Review: Constance Lemuria and Ephelia – two Indian Ocean idylls

What springs to mind when you think of the Seychelles? A tropical island paradise in the Indian Ocean, perhaps, or pristine white beaches and clear, turquoise waters. But this African archipelago of 115 islands boasts so much more.

There’s the nature side. Think giant tortoises, endangered turtles, colourful birds and exotic plants. Then, there’s the adventure side, with plenty of hikes and water sports.

The fourth facet is the exquisite food. You will probably have the best sushi in your life in the Seychelles. There are also fine-dining restaurants worthy of a Michelin star and Creole food if you fancy something more comforting.

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I encountered all of the above when I stayed at Constance Lemuria and Constance Ephelia, two luxury resorts on the islands of Praslin and Mahé.

Swing by for a round of golf

Lemuria is the smaller of the two and getting there involves hopping on a 20-minute flight from the international airport on Mahé. So, it feels more secluded. You’re also very well looked after, with 420 staff in a resort of only 88 junior suites and a handful of senior suites and villas.

Peacocks parade around the swimming pools and, as you wander across the lush gardens to the white-sand beach, you’ll probably pass the giant tortoises.

There are trails you can hike, one of which ends at the Anse Georgette beach, considered to be one of the best beaches in the world. Above the beach sits the only 18-hole championship golf course in the country.

The pros call it “Jurassic” as it’s so dramatic with steep, rolling hills. If golf isn’t your thing, you can still book to have sundowners at tee 15. We did this on our first evening – a truly memorable event with Champagne, canapés, and bats flying around as the sky started to darken.

Some holidaymakers may be happy to relax and unwind, swim, listen to birdsong, maybe go to the spa. But if you want to “do” more things, there are other experiences you can book. The morning sushi class on the beach with Michael was a highlight.

We made spicy tuna rolls and avocado and cucumber rolls as the waves gently crashed behind us. Guests can also enjoy a free “eco tour” with Robert, the turtle manager.

“We’re one of the last places on the planet where turtles are nesting,” he told us. Endangered hawksbill green turtles are found in the Seychelles, with some laying as many as 200 eggs at a time. “We can have 10,000 eggs on the beach,” said Robert. “And when they hatch, the whole beach looks like a maternity ward!”

Our tour continued with a visit to the resort’s ten Aldabra giant tortoises. Amusingly, four are named after Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Leonardo is aged 56 and Donatello is 62.

And what of the food at Lemuria? The day starts with a sensational breakfast buffet, there are several lunch options depending on whether you want high-end or casual, and then dinner is the real treat. We tucked into a six-course tasting menu at the elegant restaurant Diva.

There was yellowfin tuna, Singapore laksa, wagyu beef, and a brilliant “Pink Panther Memories” dessert with mousses, macarons and chocolate galore.

Over at Constance Ephelia, there are plenty of culinary highlights, too. I loved the chicken and coconut curry with pumpkin chutney at Seselwa, and the Thai lunch at Adam and Eve was incredible.

A wonderful Balinese massage

At Ephelia, I stayed in a hillside villa with a terrace and an infinity pool with a sea view. The resort, overlooking the Port Launay Marine National Park, spans 120 hectares of lush vegetation. You get your own golf buggy with the villa, making it easy to explore the property.

Like Lemuria, there are swimming pools, giant tortoises, a kids’ club and spa. In fact, the spa is the largest in the Indian Ocean with 18 treatment rooms, plus pools and a sauna.

If you’re an active sort, there’s tennis, squash, windsurfing, diving and zip-lining. A monsoon-like downpour scuppered our efforts to go zip-lining, so I booked in for a Balinese massage instead. Tressy, my masseuse, worked out my knots and made me feel at once relaxed and rejuvenated.

Apparently, the singer Jane McDonald had stayed in my villa – not surprising as it was lovely. There was an outdoor shower where you could feel at one with nature, or you could laze on a sun lounger and watch the clouds roll in across the bay and boats bobbing around. These were real pinch-me-I’m-in-paradise moments.

Ruth was a guest of Constance. Three nights at Constance Ephelia followed by three nights at Constance Lemuria, both in junior suites, half board, in May 2025 from £2,899 per person. Includes return private transfers and flights. Price includes up to 30% discount. Contact Turquoise Holidays on 01494 678400 and at turquoiseholidays.co.uk. See constancehotels.com for further details.