The Residence

In summary

On a forest-covered cliff on the island of Mahé sits The Residence, a hideaway of unparalleled privacy and tranquillity. Be charmed into this exquisite slice of coastal life, where lush palms and tropical forests bloom and glorious beaches abound. Enjoy the untouched and unspoiled beauty of the Seychelles. With spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and native Takamaka trees, The Residence is nestled in Intendance Bay.

The villa was set out to create the ultimate fusion of Creole and colonial styles. Every aspect of the main residence and two guest houses has been individually designed and finished to the very highest standards. The result is a beautiful, unforgettable space, totally private from the outside world. Yet the nearby Banyan Tree Resort offers all the luxury facilities you need to complete your stay.

The two-story main house is on a relatively flat portion of the site with large granite/rock formation providing privacy on either side. The guest house and the large pool are on elevated concrete decks infront and just below the rock formations. The whole property is surrounded by a high perimeter wall camouflaged in the vegetation but providing privacy and security.

All front areas have a fantastic view of Intendance Bay and the breaking waves can be easily heard.

Indoors and outdoors

The two-story main building has a central courtyard separating the upstairs bedroom/downstairs lounge part from the upstairs bedroom/downstairs dining room/kitchen section.
There is a separate guest house some 30 yards to the side of the central pool.
The design is Creole in nature with some 450 square metres of covered area. 
The main building and guest house are surrounded in front and on the side with the typical Creole style flat roofed verandah in a colonnade design.
Opposite the guest house, on the other side of the pool, on a granite rock, there is a Gazebo/sala, which can be used for outdoor dining but also for massages and spa treatments.
In a rock cave next to the Gazebo there is a large Jacuzzi which gets its water supply from the main pool.

The pool is of the infinity/overflow design on three sides and on the Southern end the pool is encompassing a granite wall.

There are 16 large/old Haveli/Palace doors which were brought in from India and since they are of slightly different sizes the residence had to be built around them. These French Doors combined with heavy insulation of the roof areas allow for the constant breeze to flow through all parts of the house and offer surroundings with comfortable temperatures for most of the year – even without the AC units being activated.

The floors are all of recycled old Burma teak. Most of the furniture pieces are antique British colonial items imported from India and Burma. All carpets were woven and bought in a traditional Indian tribal structured cooperative.

Many of the decor items were collected by the owners over a period of 30 years in Central Africa and South East Asia, they include valuable tribal/ethnic art pieces.


Services and staff

Check in and check out is handled by the Banyan Tree Resort in the standard fashion requiring a credit card imprint upon check in. (Any missing or damaged inventory item will be charged upon check out to the bill).

The Banyan Tree Resort is managing the villa and offer the following services:
- Housekeeping/daily sheet change
- Gardening and pool maintenance daily
- Room service
- Guest bathroom supplies
- Pick up by electromobile for visit to hotel facilities
- Telephone/extensions to the hotel
- Security patrols/CCTV system
- Private butler and personal chef upon request

In a more casual manner, a caretaker couple, 24 hours in residence are offering butler and some food and beverage services. This includes assistance with the shopping of food, beverage supplies and the preparation of casual meals. They can book the restaurants and spa services for you (pick up services with golf carts provided by the resort).

Hotel services are available at the standard hotel rates for: Room service facilities including food and beverages, stocking of the mini bar, laundry and pressing services, booking of excursions and transfers as well as the spa services and restaurant facilities.

The residence facilities also include guest room safes, refrigerators to stock as mini bar, special storage of travel bags, hair driers, DSTV satellite TV, broadband wireless access via the resort, hotel extension / phone connection, separate CD music stereo system in each room, pool and jacuzzi (not heated), fully equipped kitchen, dining room, lounge, gazebo / sala for massage treatment.

Location

South Mahé, Intendance Bay. Some 100 yards, as the crow flies, uphill from the last of the Banyan Tree Hill villa on a special access road which will serve the residential area, (however linked also to the public areas via standard electromobile path).