Set in an ancient coconut plantation overlooking the cerulean shores of the Indian Ocean, Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare has been the jewel in the Seychellois crown since it opened in 2012. Now, following a two-year transformation that has added new vim and vigour to almost every part of the resort, the island hideaway has evolved with the times to cater to the needs of the most discerning luxury travellers.

From the rooms and suites to public areas, dining experiences and immersive guest experiences that create meaningful encounters with Seychellois culture and nature, every aspect of the resort has been made over.

“Our goal has always been to create a home away from home for both our valued guests and employees,” says Oliver Kuhn, General Manager, Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare. “We have taken great care to preserve the natural elements of our surroundings throughout the renovation process while introducing new experiences that allow our guests to take a piece of the Seychelles with them when they depart.”

Every room and suite at Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare has been meticulous refreshed, breathing new energy into the collection of bright and airy abodes, which open up onto emerald landscapes and azure sea views. A new category of 80-sq-m Family Rooms with direct beach access are ideal for stress-free holidays, comprising two adjoining rooms with canopy beds and en suite bathrooms, and a living area and beachfront patio.

Designed to infuse vibrant local culture into the resort experience, a collection of new encounters and workshops put guests in the heart of the action. From interactive traditional Moutya dance performances and Creole cooking classes to learning how to craft the perfect cocktail using rum distilled on the island, there is something for all ages and interests.

Designed in the style of a plantation dining room, with bright displays of tropical fruit and a Kids Corner for junior diners, Café Lazare has introduced themed evenings that take diners on a culinary journey around the world. Le Petit Chef is a theatrical dining experience where a gastronomic tasting menu is guided by a six-centimetre-tall virtual chef, rendered using 3D mapping technology on the tabletop, while Planters Bar & Lounge has live local entertainment and creative cocktails. Beachfront restaurant Windsong, voted the Seychelles’ Best Hotel Restaurant 2023 at the World Culinary Awards, serves up delectable seafood and Creole specialities like Kari Zourit, set to the spectacular backdrop of the Indian Ocean, while new barefoot beachfront Kalou Bar is the place to be for laid-back island vibes.

Meeting and event spaces have also been upgraded: the resort’s conference room, Salon Quincy, has been fitted out with state-of-the-art technology, making it one of the most sought-after venues on the island for weddings and corporate events, while smaller venue Lemongrass is ideal for intimate gatherings.

New treatment menus at Kempinski The Spa now feature locally sourced organic products, while the new-look gym and fitness centre boasts floodlit tennis and padel courts for after-hours tournaments.

The recent addition of new solar panels helped Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare to achieve EarthCheck Gold certification in November, adding to initiatives designed to reduce water consumption, safeguard the welfare of the Seychelles’ famed giant tortoises and a reef restoration project launched in partnership with marine education and conservation specialist WiseOceans.

“Though our two-year transformation programme is complete, there is always more work to be done in terms of our sustainability and conservation efforts,” says Oliver Kuhn. “Among other initiatives, we hope to be able to bottle our own water on site in the near future, helping safeguard this precious and pristine environment for future generations.”