Author Archives: Constance Hotels

Discover what makes Mauritius the ultimate exclusive holiday destination

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Nicki Grihault, destination expert for The Telegraph, has summed up the appeal of Mauritius as exclusivity, style and a warm welcome from people for whom nothing is too much trouble.

Watersports at Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius

Watersports at Belle Mare Plage

In a recent piece for the newspaper’s Ultra Luxe section, Nicki raved about the island as a destination.

‘Plentiful watersports, world class spas, top-flight golf courses and gourmet cuisine make it hard to leave the hotel, but Mauritius has plenty to see and do – from French colonial houses and imaginative animal parks to nature walks, quad biking, ziplining and horse riding.’

Having visited the island regularly since her teens, Nicki offers the tip that a good time to visit is during the quieter season from May to September when rates are cheaper and the weather is warm and dry with fewer mosquitos.

In a more in-depth look at what is available in the luxury market she described Constance Le Prince Maurice as a ‘small, secluded all-suite hotel’, admiring its ‘hip’ new floating bar, Sisley Spa, wine cellar and the fact that the new family suites come complete with their own iPad Minis.

Beach at Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

Beach at Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

Grihault firmly believes that one of Mauritius’ greatest attractions is its food which she describes as a fusion of Indian, French, Creole and Chinese. She highlights the annual Culinary Festival held at Constance Belle Mare Plage as promoting a tradition of merging fine dining with local flavours.

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The Telegraph:

Find out more about Constance in Mauritius

 

World Environment Day 2013 at Constance Hotels & Resorts

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Each year we are proud to be part of the global celebrations for World Environment Day, and this year was no different.

Turtle at Constance Lemuria

Turtles at Constance Lemuria

With the theme of Think.Eat.Save, everyone has been encouraged to take action at home and to witness the power of collective decisions we make to help reduce food waste, save money, minimise the environmental impact of food production and force food production processes to become more efficient.

Here’s a look at how we took part in this global day of action at each of our hotels.

Constance Tsarabanjina

  • In the morning: Tour of the island with guests for cleaning our magic island
  • In the afternoon: fishing in the Malagasy way. Malagasy use small fishing boats called Pirogue to fish. At Tsarabanjina, we organized a fishing excursion
  • For dinner: candle lit dinner using: Tsarabanjina spices, Mitsio fish and Nosy be vegetables and rice

Constance Belle Mare Plage

  • Supporting a local school for disabled children, Joie de Vivre, we are actively involved in activities to support this school based in Poste de Flacq
  • Tree planting, and maintenance including painting, electrical & plumbing
  • Mini-reportage on the flora that exists at the CBMP
Constance Ephelia, Seychelles

Constance Ephelia, Seychelles

We run a programme to raise awareness with our guests and staff about the different plants within the hotel, their history in Mauritius and how it creates a unique environment at the hotel.

  • Bio-menu for hotel staff at L’Heritage Restaurant
  • Expo on taking care of sea turtles at L’Heritage Restaurant by the Blues Diving
  • Saturday 8 June – Lagoon cleaning at Belle Mare, in collaboration with Blues Diving

Constance Ephelia

  • Ros Lapa Walk and tree planting with our recreation team
  • Mangrove Walk & Talk activity, followed by refreshments including coconut water, local banana and breadfruit chips
  • A special health/organic dinner at Helios Restaurant.
  • Special activities with our youngest guests at our Kids Club


Constance Lemuria

  • Planting trees in the Kids Club and other eco-fun activities with children
  • Eco Breakfast with healthy organic food
  • Tree planting… expressing our appreciation of Nature
  • Donation event for a social sustainable cause
  • Visit by the Minister of the Environment of the Seychelles who took part in a tree planting ceremony to launch the World Environment Day festivities
Whaleshark, Constance Halaveli, Maldives

Whaleshark, Constance Halaveli, Maldives

Constance Halaveli

  • Special Yoga Session customised to Constance Environmental Thinking and Well Being
  • Planting of Herb Garden among guests and personnel
  • Cooking class focused on portion size and waste control by the Executive Chef
  • Planting 50 Palm Trees on Alikoi, our private island
  • Setting up of three new coral cages
  • Drawing competition among children at the Kid’s Club
  • Lecture on Environmental Safety in regards to Marine Life at the diving centre, and later, lagoon cleaning with the hotel’s personnel

Constance Moofushi

  • Zero carbon/raw food menu – highlighting the local ingredients and the main course cooked on a BBQ over dried coconut shells (all ingredients locally purchased and no energy used to cook)
  • South Ari Atoll begins own Coral Planting Programme

Constance Moofushi Maldives has initiated a coral planting. The main purpose of the activity is to restore the health of the marine life on their surrounding reef, in particular, our very important dive sites. The reef has suffered from the natural effects. Trampling on corals and over exploitation of marine resources has also taken its toll on the declining health of the reef.

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Take a look at photos on our Constance Facebook, or visit our website to find out more about all of our hotels and resorts in the Indian Ocean: Constance Hotels & Resorts

 

Luxury holiday kids’ clubs

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We’re upping the stakes in the luxury family holidays sector with the makeover of our complimentary Constance Kids’ Club.

Girl on beach at Constance Halaveli

Girl on beach at Constance Halaveli

With a new name, comes new discovery and memorable experiences to last a lifetime.

Our younger guests aged 4-11 are invited to unleash their spirit and adventure at Constance Kids’ Club, where discovery will be a key part of each daily theme.

Fully trained and enthusiastic Coordinators will be leading trips of island exploration, local crafts, culinary activities and scavenger hunts to name a few, encouraging kids to engage with their exciting, exotic holiday location.

The facility and activities will provide opportunities for children from various countries to interact and play with other children in or around their own age group.

Space to play and be

Our new Kids’ Club areas will give children the space they need to be themselves and take part in what they’re interested in. The clubs will be divided into separate areas to help children feel comfortable and encourage them to take part in the complimentary activities.

The reception area will welcome parents and children to register for the program whether the kids are ready to join in on the fun right then, or come back at another time. Cubbies will be provided for all children.

An open play space will host dance parties, talent shows and even a place to perform a circus for parents. A new theme day will use this space as well as the culinary kitchen where the children will create their own pizzas, make ice cream and enjoy some smoothie sweets and treats.

Children on trampoline at Le Prince Maurice

Family friendly Le Prince Maurice

Arts and Crafts

In the new Arts and Crafts space, the Constance destination will help determine what local crafts the children will be creating. From palm frond weaving to bamboo rain sticks by way of traditional favourites such as decorating cookies and cupcakes.

Computers, Wii and PlayStation

What children’s space wouldn’t be complete without a little technology?

The computer station allows children supervised internet access where they can play games and participate in creative projects. Gamers will also have fun when it comes time for Wii play and PlayStation tournaments.

Outdoor space

For our younger guests whose imagination is at their peak, there is even a space to create their own fun.

Children can enjoy the outdoor space and swimming pools, which provides fun for all ages from swimming relays to tag games.

Opening hours and evenings

Most of our hotels and resorts provide playground equipment that’s available after the club has closed for the day, allowing parents to join in playtime with their children.

The newly remodelled Kids’ Club will be open every day so you can choose whether you would prefer to book the kids in by the hour or for the full day.

You can also indulge in some grown-up time in the evenings with our babysitting service. Or if the kids just want to have more fun then we have a programme of evening entertainment so they can hang out with their friends while you hang out with yours. Kids’ evening programs include Food Frenzy, Minute Madness and a Pajama Party.

Kids club at Constance Hotels & Resorts

Kids club at Constance

Constance Kids’ Clubs at our hotels and resorts

With an official launch at Constance Belle Mare Plage in Mauritius during the first week in July, the new Constance Kids’ Club will be available at:

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Celebrate World Environment Day with Constance in the Seychelles

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This week at Constance Ephélia and Constance Lémuria we are proud to be part of the global celebrations for World Environment Day on 5 June 2013.

Turtle preservation at Constance Lemuria, Seychelles

Baby turtles make their way to the water

Eco-tourism has always been important to us and to mark this special day we have developed a programme of events exploring the precious natural resources that surround us in the Seychelles.

Minister of the Environment visits Lémuria

To help us celebrate we are pleased to welcome the Minister of the Environment who is visiting Lémuria and will take part in a tree planting ceremony to launch our World Environment Day festivities.

World Environment Day events at Ephélia

  • Tree planting
  • Nature walks
  • A special promotion at Spa de Constance including a natural detox using a coffee scrub and lemon grass oil massage and an aloe vera relaxing experience with body massage and facial
  • An organic dinner at Helios Restaurant
  • Exciting kids activities such as a zip line through the forest, a mangrove walk and exploring the island by kayak and pedalo
Zip wire at Constance Ephelia, Seychelles

Zip wires at Constance Ephelia

World Environment Day at Lémuria

  • A bio breakfast
  • A tree planting ceremony
  • Special ‘green’ cocktails
  • A chef’s garden dinner
  • A range of nature activities for kids including an age appropriate workshops on trees and deforestation, leaf drawing and an exploration of the island walk/ride

Protecting the local environment at Constance

Since first coming to this beautiful region our aim at Constance has been to make as little impact on the natural environment as possible and to protect the biodiversity we find here.

In Lémuria this has meant safeguarding the stunning beaches around the hotel on the island of Praslin, as well running a turtle preservation programme to protect our most precious visitors – the endangered hawksbill and green turtles.

Legend Restaurant at Constance Lemuria Resort, Seychelles

Legend Restaurant at Constance Lemuria Resort, Seychelles

Awards at Ephélia

From concept to design and construction of Constance Ephélia we strove to protect the natural environment on Mahé as much possible. In 2011 we were recognised for this with the prestigious Landscape Gold Award at the South African Landscape Industry Award.

In 2012 we were immensely proud to have our work at Ephélia recognised by the Seychelles government with a Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Certificate, acknowledging the biodiversity and culture of the Seychelles.

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The best markets in Mahé, Seychelles

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Breathing in the scents of local foods and spices amidst the vibrant colours and frenetic hustle and bustle of a street market is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the spirit of a place.

Constance Ephelia, Seychelles

Constance Ephelia, Seychelles

Here’s our round up of the best street markets on the island of Mahé in the Seychelles.

1. Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, Victoria – Daily (especially good on Saturdays)

Set at the bustling heart of the island’s capital Victoria, this daily food market is frequented by locals buying everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to spices, herbs and fish. If the market whets your appetite for shopping then visit the local clothing and craft boutiques that surround the market place.

2. Victoria Bazaar, Victoria – Every Friday

A lively weekly bazaar held beside the capital’s iconic clock tower with everything from snacks of fresh grilled fish to local arts and crafts all set to the sound of live Seychellois music. A vibrant treat for all the senses.

3. Bazar Labrin, Beau Vallon Beach – Every Wednesday (and last Saturday of the month)

Probably the most famous of Mahé’s bazaars, stalls are set out along the beautiful, popular beach of Beau Vallon. The weekly market is a big draw for locals and tourists alike and is guaranteed to be buzzing from 4pm to around 8.30pm. Here you can buy everything from fresh produce, fish and spices to local arts and crafts. Highlights include the barbeques selling fresh fish, grilled breadfruit, banana St Jaques fritters and local dishes such as mango salad, papaya chutney and red lentils and rice. Live music comes from impromptu bands of musicians and sound systems.

Fresh passionfruit in market

Fresh passionfruit in market

4. Bazar Ovan, Baie Lazare – Last Sunday of every month

This vibrant bazaar offers visitors the chance to mingle with the locals on the quieter southern side of the island. The beach-side market specialises in local produce and artefacts. As always where groups of Seychellois gather for fun, you’ll find live music and dancing.

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Golf blogger rates Legend and Links golf courses in Mauritius

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Golf blogger and writer David Gilroy raves about the courses at Constance Belle Mare Plage in Mauritius.

Luxury golf holidays at Constance Hotels & Resorts

Luxury golf holidays at Constance Hotels & Resorts

Gilroy, who is writing a book about the correlation between improving your game and improving your business, found the championship Links and Legend courses an enticing challenge.

He was particularly impressed with the knowledge shown by his caddie:

‘My caddie was called Miguel (8 handicapper)… Within five holes he was handing me clubs without any discussion and with only one exception he was right every time. He knew when to chat, when to keep quiet and got me round in 5 over par.’

Read more about David Gilroy’s visit to Belle Mare Plage:

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