The Constance Ephélia is situated between two beautiful, pristine white sandy beaches on the island of Mahé and overlooks the marine national park of Port Launay. This enchanting resort is scattered through 120 hectares of tropical mangroves and hillsides, with the acres of space and lush gardens allowing for privacy and a sense of seclusion. All the suites and villas are spacious and stylish and come with all the extras, including free Wi-Fi and a mini Mac through which you can play music, CDs and DVDs. We were in one of the Spa Villas - with its own private pool and huge bathroom complete with Jacuzzi bath, walk in shower and separate sauna and steam room, I was wondering if we would ever leave the room to discover the rest of the resort!
Bikes are available for hire and are the perfect way of getting around. When it comes to facilities, the Constance Ephélia has it all. There are five restaurants, five bars, two boutiques, a serene spa, a kids club, two water sports centres and a fitness centre. Plus, every day at 4pm you can go into the enclosure and feed the Giant Tortoises! The restaurants are able to cater to all tastes - from modern fusion cuisine, to extensive live buffets and classic beach side grills. All the restaurants are faultless, each serving the freshest of flavours. The stand out for us was the signature restaurant Cyann which served a selection of signature dishes combining French culinary techniques with the lightness and flavours of local and Asian influences.
The U Spa by Constance is the real highlight - a beautiful spa village set in the heart of the resort’s stunning tropical gardens. Whether you are looking for relaxation, rejuvenation, detoxing or re-hydrating, they have it all. Choose from a wonderful range of U Spa Classic massages, facials and body treatments, which use the aromatic natural products inspired by plants from the Indian Ocean, or pick from the Shiseido Collection, which offers a range of delicious and holistic face and body treatments. I chose the Signature massage which lasted for a blissful hour and a half and nearly left me too chilled out to enjoy dinner…nearly!
SEE ALSO: Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius special packages
The Constance Ephélia is ideally suited to families and you can be as energetic or as lazy as you choose. From zip lining up in the hills, scuba diving and kayaking through the mangroves (don’t take your iPhone or expensive sunglasses we ended up in the water twice…purely from giggling though!) to just relaxing by the pool or on the beach with a signature cocktail. The South Beach is quieter and in the morning when the tide is out you can walk over to a small private island and literally feel as though you are alone in the world. The North Beach is a bit busier, the bay attracts local families as well as boats perfectly willing to take you out to explore.
So whatever you are into, no matter how lazy or energetic you feel, how many kids you have or how old they are - this resort really does have it all and caters for everyone. We loved it and we will be back! -L.C.
Constance Hotels & Resorts operates a collection of luxurious hotels and resorts in Seychelles, Mauritius and Maldives. Visit www.constancehotels.com.
During the 10th Constance Culinary Festival, Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius is offering some special packages.