A historic hotel, resurrected using an indulgent plantation style infused with semi-classic elements.

Located on a narrow, spindle-shaped plot of land south of the Seychelles International Airport, Reef Resort is a sprawling, uber-luxe destination being developed on the site of the historic Reef Hotel which has been graced by such august personalities as Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Abutting the Indian Ocean, the property enjoys half a kilometre sea frontage, with limpid blue waters lapping sugar-white sands and two beaches. Across the road, to its back, lies an existing 9-hole gold course. The new development treads on the side of caution and is future-proofed by raising its height by four feet and creating a retaining wall to protect the land against the rising ocean levels.

The entry to the property is via an elevated grand lobby that affords a scenic view of this coastline and is naturally ventilated by the invigorating sea breeze. The guest rooms are spacious and, without exception, face the Indian Ocean. The smallest measure 450 sq ft, with an additional 100 sq ft of balcony, while an individual suite totals to 1,000 sq ft of space. These are strung along the coast and mirror its crescent shape. A service apartment block features 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed units, some of them duplexes.

Public spaces include a speciality restaurant, an all-day dining that spills outside, closer to the sea, a bar by the beach, a kid’s club, a spa and a casino. A standalone building outside the hotel is designed for the exclusive use of locals and will include a restaurant, a beach bar, a lounge bar, a party space and casino on top.

The 8,000-sq-ft banqueting hall and 12,000-sq-ft convention centre, largest of their kind in that part of the world, are particularly significant as they will cater to the African continent for big conventions. The pre-function and post-function are spacious and well-appointed with the latter being equipped with a permanent fixed buffet set-up. This further flows into a big banqueting lawn that unfurls and continues to the water’s edge. Together, this set-up ensures that the resort is geared to handle sumptuous, memorable weddings with ease.

Stylistically, the narrative follows the island style or the plantation style, reminiscent of island architecture made in the colonial era, albeit with a modern twist. The gentle, semi-classic feel of the architecture is reflected in the airy interiors animated by light oceanic colours.

The landscape of the hotel preserves the existing tree cover, including the revered takamaka, and complements them with fragrant species and tropical vines. The beach landscape flows into the entire property, rooting the resort more firmly into the context. Guest rooms on the ground floor are directly connected to sandy decks, and, ultimately, the beach.