Emirates Hotels and Resorts has 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 Seychelles.

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 will feature 15 water-bungalows, the first of their kind in the 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.

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.

A Timeless Spa will also be part of the resort, featuring 10 double treatment rooms; eight specialist treatment rooms providing hydro and related beauty therapies; gymnasium; and a specialist health-food restaurant.

In addition, the resort will 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.

Commenting on the project, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, 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.”

The resort design closely follows the conservation-orientated model set by the flagship Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, and the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australia. 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 operates 91 non-stop flights each week, or 13 each day, from the UK to Dubai - five services daily from London Heathrow, three services per day from London Gatwick, double-daily flights from Birmingham and Manchester, and a daily connection from Glasgow.  Passengers can then take convenient onward connections to the Seychelles on one of Emirates’ four weekly services from Dubai.

From 1st September, Emirates will offer a sixth UK departure point when it introduces its new non-stop service between Newcastle and Dubai.

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