IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) is launching a joint venture partnership with Indian Ocean Resorts Ltd (IOR) to expand its global portfolio by developing a luxurious hotel, residences and village marina on the 480 acre (1,942,491square metres) island of Ste Anne in the idyllic Seychelles. The development will be named ‘Zilwa’, which means ‘islander’ in the local Creole language.

Talal Jassim Al-Bahar, Chairman and Managing Director, IFA HR stated, “Seychelles was a natural choice for our next development. It offers everything that owners and guests could ever want - seclusion, beautiful beaches, azure waters, five star service and a reputation for exclusivity and luxury.” 

Zilwa will be a US$ 450 million mixed-use development, covering the whole island of Ste Anne, following IFA HR’s well-established property mix of a five star hotel, serviced residences and ultra-luxurious facilities and amenities including a marina. The development’s residential mix will include premium beach front ocean villas, secluded hillside villas, luxury marina apartments, exquisite penthouses and a Private Residence Club, all overlooking the Indian Ocean. 

Werner Burger, President and Chief Operating Officer, IFA HR said, “Zilwa is the prefect addition to our portfolio. This follows our set strategy of expanding and linking our integrated resorts in Africa and the Indian Ocean region.”

Zilwa is the epicentre of the Ste Anne Marine National Park and will offer buyers and visitors alike a combination of tranquil island living, security, privacy and understated style wedded to world class services and atmosphere ranging from calm to heady, depending on where they choose to spend their time. The marina will offer boating enthusiasts a stunning centrepiece of activity, while several infinity pools, a world-renown spa and a sophisticated beach club will provide those looking to ‘get away from it all’ the perfect retreat.

Francis Savy, Director, IOR said, “We believe in maintaining a delicate balance between the ecology and the economy of the islands. We’re convinced that this new project will be able to achieve that balance and we’re looking forward to working alongside IFA Hotels & Resorts to make it happen. With our experience in the Indian Ocean region and IFA Hotels & Resorts’ experience internationally, Zilwa will offer the high-end investor or tourist the best of everything.”

The Seychelles islands are 1,600 kilometres due east of the Kenyan coast and Ste Anne island is a mere 10 minute boat or helicopter ride from the international airport on the main island of Mahé. The location of this private island is perfectly positioned for the development to take advantage of the tranquillity and seclusion Seychelles is known for but also close enough to the capital of Victoria on the main island for those wanting to explore further afield.

Seychelles is home to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on Earth. Far sighted conservation policies have resulted in an enviable degree of protection of the environment and the varied ecosystems it supports - unique endemic species like the Coco de Mer, the Jellyfish tree, the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher and the Seychelles Warbler. 

Grahame Beggs, Director, IOR said, “What’s unique about this project is that the granitic makeup of the island, rising up to 250 metres, offers such a variety of residential opportunities, each catering to a distinctive lifestyle and yet all working harmoniously together in terms of design. The ocean front villas and the marina apartments have been designed to complement the marina’s ambience, while the hillside villas offer a similar sense of seclusion and serenity as does the onsite spa. Most importantly, every aspect of the development’s design is a modern, chic interpretation of the Ste Anne landscape.”
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