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THE RUGGED SILHOUETTE ISLAND, THE THIRD LARGEST ISLAND IN THE SEYCHELLES,
ASCENDS FROM THE INDIAN OCEAN, 19 KILOMETRES NORTHWEST OF MAHÉ.
THE DENSE AND ALMOST VIRGINAL RAIN-FOREST, THE STEEP INCLINES, AND THE BROAD
SCATTERING OF SANDY BAYS HAVE PREVENTED ANY FORM OF MASS HUMAN SETTLEMENT UP
UNTIL NOW. FOR THE EXOTIC NATURAL ENVIRONMENT SURROUNDING THE LUXURIOUS LABRIZ
SILHOUETTE RESORT, THIS REPRESENTS A PIECE OF GOOD FORTUNE.
Text: Günter Ned, photos: Ydo Sol
Much of the natural environment surrounding the Silhouette Island has been
preserved. Entire forest areas and remote sandy bays, which are often guarded
by virtually impenetrable cliffs, remain virtually unexplored. Inland,
Mont Dauban rises to a height of 740 metres, and watches over the curious,
and entirely unique, flora and fauna like an imperious guard. “An
encounter with a pure environment” is the promise offered by the
organised excursions into the rain forest, where competent guides will lead
you through the hidden paths. The trek constitutes the perfect experience
for guests who are seeking something special. Silhouette Island is a national
marine park and is considered by experts to be one of the most important
species “hotspots” in the entire Indian Ocean. Many of these
unique plants and animals are relatively inconspicuous, however, and it often
takes an expert eye to spot them.
Embedded along a two-kilometre fine sand beach,
the Labriz Silhouette Seychelles provides the perfect
retreat for part-time Robinson Crusoes. |
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The impressive giant tortoises, however, are more difficult to overlook.
The prehistoric-looking creatures are nurtured on the island as part of a
conservation project, and hotel guests are more than welcome to follow the
work of the “Nature Protection Trust” on the island. The private
institution was founded in 1992, and is devoted to preserving the island's
indigenous plant and animal life, which includes the aforementioned tortoises.
Naturalist Ron Gerlach, who has been living on Silhouette for 10 years, is
responsible for breeding and nurturing the giant creatures, which can
weigh anything up to up to 200 kilogram. The giant tortoise has little in
common with the other local tortoise species, the “Aldabra”,
which can be found all over the Seychelles. The conservation
project, which keeps six examples of both the “Seychelles giant
tortoise” and the “Arnoldi tortoise”, now presents the
only hope of survival for these astonishing creatures.
The villas: a perfect mix between natural environment
and luxury comfort.
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Warm natural colours are combined with wooden fittings to
create an exclusive yet cosy atmosphere.
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Embedded in the natural surroundings, along a golden two-kilometre beach,
the Labriz Silhouette Seychelles provides the perfect retreat for part-time
Robinson Crusoes. Glorious tranquillity, a fabulous natural environment
and a romantic tropical landscape are juxtaposed with all the amenities and
services of a luxurious five-star resort. The exclusive retreat, which is
adorned with tropical gardens, sparkling ponds and natural streams, manages
to form a harmonious union with its natural surroundings. The 111 villas, in
five different comfort categories, are scattered across an expansive area.
Warm natural colours are combined with wooden fittings to create an exclusive
yet cosy atmosphere. Each Ocean Pavilion or Mountain View Pavilion provides
185 square-metres of exquisite comfort (espresso machine), including a private
pool and garden. The Beach Villas (100 square-metres), which lie directly on
the fine-sand beach, afford glorious views out across the Indian Ocean.
Together with the Beach Pool Villas, both the Garden Villa and Beach Villa
categories are equipped with wireless internet access, DVD player, LCD monitor,
coffee/tea making facilities, air-conditioning and outdoor showers.
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White Snapper in coconut crust. |
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The nucleus of the Labriz Silhouette Resort is dominated by a large swimming
pool, which is surrounded by an ensemble of gastronomic amenities.
The Italian Executive Chef Antonio Parente is able to call upon the wealth of
experience he has gathered at selected addresses all over the world. The
“Sakura” restaurant, with its “live cooking station”,
offers an Japanese Asian cuisine. While the main restaurant “Duban's
Café“ spreads its impressive theme buffet, fans of the local Creole
cuisine are catered for in the “Grann Kaz”. In the pool-restaurant
„La Pizzeria“ the guests can enjoy Pizzas and
Crêpe.
Guests might want to enjoy a late afternoon drink in the “Lo Brizan Bar”,
before making their way to the fine dining restaurant “Portobello”,
where gourmets are served modern fine Italian cuisine.
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Stylish ambience in the Italian fine dining restaurant
„Portobello”.
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Relaxing zone in the beach bar.
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Holidaymakers can relax in the shadow of the lush foliage on one of the
beach-side sun lounges, or spend the day snorkelling in the crystal-clear
waters. They can also explore the depths of the Indian Ocean, if they are
so inclined, or try their luck at deep-sea fishing. According to the season,
the German-run Eco Centre, a member of the celebrated “5-star PADI
Diving Centre”, offers whale shark watching, mountain treks and numerous
water-sport activities (non-motorised). An abundance of revitalising amenities
is provided at the health and beauty paradise “Aquum Spa”. The
complex has been “moulded” into the rocky rainforest landscape and
is without doubt one of the Labriz Silhouette Resort's highlights. Guests can
almost reach out and touch the tropical foliage as they are subjected to a
comprehensive pamper programme.
The charming Australian spa director Penny Jones leads a team of
highly-trained therapists. The team employs products
from the Swiss Pevonia line, products that are both exclusive and effective.
Every spa suite − some are fitted with a steam bath,
rain-shower, whirlpool or a garden area with quiet zone −
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In the Aquum Spa guests enjoy wellness in consistence with the nature.
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have enough space for romantic couple treatments. The spa programme provides
the entire treatment spectrum for body and soul, from classic facials and
problem-zone treatments to relaxing massage variations. Soft tones, sweet
music and the intricate songs of exotic birds all conspire to make complete
your very own personal place of relaxation that is the Degree Area with its
Jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna and swimming pool. Like the rest of the resort,
the Aquum Spa has a calming effect. The humid air, warm breeze,
and the sound of breaking waves immediately conspire to send visitors into
a soothing state of relaxation.
LABRIZ SILHOUETTE SEYCHELLES
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ADDRESS: PO Box 69
TELEPHONE: 0 02 48 - 29 39 49
FACSIMILE: 0 02 48 - 29 39 39
INTERNET: www.labriz-seychelles.com
ROOM PRICES:
Accommodation per person/ night, including breakfast,
according to season 350 - 1,500 Euros
CREDIT CARDS: American Express, Mastercard, Visa
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