember my tip on joining loyalty programmes? Well, it came in handy here.
Truth be told it feels great when a loyalty scheme rewards you with an experience, without any hidden clauses or exceptions – all at the simple touch of a button. That’s one of many reasons I always have and will travel with my loyalty cards – and the DISCOVERY Loyalty programme happens to be one of my top favourites.
Tip: Click here for a complete list of Local Experiences available.
This bespoke pampering ritual includes an indulgent 30-min cinnamon and coconut body scrub, followed by a 60-min relaxing massage where Deli, my therapist expertly kneaded every muscle knot (a mix of circular, as well as long back and forth) to affected areas of my back – and left me feeling relaxed. I couldn’t help but smile with utter satisfaction at the end of it all. With my well being taken care of and a new revived me, I was now ready for the big day.
If a photo is worth a 1000 words, what do you reckon a video is worth? Here is a video montage of my spectacular spa experience. Enjoy!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOplKSNgyQ9/
The big day had finally arrived Рwe opted for the Hibiscus wedding package, as we wanted to keep the wedding really intimate and private. The lovely Joyce, our wedding planner delighted us with an amazing setting Рthe cabana was tastefully decorated, the flower arrangements were sorted out beautifully, the wedding cake prepared with love and a bottle of Cuv̩e Brut waiting to be popped.
With everything coming together, and a certain sense of magic in the air – I felt it, I flew with it, I infused with it and I believed. Magic is something you make, right? And I finally said, “I do”.
When was the last time you saw a bride climb up a tree eh? Creative photo op by the talented Hitched In Dubai wedding choreography team. Â Stand as tall as the trees, and fierce as the wind that blows – yes, that was the brief. Reckon I nailed it?
Mr and Mrs we became….and lived happily ever after.
….but before we embarked to Dubai, our sunny abode – we promised each other that we will return to Seychelles, and relive these memories – especially at the Kempinski Seychelles.
