AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa to open in late 2014.
ATM DUBAI – Minor Hotel Group (MHG), operator of over 100 hotels, resorts and serviced suites in 14 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is pleased to announce that it will add a resort in the Seychelles to its portfolio with the opening of AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa. Currently closed for an eight month renovation, the resort, which was formerly operated as Le Meridien Barbarons Beach Hotel, will re-open in the fourth quarter of 2014 following a USD 8 million refurbishment.
AVANI Hotels & Resorts is a vibrant upscale brand for guests who appreciate genuine hospitality and the details that matter. From stylish accommodation to appealing leisure facilities, quality dining options, family friendly amenities and romantic experiences, each hotel blends a vibrant contemporary style and essential comforts with a unique charm that reflects its stunning setting.
Comprising an archipelago of 115 exotic islands in the Indian Ocean east of mainland Africa, the Seychelles’ year round tropical climate and postcard perfect beaches offer a paradise setting. Located on the west coast of Mahe Island, along the calm secluded bay of Barbarons Beach, guests of AVANI Seychelles Barbarons will be treated to unobstructed coastal views and direct access to a 600 metre stretch of beach and turquoise waters.
The resort is being extensively renovated to provide revamped style throughout. The arrival lobby, restaurants and bars and all guest rooms and suites are being refurbished to meet AVANI’s fresh contemporary image. All 124 guest rooms and suites offer a balcony or terrace with views of the ocean, and are being redesigned to offer an improved use of space and a host of modern comforts. In addition there will be new walkways and decking all around the resort and pool to the beach, all surrounded by beautifully re-landscaped grounds.
In line with AVANI’s simple approach to great dining with a creative edge, the two restaurants and bars are undergoing enhancements. The redesign will transform venues with brand new features and re-furbished spaces, as well as furniture and lighting refurbishments and upgraded kitchen facilities. Overlooking the ocean, the all day dining restaurant is to be enclosed and guests will be able to enjoy live cooking stations offering an interactive dimension. The a la carte beach level bar and restaurant is being renovated to offer a new restaurant, complete with a brand new kitchen. The main bar is to be opened onto the pool and will provide nightly live music.
Leisure facilities at the resort include a large fresh water swimming pool and a gym, and the rooftop terrace will feature a sundeck. Making the most of the Seychelles’ oceanic playground, a range of water sports will include kayaking and snorkelling.
The resort’s spa will offer one double and three single treatment rooms, as well as a plunge pool and steam room. Upgrades to the spa complex will include a renewed family friendly appeal with play areas in the garden. A children’s club for youngsters aged six to 12 years will keep little ones happily entertained with a great range of activities. The resort’s library will also be upgraded, as will the boutique. Meeting and conference facilities include a ballroom accommodating up to 180 guests, two boardrooms and a large break out area, along with a business centre. Complimentary WiFi will be available throughout the resort.
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotel Group, commented, “We are excited to add to our AVANI portfolio with a resort in the Seychelles later this year, a new country of operation for Minor Hotel Group. With our six existing properties in the Maldives and two in Sri Lanka across three of our brands, we are already a key player in the Indian Ocean and aim to further strengthen this position with additional Anantara and AVANI resorts under development in the Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.”
Dinesh Burrenchobay, Managing Director CHM Ltd – Currimjee Jeewanjee Hospitality Division, also commented, “We are very happy to be working in our first venture with Minor Hotel Group and reflagging the property to their dynamic AVANI brand. We are looking forward to introducing the newly rebranded and freshly refurbished resort later in the year while we are confident that it will be well received in the growing Seychelles market.”
As part of Minor Hotel Group’s global expansion of diverse quality brands, AVANI Hotels & Resorts was launched in late 2011 in Sri Lanka as a refreshing upscale hotel concept, to consolidate the group’s presence in city and resort locations across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Africa. ‘AVANI’ stems from the Sanskrit word for ‘earth’ – a meaning which is expressed through a grounded personality and simple sense of style. AVANI properties offer relaxed comfort and contemporary style to guests who value the details that matter.
There are currently five AVANI properties in operation – two in Sri Lanka, two in Vietnam and the recently added AVANI Sepang GoldCoast Resort in Malaysia. In addition to the Seychelles, two further AVANI hotels are to be added to the portfolio later this year – one in Bangkok, Thailand and one in Pemba in Mozambique. Additional new-build properties are also under development in Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Photo caption: AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Conference Centre Entrance.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
