1. People / lifestyle
Throughout its history, the Seychelles has been a melting pot of ethnic diversity – a brilliant, multi-coloured tapestry representing the fusion of peoples from the four corners of the earth, encompassing, at one time or another, every nation and race imaginable.
Centuries after passing visits from early Arab seafarers, Phoenicians and Polynesians and the pirates who sought temporary refuge among the islands’ myriad of secret coves and bays, the Seychelles was finally settled by the French in 1772. The French arrived with their slaves, quite a few Malabar Indians and other members of their entourage and these early settlers represent the cornerstone of what makes up the population of the islands today.
In time, others followed in their footsteps: African slaves, Indian and Chinese traders, Arab and Persian immigrants and European fortune seekers. To this burgeoning population, over time, were added adventurers and colonials from every nook and cranny of the world along with a number of British exiles after the British Empire took control of the islands after the defeat of Napoleon. Early on, Roman Catholicism was established as the dominant faith, a trend that continues to today, co-existing in harmony alongside the Protestant and smaller Hindu, Bahá’i and Muslim communities.
From this great fusion of peoples, religious beliefs, customs and traditions the Seychellois nation was born, bringing diverse influences to bear upon the local architecture, arts, music, recreation and, of course, cuisine. Seychellois Creole gastronomy gives a classic example of this co-mingling of cultures, blending the subtlety and innovation of French cuisine with piquant flavours and the exotic culinary combinations of the East across a fascinating spectrum of textures, tastes, colours and ingredients.
Today’s vibrant, welcoming Seychelles society is the story of these contrasts and how they have been successfully assimilated into a way of life that is a welcome antidote to the stresses and strains of modern living.
Among all that it has to offer, perhaps the Seychelles’ most enduring attraction is its enviable, island-style way of life, enjoyed by all amid the innate tranquility and multi-racial harmony of the islands. Here, cocooned within the reassuring atmosphere of a giant family there is still time to savour the rhythms of nature and also to enjoy, the finer, simpler things in life.
2. History - a brief overview
Some 180 million years ago, when the ancient, super-continent of Pangaea crumbled, a group of magnificent, break-away isles began to drift slowly across the face of a primeval ocean, a 1000 miles from what is, today, the east coast of Africa – a necklace of sparkling island jewels strung upon invisible threads of silver surf: The Seychelles.
Such was their isolation that they flourished, alone, for millennia, far from the turmoil of other, distant worlds, visited only by early Arab navigators who gave them poetic names – like Aldabra – in honour of their heart-stopping natural beauty.
Others may well have sailed past or even stayed awhile; the Phoenicians of old or brave Polynesian seafarers en route to their new home in Madagascar. If they did, they left no traces of having been there. Later pirates discovered perfect hideaways among the isles – and sites where to conceal fabulous treasures whose names are still whispered.
It was the Portuguese navigator Juan de Nova who would make the first recorded landfall in the Seychelles in 1501 followed by a sighting of her Amirantes islands by the celebrated Vasco de Gama, in the following year, bequeathing to them his name for all eternity – The Islands of the Admiral.
Beyond these fleeting visits, mere specs in the hourglass of time, Seychelles slumbered still, unknown and undisturbed, for three long centuries. In 1770, following a succession of expeditions to the islands, the French established the first settlement with ‘15 whites, five Malabar Indians, seven Africans and a Negress’ – an assortment prophetic of the rich ethnicity of today’s Seychellois society for which harmony is, quite simply, a way of life. The Seychelles remained in French hands until Napoleon’s defeat under the British, upon which the islands were formally ceded to Britain under the 1814 Treaty of Paris – in this way acquiring, along the way, a love for French traditions, customs and language that lingers until today, particularly in the domains of architecture, language, music and Creole cuisine.
Under British administration the islands slumbered once more, as little more than a backwater colony whose population would reach some 7000 by 1825. This period witnessed the establishment of Victoria as the colony’s capital and the growth of grand estates of coconut, cotton and sugarcane. It also saw the repercussions from the abolition of slavery and as well as the hardships of a world at war.
In 1976, the Seychelles achieved independence from Britain and became an independent republic within the Commonwealth. Today, the nation thrives as a multi-party democracy with Mr. James Michel as President and executive head of state.
3. Economy
The Seychelles, with its population of 87,300, is blessed with an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that covers 1.3 million km².
Its fisheries industry exports include canned tuna, frozen fish and prawns. Other small, but important industries include granite polishing, the assembly of medical equipment, boat building, furniture, printing, roofing, coir, beverages, spices, cigarettes and soap.
The islands’ offshore sector is particularly fast growing. With its ideal location between Asia and Europe, its stable political environment and welcoming policies towards local and foreign investment, the Seychelles offers a blend of factors that are highly conducive to business.
The Seychelles’ location outside the cyclone belt, in a time zone whose working hours overlap with those of major financial centres, its excellent sea and air connections with Europe, USA, Asia and Africa and an efficient telecommunications system combine with other advantages – such as the extensive facilities available at its harbour, Port Victoria, and a well-developed infrastructure with attractive investment incentives – offer the ideal business environment to investors.
In order to fully capitalize on the above, the Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB) was established in July 2004, as the first point of contact for all matters relating to investment and business in the Seychelles. Capitalizing on the work of its predecessor, SIBA, SIB’s objectives are to promote the Seychelles as the ultimate environment for business, foster an investor-friendly culture and assist investors to establish and expand their respective enterprises.
The Small Enterprise Promotion Agency (SEPA), established in August 2004, deals with all matters relating to small enterprises in the Seychelles. However, it is still tourism that remains the major source of foreign exchange, yielding 60% of all overseas revenue.
Tourism’s share of GDP was about 26% in 2008, compared to 15% four years earlier. Estimated earnings from visitors rose from US$ 171 million in 2004 to US$ 258 million in 2008 while the estimated GDP for 2008, based on the official exchange rate, was US$ 928 million. Next to tuna fishing, the tourism sector has led national growth, employing roughly 21% of the workforce and providing between 50% - 60% of hard currency earnings. Government has also, in recent years, encouraged foreign investment as a means of upgrading tourism establishments and services. It has also sought to reduce the national dependence on tourism by encouraging small manufacturing interests, fishing and farming.
4. Accessibility / Flights
There are a number of international Airlines servicing the Seychelles, flying direct from approximately 21 destinations around the world. You can board a plane from any of the following countries, followed by the airlines servicing them:
Australia – Emirates Airline
Austria – Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways
France – Air France, Air Seychelles, Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways
Germany – Condor Airline, Emirates Airline
India – Emirates Airline, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways
Italy – Air Seychelles, Qatar Airways
Kenya – Emirates Airline, Kenya Airways
Kuwait – Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways
Mauritius – Air Seychelles, Emirates Airline
Netherlands – Kenya Airways
Portugal – Emirates Airline
Qatar – Qatar Airways
Reunion – Air Austral
Seychelles – Air Austral, Air France, Air Seychelles, Condor Airline, Emirates Airline, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways
Singapore – Qatar Airways
South Africa – Air Seychelles, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways
Spain – Qatar Airways
Switzerland – Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways
Thailand – Air Seychelles, Emirates Airline, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways
United Arab Emirates – Emirates Airline
United Kingdom – Air France, Air Seychelles, Condor Airline, Emirates Airline, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways
United States of America – Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways
Between Islands
Getting to another island within the Seychelles archipelago is as easy as booking a ticket. There are many flights, ferries and charters travelling between the islands every day.
Air Seychelles
Air Seychelles flies about 20 trips between Mahé and Praslin every day that takes about 15 minutes across. They also service some of the other inner islands like Bird Island, Denis Island, Desroches and Alphonse Island.
Tel: +248 38 44 05
Email: mahedomestic@airseychelles.com
Island Development Company (IDC)
The IDC offers daily flights to Desroches and Alphonse Island, as well as chartered flights to all other islands. They are the only company to offer flights to the furthest outer islands via Assumption Island.
Tel: +248 22 46 40
Email: idc@seychelles.sc
Helicopter Seychelles
Helicopter Seychelles is a charter company that does island transfers, charters, excursions and scenic flights of almost all the inner islands.
Tel: +248 38 58 58
Email: res@helicopterseychelles.sc
Zilair
Zilair is the second charter company that does island transfers, charters, excursions and scenic flights around the Seychelles islands.
Tel: +248 375 100
Email: info@zilair.com
Cat Cocos
The Cat Cocos is a luxury ferry operating between Mahé and Praslin every day, twice a day. It makes the trip in about 45 minutes.
Tel: +248 29 71 60
Email: reservation@catcocos.com
Inter Island Ferry Services
The Inter Island Ferry Services operates between Praslin and La Digue as well as covering some other routes.
Tel: +248 23 23 29
Email: iif@seychelles.net
La Belle Seraphina
Tel: +248 51 13 45
5. Seychelles at a glance
The name Seychelles is famous the world over for its legendary beauty, rolling from verdant peaks, through primeval forests, down to powder-soft beaches framed by timeless granite boulders - where the only footprints you’ll find will be your own.
This unique archipelago’s more than 116 islands, set like precious stones upon 1.4 million square kilometres of azure ocean, are located between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator. Here, 42 granitoid islands cluster around the principal islands of Mahé, Praslin and la Digue while the coral islands, more numerous still, extend in a gleaming arc towards the shores of East Africa.
The islands enjoy a glorious tropical climate all year round and with all but its remotest, uninhabited islands lying well outside the cyclone belt, there are few extremes in weather conditions. In fact, in this balmy, tropical heaven the temperature seldom drops below 24 degrees, or rises above 31 degrees centigrade.
Against a backdrop of sublime natural beauty, safety and tranquillity, the Seychelles also offers an amazing degree of diversity and the possibility of enjoying a wide range of island experiences and tropical adventures. Between 15–60 minutes in flying time from the principal island of Mahé, several select island getaways offer accommodation in stylish 5-star resorts or cocooned within the homely comforts of rustic, beachfront lodges.
Seychelles is just the place to experience the thrill of a deep-sea fishing expedition and the chance to pit your skills against such spectacular denizens of the deep such as sailfish, tuna, streaker, wahoo, barracuda and the mighty marlin. There is also the opportunity to enjoy what is widely regarded as some of the best fly-fishing on earth, upon the shimmering flats of the outer islands, where record amounts of bonefish and trevallies beckon.
Since time immemorial, Seychelles has charmed successive generations of sailors with its rugged beauty, enticing them with easy sailing distances between the islands; luring them to safe moorings and to the privacy of its myriad of hidden coves and secret beaches. Wondrously little has changed for modern day sailors who may still enjoy the ultimate freedom of discovering the isles at their own whim and pace aboard any one of the state-of-the-art vessels that comprise the local charter fleet.
When it comes to diving, the Seychelles’ waters represent nothing less than a living tropical aquarium where a dizzying array of fish and colourful corals await the diver who dreams of taking the plunge where few have yet ventured and where it’s still possible to swim alongside whale sharks, mantas and dolphins in friendly, crystal-clear waters. Snorkelling the underwater world is equally rewarding and, for the armchair explorer, there’s always a semi-submersible, a glass-bottom boat ride or a fish-feeding excursion into one of the marine parks.
For those wishing to explore the islands’ walks and trails, the many guided walks available are sure to leave you wondering at nature’s lavish bounty as you discover some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth. Seychelles is already home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Vallée de Mai, home to the fabled Coco-de-Mer nut and Aldabra, the largest raised coral atoll on Earth.
The Seychelles is the ideal place to hire a car – or a bicycle – and embark on personal voyages of discovery that will take you from quaint galleries, craft shops, old Creole-style plantation houses to scenic viewpoints, natural wonders and charming out of the way restaurants where you could savour the many delicacies of Creole cuisine.
Many have chosen the islands as a place to marry, honeymoon or celebrate an anniversary – the Seychelles is widely known for its unique romantic ambience, and are also known as the ‘Islands of love’.
Whatever you choose, the Seychelles is sure to lend substance to your fantasies and to breathe life into your dreams of the ultimate in tropical lifestyles.
6. Island hopping:
Island hopping is one of the favourite pastimes in the Seychelles. There are over 116 different islands, each with its own characteristics, unique beaches, local customs, colours and flavours.
Island hop via airplane, helicopter, ferry, chartered boat, yacht, motorboat or even fishing boat, the choices are numerous. Each island offers you something new. From giant tortoises, older than the dinosaurs, exquisite beaches featured in movies and magazines across the world to local delicacies.
Experience the pristine beaches of Praslin, the water turtles near Coco Island, the rushing tides of Aldabra or the ox-cart taxis on La Digue. Every island has its secrets and each island will reveal them to you.
EDEN ISLAND DEVELOPMENT
1. About Eden Island
An integrated resort development, Eden Island is situated just off the coast of Mahé. Over 40 hectares in size and with more than 16 hectares of private waterways, this man-made paradise will be developed into one of the most exciting residential marina developments in the world. Working closely with the Seychelles government, the developers have led a team of world renowned architects, urban designers, interior designers and engineers who have planned, researched and created a project that is in complete harmony with the unspoilt beauty and serenity of the Seychelles. Eden Island has caught the imagination of investors, holidaymakers, professional yachtsmen and wide-eyed dreamers the world over.
Eden Island’s high-calibre commercial marina will be providing berthing facilities for all types of vessels, but specialise particularly in accommodating super-yachts up to 100m in length. Each of the over 470 apartments, spacious maisons and private villas will have access to their own mooring, so that every owner could have a boat or yacht anchored in paradise.
Owning part of an island naturally means that you are privy to all the entertainment, facilities and leisure activities on the island. Entertainment like a separate commercial precinct with restaurants, a supermarket, delis, boutiques and coffee shops, where you will be able to get whatever you need without ever having to leave Eden Island. Facilities like a tennis court, gymnasium and swimming pools will be part of the recreational facilities found around the island. There will also be time for leisurely pastimes such as relaxing in any one of the many open green spaces, the various beaches and the Clubhouse which was officially opened in May 2009.
Eden Island is not like anything else in Seychelles – it is neither a resort nor a hotel where people come for a week or two on honeymoon and leave soon afterwards. This is a real property development where you buy an apartment, maison or villa, and in so doing entitled yourself and your immediate family for residency of the Seychelles. You literally own a piece of paradise forever, something you can pass on to your children. Owning a home at Eden Island will mean you either live there permanently if you so choose or you just spend a couple of weeks or months a year there for the rest of your life!
Apartments, Maisons & Villas
Apartments
The Eden Island apartments are luxuriously designed to fit within the ideal of island living. Ranging from 89m² to 214m², they are typically one- to three-bedroom apartments, featuring wide open spaces, big open doors and large windows with extended covered verandas, inviting the beautiful outside in. Spaced all around the island in apartment blocks not higher than two storeys, each apartment comes standard with air conditioning, a washing machine, dryer, oven and hob, a dishwasher and of course a refrigerator. Owners also get mooring space, either in front of the apartment, close by or in the Eden Island Marina. Another major feature of the apartments is an EPV (Electrically Powered Vehicle) that comes standard with every apartment. An EPV is the perfect vehicle with which to get around on the island, with plenty of parking bays everywhere, as well as a private bay at the apartment block.
There is also a motor vehicle parking bay in near the commercial precinct, in case owners would like to purchase or hire their own car whenever they are staying on the island.
Maisons
Maisons are private and luxurious duplex homes featuring plenty of space and consist of three- to four bedrooms. They range in size from 173m² to 320m². As with the apartments, the maisons come standard with en-suite bathrooms, each featuring a shower, bath and bidet. Placed privately on plots ranging between 230m² and 700m², no more than three maisons are connected to each other, facing in different directions to optimise privacy and bringing the extensive outdoors inside through large verandas and open windows. Additional features are air conditioning and a private kitchen yard, which includes Miele appliances like washing machine, dryer, oven and hob, a dishwasher and refrigerator. Each owner will also get a mooring, either in front of his maison or in the impressive Eden Island Marina, as well as an Electrically Powered Vehicle (EPV) to make zipping around the island an absolute pleasure. Included is also a covered parking bay for your EPV at the maison. For those owners who have hired a car or have bought one, there are parking bays available near the commercial precinct.
Villas
The Eden Island villas are immaculately designed within the creative parameters of the Seychelles vernacular. Taking inspiration from the old plantation manor houses with their deep verandas and high ceilings, they were created with style, making the bountiful outside, the immaculate views and the stunning weather part of this benchmark lifestyle in Paradise. It is the perfect blend between contemporary design and natural inspiration. Overlooking their private swimming pools, the single- and two-storey villas range between 250m² to an impressive 600m², and are situated on plots ranging from 600m² to as much as 4500m², ensuring absolute privacy. Featuring two- to six bedrooms, space is not a problem. Neither is luxury, with all bathrooms en-suite, air conditioning throughout and state-of-the-art facilities like Miele appliances: washing machine, dryer, oven and hob, dishwasher and a refrigerator being standard. Like the apartments and maisons, the villas each have an Electrically Powered Vehicle (EPV), as well as a two covered parking bays for the EPV. If however the need arises for a motor vehicle parking bay, either for a private car or a hired motor vehicle, parking bays are available near the commercial precinct. Personal yachts or boats are catered for in the Eden Island Marina, with a reserved mooring for each villa owner.
2. Architecture
Architects Dennis Moss Partnership of Stellenbosch South Africa were awarded the challenging task to undertake the urban design of the island, design the buildings and prepare the landscape plans.
Ray Alexander was brought on to provide over 15 different inspirational and luxury Villa designs.
Eden Island as a settlement:
Dennis Moss argues that, in architectural terms, Eden Island can be considered a settlement. Endearing qualities of historic settlements are that they have clearly defined boundaries and serve as landmarks in an extended landscape. Historic settlements have urban spaces (streets and squares) that have character and meaning. Streets and squares are clearly defined by buildings of various sizes and status and are enhanced by landscaped spaces.
It is these timeless characteristics of quality settlements that inspired and informed the design of Eden Island. The seashore is the quintessential boundary of Eden Island and the sea thus provided an opportunity to create well-defined spaces and places. Large and small internal waterways and harbours for small craft were created to serve as public places similar to the squares and streets that provide historic villages with their uniqueness, beauty and charm. In essence, water bodies have functions similar to urban squares (Venice is a good example). The marina, for example, serves as the ‘main square’ of the settlement and the main building complex facing the marina incorporates bistros, a restaurant, offices and shopping facilities similar to a complex of buildings in a traditional village. On the inland side, the main building complex defines a landscaped town square which, in turn, defines the point of entry of the village seen from the bridge that provides access from Mahé to Eden Island.
The functional and positive spaces created by internal harbours, channels and the main marina are integrated with a landscaped open space system including small beaches, pedestrian and cycle routes and recreational amenities. Eden Island will truly live up to its name.
Architectural Design Principles:
Dennis Moss Partnership has adopted a regional architectural design approach pertaining to Eden Island. In particular, the ‘sensed qualities’ of place, history, craft, nature and limits that provided historic Seychelles and the tropic islands of the region with their unique qualities, inspired the design.
The following principles applied
Sense of Place
When thinking of the Seychelles, one would automatically think of palm trees, warm blue waters, white sandy beaches and long sunny days. If you dig a little deeper into the identity of the Seychelles, you will find red-roofed homes, porches with deep verandas and cool interiors, buildings with strong Victorian and French influences and a touch of oriental history.
Eden Island resonates with these ‘sense of place’ qualities – whether it be in the structure of the homes, the shutters, windows screens, the form of the buildings or whether it be natural characteristics, such as the trees and shrubs or the ocean.
Sense of History
The history of the Seychelles has provided the country with its uniqueness and beauty and will have a strong influence on the sense of place qualities of Eden Island. The design of the buildings of Eden Island is in harmony with the building traditions of the island without needing to blatantly copy it. Influences throughout the history from French, Arab, Victorian and Chinese settlers all contributed to a very distinct style, evident in the pitched roofs, the big verandas and the location of homes, designed around the views and warm days.
Sense of Craft
Craft that is unique to the Seychellois was studied and interpreted, so as to develop excellence in design. Local traditions, materials, detailing and construction methods were studied and incorporated into the design of Eden Island.
This is reflected in the design of the building structure and its components –such as balustrades, shutters, bargeboards and the interior of the buildings.
Sense of Nature
Lessons learned from the environmental sciences and ecology served to guide the design of Eden Island. Nature was recognised as a good model for design as its holds the key to vitality and sustainability. A design with nature approach was therefore adopted. Care was taken to promote energy efficiency and to ensure that the natural circulation of water through the island channels and harbours remain.
Sense of Limits
Sense of limits relate to the need to recognise human scale in design. Sense of limits is also about recognising that there is a limit to originality. This recognition would favour balance and harmony and avoid egocentric modernism. The scale of buildings and the way building design harmonises throughout the settlement were carefully considered. The manner in which buildings are integrated with landscaped and water spaces on the human scale will provide Eden Island with its unique qualities that would resonate positively with historic Seychelles. Or in layman’s terms, it is architecture that looks like what you’ve always imagined the Seychelles to look like, even if you have never been there.
3. Commercial Centre
A whole precinct has been set aside to host a commercial centre with a host of shops, bringing something unique to the Seychelles that will be accessible to everyone. The following is a list of shops and services that has been confirmed to open its doors to the residents and Seychellois alike:
- Convenience Supermarket
- Chocolatier
- Laundry Service
- Ice Cream Parlour
- Optometrist
- Banking Facilities
- Theme Bar and Restaurant
- Dental Services
- Replica Model Boat Outlet
- Jeweller and Curio Shop
- Artist’s Emporium
- Fine Dining Restaurant
4. Interiors
Apartments & Maisons
The interiors of the apartments and maisons at Eden Island reflect the nature and culture of the Seychelles. Through various colours, materials and textures, the interiors facilitate the unique Seychelles experience.
In order to provide owners with the widest selection, there are three different palettes of finishes from to choose. These finishes reflect three of the Seychelles’ most predominant natural features. They are Sand, Rock and Shell.
Sand
The Sand Palette is reflective of the white beaches of the Seychelles. It is an exploration of the many light shades that can be found on any given beach. Ranging from warm white to cool light grey and golden sand, it creates an airy, open ambience that is as refreshing as it is beautiful.
Floors are light, simulating bleached timber, with bathroom floor tiles a cool sandy grey, complementing the beach sand and the pale coolness of the walls. Kitchen countertops are light off-white, contrasted by the cool grey mosaic of the splash back.
As with the many beaches, the Sand Palette portrays a sun-kissed coolness, light on the eye and best suited to those who seek to counterbalance the warm humidity of the Seychelles.
Rock
The Rock Palette is inspired by the smooth, dark boulders that can be found all around the granite islands of the Seychelles, from the beaches of La Digue to the cliffs of Mahé. It is the baritone of the three palettes and introduces a slightly darker element into the mix.
Darker floors, granite vanity tops and dark wood cabinetry typical of the local wood create tones of warmth and sophistication. The bathroom floor tiles are stone-textured, whilst the feature wall colour is indicative of deep rock, offset by the softly-tinted walls. Kitchen counter tops are polished, richly figured granite, bringing balance and harmony to the dark timber tones and complementing the soft grey mosaic splash back.
Like the smooth surface and rich array of tones found in the granite boulders, the Rock Palette is a solid choice for those looking for a sophisticated finish of polished stone and warm tones.
Shell
The Shell Palette characterise the delicate pink and orange tones of the sea shells found throughout the Seychelles. It adds a splash of colour, not too bold, and hints at the floral abundance of the islands.
The beige lime-washed wood grain tiles set it apart, with golden sand-coloured tiles giving the bathrooms a stony texture. A bold burnt orange with sunset tones is reserved for the feature wall, contrasting the pale walls generally. The joinery brings out the reddish orange hues of the local timber inside the apartments and maisons. Kitchen cabinets are contrasted by polished figured granite on the counter tops.
Just like the different hues of colour that you see as you hold a shell up to the sun, so the Shell Palette offers you an array of colour that will bring the sunset right into your home.
Villas
Within the Eden Island villas there are three diverse but equal choices to be made. Each of these represents a unique feature of the Seychelles. It is the golden thread running through all interior and design choices.
All have an island allure. Each one is indicative of the various colours, textures and natural materials found in the Seychelles. The three different palettes of finishes will complement the choice of furniture, fabrics and objects d’art.
They are Pearl, Coral and Granite.
Pearl
The Pearl Palette offers muted rainbow tones shimmering in ocean blues, cool greys and hints of emerald. It is an extract of refreshing Mother of Pearl, light and airy, creating space and clean hues.
Lime-washed timber, white quartzite and polished granite provide a choice of finishes for floors and walls. Tumbled white stones, symbolic of the white beaches found throughout the Seychelles, together with pearly shell inlays are offered for detailed aspects of feature walls.
As with the delicate Mother of Pearl shells hinting at a world filled with colour, so the Pearl Palette is a reminder of the crisp, pure porcelain essence of the Seychelles.
Coral
The Coral Palette offers the soft colours found underwater in fields of coral. From blushing pinks to the hushed reflections of burnt orange set against the quiet tones of natural sand, it mirrors the organic hues found in abundance all around the islands.
The mahogany tones of natural timber are complemented by the warmth of golden sandstone. Rusty granite and creamy marbles provide luxury finishes for floors and walls, with details of cast sand and shells being a main feature.
Like the raw natural colours that blossom in underwater forests of coral, so the Coral Palette offers you an array of different sea shades and tones, welcoming you into a home filled with organic warmth.
Granite
The Granite Palette is bathed in darkly rich tones reminiscent of the great boulders strewn across white beaches. Representing the sophistication and class of the old plantation manor houses found in the Seychelles, it is a set of finishes handsomely created to balance the whiteness of the light, the sand and the sun.
Dark timber is offset by silver granites and warm marbles. Deeper tones are present in granite and limestone greys, whilst darker tones are broken by light polished stone and crisp white mouldings. Strips of silver quartzite and mosaic shell inlays offer rewarding detail.
Like the deep buried boulders with their grey textured surfaces and darkly-cast shadows over white sand, the Granite Palette offers a confident choice for those looking for a sophisticated coolness.
5. Furnishings
Because most people are quite at odds when it comes to furnishing their homes, especially in a foreign country like the Seychelles, Eden Island has undertaken to provide owners with a convenient solution.
They have involved one of the world’s leading interior decorators in designing furniture, décor and appliances, in various different styles, with four different colour themes. They have in fact thought of everything, without taking away personal choice. It also includes electrical appliances, cutlery and even art. There are three styles for Apartments & Maisons and three different styles for the Villa homeowners. These are Plantation, Island Light and Seychelles Now and Seychelles Jewel, Plantation and Island Light.
Within these styles, owners also get to choose a colour scheme for each individual room. The colour schemes are Aqua, Forest, Driftwood and Sunrise.
Furnishing Styles
As mentioned before, there are three furnishing styles from which to choose. Each of these styles is unique in their own right.
Each style finds its roots in the rich history and heritage of the Seychelles and is expressed through the timbers used, the fibres woven, the colours chosen and the details crafted. In each style there is a mixture of European ancestry with Arabian, Indian and African influences.
The styles have been carefully designed as collections of furniture pieces, art and décor. The result is comfortably residential, having successfully avoided a contrived hotel appearance.
Special attention has been given to the effects of the tropical climate and the sea environment. The furniture is generous in design, allowing fabrics and upholstery to breathe naturally. In keeping with the island lifestyle, it is designed to not only be comfortable, but also easy to maintain.
The Plantation Style
Inspired by the colonial heritage of the Seychelles, the Plantation Style brings a tradition of fine hardwood furniture to Eden Island. With mainly French and Victorian roots, it is a style complimented by Arab and Indian treasures, blended with a local flavour of tropical woods, bamboo, rattan and sisal. It is a mix of the familiar and the exotic, creating an interpretation of mahogany colours, natural cane and softened details. Plush in its design, it lends itself to the historical, the traditional and the generous.
The Island Light Style
Like the Plantation Style, the Island Light Style is based upon the traditional heritage of the Seychelles, but is straighter in line and form, and significantly darker in colour. Edges are crisp and the look is more rectilinear, with stained timber and rattan reminiscent of African woods such as Panga Panga. The rattan is used in simplified weaves, with special features of bamboo inlaid in some items. Comfortable and relaxed, it is more current in look and feel, retaining the Seychelles character but adding a distinct modern grace.
The Seychelles Now Style
As the name suggests, the Seychelles Now Style is a new interpretation of a rich and colourful heritage, using timber and rattan in original ways – taking them to another level of design. Lighter in colour, it allows for innovation and brings an air of fun and ease with it. Making use of blonde timber, white-washed timber and rattan wrapping, the look is modern, unexpected even – but always true to the Seychelles.
The Seychelles Jewel Style
This exclusive package designed to complement the other two furniture styles for Villa homeowners, is a delightful mix of indigenous, modern and traditional elements. Always elegant in its execution, the eclectic motifs and translucent furniture carvings rely on a diverse palette of textures and shapes. Using sustainable timber, finely woven tactile Lampakani fibres and rattan, the contemporary composition is expertly applied to create vivid dreamscapes within the greater fusion of tropical, Western and Asian details. This range offers the most versatility in that you have a choice of two timber finishes, namely Seychelles Jewel – Classic and Seychelles Jewel – Provence.
Seychelles Jewel Classic: Consists of 5 different colour stains of the rich timber finishes of the furniture items. This creates an impression of a play on light & shadow, giving versatility & interest to the range.
Seychelles Jewel Provence: Has a matte cream paint effect to the timber finishes which enhances the different textures of the timber.
Colour Schemes
Finally, there are four different colour schemes to choose from. These include the colours of cushions, pillows, curtains, artworks, etc. They are not meant to be overpowering, but rather provide a colour backdrop to every room. As such, every room can have a different colour scheme. It would be advisable not to make every room in your home the same colour, as it can become monotonous.
These are the four colours schemes from which owners can choose:
Aqua – A typical blue associated with the vibrant sea surrounding Eden Island, the fabrics reflect the blue/green spectrum, with hints of shimmering colour echoing glistening water and far-off horizons.
Forest – A variety of greens to match the different hues of the tropical forest. Luxurious layers of forest floor and canopy, with acid limes and yellows resembling shafts of light, penetrating the luminosity and translucence of palm leaves.
Driftwood – Inspired by the brilliant white beaches and brooding granite outcrops, it is a colour scheme filled with soft whites, creams, stone and granite found throughout the Seychelles.
Sunset – A touch of red and orange to brighten up a room, it contains the richness of ripe mangoes and luscious golden hues coupled with the subtle green undertones of fruit and leaves.
All of these choices have been made available on a special website where owners can log in and shop online for their furniture, making sure that we get their orders before they come to the Seychelles so that their homes are fully furnished in time for their first visit.
6. Eden Island Marina
The Eden Island Marina, situated on the western shore of Eden Island, between the island and the main island Mahé, caters for all yachts, leisure craft and super-yachts up to 100m in size.
All pontoons are illuminated with solar deck marker lights as well as solar security lights. Shore side facilities include a lounge in Marina House with a bar, television, snacks and showers for all visiting yachts.
The entire marina is also covered by WIFI.
Services include service bollards (Rolec Spinnaker type) on all pontoons, with power ranging from 16amp single phase to 250amp three-phase, water (outlets ½” to 1¼”) with anti-contamination valves and a mobile Fire Caddy with 15mm of 38mm layflat fire-fighting hose and a 250 litre per minute delivery capability.
Bollards on the super-yacht pontoons have two landline connections and cable television. There will also be three pump-out service units located on the super-yacht pontoon section with 50mm sanitation pipes, as well as seven SOS bollards with life buoys, dry powder fire extinguishers and First Aid kits.
All service bollards are individually controlled and monitored by a computerised Berthmaster system supplied by Omron. This will provide individual itemised billing for all services supplied to boats.
7. Village Management Association
Eden Island’s Village Management Association (VMA) is managed by the experienced Jasper van der Westhuizen, who has been in charge of similar projects for many years throughout the world.
It includes standard rules and regulations, architectural guidelines, harbour rules and procedures. The VMA will also handle all aspects relating to maintenance, cleaning services, car hire, security, insurance, communications via internet and telephones as well as specialised services like grocery shopping and a chauffeur service.
As Eden Island is a global village, it needs to be run like one. The Village Management Association will make sure that it does.
8. Finance:
Eden Island is funded by shareholders equity. Barclays Bank has been involved from the beginning and is financing the project.
9. Marketing:
Pam Golding Properties International and their Projects Division are the exclusive global marketers for Eden Island. One of the leading selling agents internationally (affiliated to Savills in the UK), Pam Golding Properties has appointed Christopher Nel as Eden Island’s local Sales Manager working with Sandra Colas. Richard Epstein and Faye Roby are the Sales Managers for South Africa. Ila Amba is working with Pam Golding from the Savills offices in the UK and we have a highly regarded team in France, Ter Cognita’s team consist of Jean-Philippe Aubert and Isabelle Corthier. We also have representation in Ireland and the UAE.
Phase One Sales and the launch of Phase Two
As of the 1st of October 2009, Eden Island has sold 263 units in Phase One, with approximately 50 pending reservations almost completing the 300 odd units available in the first phase.
The developer in conjunction with the global sales teams have worked closely and have decided to release a further 18 Apartments in phase one, at the phase one pricing structure and are currently looking at releasing some further Maisons. This is a direct result of economic times and demand for smaller homes.
Phase two of the development, which consists of a further and final 150 homes, will be released in 2010. This phase will also consist of a well structured mix of Villas, Maisons and Apartments.
Contact Details to be used in press:
Seychelles
Christopher Nel
Eden House, Eden Island
Seychelles
Tel: +248 346 000
Mobile: +248 527 575
chris@edenisland.sc
Sandra Colas
Eden House, Eden Island
Seychelles
Tel: +248 346 000
Mobile: +248 527 715
Fax: +248 346 666
South Africa
Richard Epstein
Tel: +27 21 762 2617
Mobile: +27 (0)82 882 8996
richard@edenisland.sc
Faye du Preez
Tel: +27 21 762 2617
Mobile: +27 (0)72 650 7123
Fax: +27 21 762 4414
United Kingdom
Ila Amba
Lansdowne House
1st Floor
57 Berkeley Square
London
W1J6ER
Tel: +44 (0) 207 016 3740
Mobile: +44 (0)77 3864 0220
Fax: +44 (0) 207 016 3749
ila@edenisland.sc
France
Jean-Philippe Aubert or Isabelle Corthier
Ter Cognita,
41 rue d'Aguesseau,
F-92100,
Baulogne
Tel: +33 (0) 1 48 25 93 33
Fax: +33 (0) 1 48 25 97 60
tercognita@edenisland.fr
Ireland
John Leahy
Aria Wealth & Investment Limited
Suite 3, The Cubes 3,
Beacon South Quarter
Sandyford
Dublin 18
Ireland
Tel: (+353 1) 685 4100
Mobile: (+353) 87 225 3475
Fax: (+353 1) 443 0444
jleahy@ariawealth.ie
UAE
Profile Group Properties (United Arab Emirates)
Dennis Mohi
Toll Free in UAE: 800 PROFILE (800-7763453)
International Tel: +971 (0)2 63 555 00
Mobile: +971 (0)50 622 5418
Fax: +971 (0)2 63 555 11
eden.island@profilegroup.ae
Website address:
www.edenisland.sc
www.edenisland.fr