Cerf Island Resort Seychelles

Boutique hotel situated at the entrance of the Sainte Anne Marine Park, Cerf Island Resort offers 24 private and luxurious Villas, within a naturally elegant setting. Cerf Island measures more than 1.5 km long (about 1 mile) and almost 1 km wide (almost of a mile), it reaches a height of 108 m (354 feet) and lies 3 km east of Mahe.

Cerf Island was named after the French frigate, Le Cerf which arrived at Port Victoria on 1 November 1756. The resort is designed to deliver a true Creole experience facilitated by incorporating the Seychellois architecture and design while preserving the natural surroundings.

The resort boasts of two dining restaurant, infinity pool, pool bar and beach side dining, secluded full service beach, relaxing lounge, and luxurious nature spa. Dining is certainly an unforgettable affair. The restaurant is with unimpeded sea views – a heavenly setting.

There is a wide choice of fine traditional Creole and international cuisine, a treasure of fresh seafood and local natural produce. Our friendly and courteous management & staff aim to deliver a high standard of service to ensure your comfort and pleasure, giving you a unique and memorable visit.

VILLAS
The understated elegance of the twenty four private Villas convey a harmonious balance between modern day comforts and services at distinctively high standards and the natural surroundings of a harmonious tropical paradise.

Named in Creole after local trees, flowers and sea creatures, the resort offers 24 intimate and luxurious Villas in three different types, each offering distinctive experiences with beautiful views of the tropical vegetation and patches of the Indian Ocean in addition to glimpses of magnificent sunsets.

Each is fully equipped with satellite television, air-conditioning and ceiling fan, private safe, tea and coffee facilities, mini-bar, private terrace and luxury branded bathroom toiletries.

• Hillside Villas: Feature a four poster bed, a large outdoor bathroom with double bath, large sliding doors out to a spacious balcony and beautiful fauna views. Size: 58 sq. meters plus 22 sq. meters balcony.
• Hideaway Villas: Are the envy of the Hillside Villas. Fantastic secluded locations with private sun gardens and a choice of either direct sea view or larger bedroom. Ideal for a romantic retreat. Size: 58 sq. meters, 22 sq. meters balcony plus 20 sq. meters of private sun garden.
• Tortoise Suites: Are constructed fully in timber featuring a master bedroom, with bathroom and a second twin bedroom with its own bathroom. Both are fully equipped with similar amenities. The bedrooms have their own entrance and are connecting via the balcony. Size: 72 sq. meters plus 28 sq. meters balcony.

THE RESTAURANT
Dining is certainly an unforgettable affair. The restaurants are perched on a beach with unimpeded sea views – a heavenly setting. There is a wide choice of traditional Creole and international cuisine, a treasure of fresh seafood and local natural produce.

Restaurant 1756Cerf Island is named after the French frigate which arrived on Mahe in 1756. The restaurant is so named to commemorate the year of discovery of Cerf Island. The cuisine blends traditional Creole with International.

With the breaking of the waves in the background and a candlelight ambience, 1756 offers views over Mahe, St Anne Island and the entrance of the Marine Park. Relax and unwind in the informal atmosphere and enjoy the panoramic view. The restaurants serve breakfast and dinner.

THE POOL BAR
Enjoy a light meal or an exotic cocktail available from the Pool Bar Menu. Lunch is normally served at Pool bar. Relax by the pool or on the private beach and our staff will delightfully serve you your favourite drinks. Open: 10.00 – 18.00

THE SPA
The pressures of everyday life in our hectic modern world mean that many travelers are increasingly seeking more than just a sunlit beach to fulfill their holiday needs. Spa treatments at Cerf Resort.

That is surely why one of today’s most in-demand hotel amenities has become the availability of professional Spa treatments – whose range of soothing therapies both new and old can bring an entirely new dimension of relaxation and revitalization to your holiday.

So unwind, relax, and pamper yourself in style on Cerf Island. Out in the tropical sunshine you can wash away the stresses of life back home, with massages and facials. Your holiday experience need not end the day you get back home – discover how to make it last longer..

The calm and soothing ambience of the island, its breathtakingly beautiful beaches and gastronomic traditions make it a popular choice for a soothing spa holiday.

Le Spa Latanier is set halfway up the hill, surrounded by “Kallis du Pap” trees and nestled into the lush vegetation of latanier palms. The Spa boasts a variety of massages, indoor / outdoor treatment room.

The products selected for our treatments are based on essential oils – a truly bio-product, drawing on the natural environment as inspiration for its range of treatments.

The Spa offers an individual or couples treatments. There are also various beauty and nail-care treatments on offer. If you prefer, you can even arrange for a massage in the privacy and comfort of your own villa, or on the balcony. The Spa is Open to local residents and visitors.

THE EXPERIENCE
What could inspire romance more than the Seychelles’ unparalleled natural beauty? Cerf Island Resort is the perfect destination for a wedding, a honeymoon or to celebrate anniversary; its secluded beaches, exclusive private villas almost seem to have been created with lovers in mind.

We regularly arrange weddings and honeymoons at Cerf Island Resort. Browse our wedding packages and our honeymoon package to find out more. You can also tailor your perfect wedding to make it truly unique as the resort is always eager to meet all the unique requirements of it’s guests and is proud to provide personalised service.

You can design your perfect wedding with our wedding package and a variety of options. Why not enquire about booking the whole resort for the wedding and invite your guests for the wedding of a lifetime. We suggest you will need to book very early if you are considering this option.

WEDDINGS IN SEYCHELLES
Celebrate the most important day of your life at the sensual and exotic Cerf Island Resort in Seychelles. Spectacular views of the Indian Ocean offer a rare taste of paradise where relaxation and romance come easily

For couples looking to plan an exotic island wedding, the Cerf Island Resort offers something only a few destinations can match. Why walk down the aisle when you can get married barefoot in powder soft sand, amongst the flowers in an exotic tropical garden or even on the terrace of your private villa?

Exquisite lush tropical beauty with glorious white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters make the result a sort of “barefoot elegance” that promises to make your big day truly memorable and remarkable.Make your wedding day an exceptional one and come to Seychelles and step onto Cerf Island for a lifetime of happy memories.

Your wedding will be a civil ceremony performed by a Registrar. There is no requirement to attend the courthouse to swear an affidavit. Imagine an intimate beachfront ceremony for two or perhaps on the top of the scenic hill with breath-taking 360 degree ocean views.

Wherever you choose to tie the knot the setting alone is enough to make your experience larger than life and with hosts ready to help you with everything from floral arrangements to legal requirements. Tying the knot on Cerf Island brings the auspicious occasion closer to heaven.

You can design your perfect wedding with our wedding package and a variety of options. Why not enquire about booking the whole resort for the wedding and invite your guests for the wedding of a lifetime. We suggest to book very early if you are considering this option.

HONEYMOON IN SEYCHELLES
After the last piece of cake is eaten and the final cherished guests have departed, the newlywed couples’ thoughts turn to their getaway – a week or two spent enjoying their new beginning in a perfect secluded romantic paradise leaving the stress and hectic pace of the past few months behind… for that indescribable “quiet togetherness”

It’s hard to imagine a destination more perfectly suited to lovers of life, beauty and romance than an idyllic exclusive tropical resort in the Seychelles. The real treasure is the special brand of romance that Cerf Island delivers against the backdrop of white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters.

The relaxed way of life on the island is infectious. Accommodation nestled into lush green vegetation offers the best of both worlds even when indulging in the Le Spa Latanier. Cerf Island isn’t just a romantic retreat, it’s a romantic surrender. The perfect place not only to get away, but to be away.

To help make it even more special we have put together a special Honeymoon package. The Hideaway Villas and The Tortoise “Honeymoon” Suites at Cerf Island Resort Seychelles are perfect for your honeymoon.

DISCOVER SEYCHELLES
After God had finished creating the world, he had a handful of diamonds left over. He came upon a place just east of Africa where he thought to himself, ‘Here I can create something marvelous’, and so he scattered the remaining diamonds in the ocean. Thus the ‘Seychelles’ were born.

The Seychelles, the name alone conjures up images of hidden treasure and tropical paradise. The myths still exist; are they just the jewel-like scattered remnants of a forgotten continent, or simply the original ‘Garden of Eden’, and what arcane mysteries are locked inside of those 650 million year old rocks. Whatever, one thing is certain; you will never find such a unique paradise anywhere else on Earth.

Seychelles is a nation comprising numerous small islands scattered across the Indian Ocean south of the equator. Only a handful of these islands are permanently inhabited while accommodation can be found on only a few more.

SEYCHELLES HISTORY
Discovered for the first time on 1502 by a navigator who didn’t give them a name. The Portuguese called them later the “Seven Sisters.” In 1756, Seychelles became a French colony under the name of Seychelles, named for Moreau of Seychelles, Minister of Finance under the kingdom of Louis XV.

During the XIX century, the English gave them the name of Seychelles. Seychelles remained an English colony from 1903 until 1976, when the archipelago gained independence, becoming the Republic of Seychelles.

The Arabs, Phoenicians, Indonesians, Portuguese, English and French all played a part in creating this unique island nation which today is enjoyed by fortunate travelers from all over the world.

It is quite likely these islands were first spotted by Arab traders as much as 1000 years ago. Their location would make them an ideal provisioning stop for early seafaring peoples like the Arabs, Phoenicians and Indonesians.

Almost 500 years ago Vasco de Gama, the Portuguese explorer/navigator, is credited with the official discovery. Part of the island group, the Amirantes (islands of the Admiral) is named in his honour. A Portuguese map of 1544 shows the islands as the Seven Sisters; Petite Soeur and Grande Soeur retain these names today.

The British landed there in 1609 on an expedition for the East India Company. For the next 133 years they became a provisioning base for the merchant navy as well as for plundering Indian Ocean pirates and buccaneers. To this day there are still stories of fabulous treasures hidden on Mahe.

The French expedition led by Lazare Picault to Mahe in 1742 gave Baie Lazare its name and in 1756 the islands were formally claimed on behalf of Louis XV of France.

The Stone of Possession, now in the national museum, was laid and the islands were officially named in honour of Jean Moreau de Seychelles, French Minister of Finance. French colonization and agricultural settlement of the fertile soil and favourable climate continued uninterrupted until the end of the century.

During the Napoleonic War period Seychelles were regarded as a strategic acquisition as the British fought to contain French expansion. The French were forced to give up the islands, yet without a permanently stationed British force, control changed seven times in 13 years. The 1814 Treaty of Paris confirmed British rule.

Throughout the 19th century the population increased as Seychelles first produced high quality cotton, then harvested whales from local waters and finally began the large coconut plantations which became the economy’s mainstay.

Plantation labour was drawn from former slaves freed in 1835 when the institution was abolished. By the end of the century export of guano improved the island economy and in 1903 Seychelles became a separate Crown Colony.

After the two World Wars Seychelles saw rapid change as modern conveniences and communications were introduced. At the 1971 opening of its airport, the landing of the BOAC VC-10 was witnessed by virtually the entire population. Improved accessibility brought tourism.

So after a lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. On June 29, 1976 Seychelles became an independent republic.Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993.

Under government stability tourism flourished and the economy boomed. Today Seychelles is sound, safe and very scenic…46% of its total area has been designated as Nature Reserve or Parks to preserve the reason tourists visit — its incredible natural beauty.

ARCHITECTURE
Seychelles architecture is distinctive in style and practical in design. It clearly illustrates the influences of its colonial past and combines this with practical considerations such as steep roofs to rapidly disperse the rain and wide verandas to make the most of a climate that encourages outdoor living.

CUISINE
Echoing the assortment of people who populate Seychelles, Creole cuisine features the subtleties and nuances of French cooking, the exoticism of Indian dishes and the piquant flavours of the Orient.

Grilled fish or octopus basted with a sauce of crushed chillies, ginger and garlic are national favourites as are a variety of delicious curries lovingly prepared with coconut. Seafood dishes feature predominantly in the local cuisine.

ART
For such a small country, Seychelles has a vibrant art scene. Painters have traditionally taken inspiration from the natural beauty to produce a wide range of works. Local sculptors produce fine works in wood, stone and bronze.

Local writers and poets have used the magnificent backdrop of the Seychelles as the inspiration for historical accounts, fascinating works documenting the social history of the islands and its people and collections of short stories.

THE BEACHES
There’s a beach for everyone: for families with small children, or those seeking seclusion and solitude. From beautiful expanses of silky white sand to remote coves reached only by boat…

Mah�, the largest and most commercial island in the archipelago, is only about 17 miles long but boasts 75 fine beaches that are often uncrowded, if not altogether deserted. Praslin, which has been called the �blueprint for the perfect tropical island, also has a couple of world-class strands in Cote d’Or and Anse Lazio.

But when you think of Seychelles beaches, chances are the image that comes to mind is of the spectacular boulder-bordered shores at Anse Source d’Argent, on La Digue.

ANSE SOURCE D’ARGENT
Anse Source D’Argent, the second best beach in the Seychelles is also one of the most popular. The coastline is a series of small crescent pink sand beaches separated by gigantic granite boulders which are famous for their unusual curves worn by time and weather..

The beach is sheltered by a reef, ideal for snorkeling and sun bathing. The calm waters make it perfect for the little ones. Anse Source D’Argent, voted numerous times as one of the ‘best beaches in the world’, is also one of the most photographed beaches, featured in numerous travel magazines as well as travel programs.

Anse Source D’Argent is located on La Digue, one of the principal islands. La Digue manages to be tropical, homey, understated and classy all at once, without sprawling resort hotels, grand casinos and bustling sport activity centers.

If you find it hard to tear yourself away, don’t say we didn’t warn you. However, you can explore the coastline for hours and hours. The Seychelles was once thought to be the location of the Garden of Eden, and Anse Source D’Argent almost leaves no doubt you just may be tempted to cancel your return home.

ANSE LAZIO
Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles and the most popular with tourists. Why? Soft white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters surround the small island. The Best Beach in the Seychelles goes to Anse Lazio. Situated on the north west corner of Praslin in Bay Chevalier, it is a perfect crescent of soft, fine grained sand.

The beach is relatively deep, from the fringe of Takamaka trees and palms to the waves of the warm Indian Ocean. To the right of the beach you’ll see the craggy deserted Pointe Chevalier. Bounded on the other side by the curve of the island, you feel secluded.

This is why year after year Anse Lazio is voted “the best beach in the world” by numerous travel publications and newspapers. Don’t miss this. Travelers make a special day trip to Praslin just to see it. The guide books talk it up as if it is the eighth wonder of the world.

Due to its north-west facing location, Anse Lazio is perfectly situated to experience the full force of a Seychelles sunset. This is it – the top beach in the Seychelles: Anse Lazio on the isle of Praslin.

FLORA & FAUNA IN SEYCHELLES
The early colonial history of Seychelles is infamous for the disappearance of most of the giant tortoises from the granitic islands, felling of coastal and mid-level forests and extinction of species such as the Chesnut flanked white eye, the Seychelles parakeet and the saltwater crocodile (caiman).

The Seychelles today is known for success stories in protecting its flora and fauna. Conservation started in the 1960’s by a small group of local enthusiasts. Although many of the conservation laws date back to British colonial days, the Seychelles government has strictly protected the natural heritage of the islands for many years.

Flagship species, the Seychelles Magpie Robin and the Seychelles Warbler, have been spectacularly rescued from the brink of extinction by BirdLife International, Nature Seychelles, Royal Society for Nature Conservation, Islands Conservation Society and private islands with the support of the government.

These birds, once restricted to one island each, have been translocated to many others. Seychelles has 12 endemic bird species including the Seychelles Flycatcher, Scops Owl, White Eye, Swiftlet, Kestrel, Blue Pigeon and Sunbird.

Seychelles is home to 2 U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Sites run by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. They are the island of Aldabra, which is the world’s largest raised coral atoll and also the Vall�e de Mai on Praslin island, billed as the original site of the Garden of Eden.

The Cousin Island Special Reserve, purchased by BirdLife International in 1968, is an internationally-known bird and marine sanctuary which has won several awards for conservation and ecotourism.

Seychelles has six national marine parks including the St. Anne National Marine Park located adjacent to the capital, Port Victoria which are managed by the government parastatal, Marine Parks Authority.

Much of the land territory (about 40%) and a substantial part of the coastal sea around Seychelles are protected as National Parks, including Marine Parks, and Reserves.

Several private island owners, especially those with up market hotel resorts, have collaborated with the government and the NGOs Nature Seychelles and Islands Conservation Society to restore island habitats and to re-introduce threatened species.

These islands include Fregate, Denis and Cousine. Uniquely for this region, the management of these islands employ full time conservation officers and fund conservation programs.

COCO DE MER
The Seychelles are home to 81 endemic plant species. Well-known is the Coco de mer, a species of palm that grows only on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse. Sometimes nicknamed the ‘love nut’ because of its suggestive shape, the Coco-de-mer is the world’s largest seed.

The jellyfish tree is to be found in only a few locations today. This strange and ancient plant has resisted all efforts to propagate it. Other unique plant species include the Wrights Gardenia found only on Aride Island Special Reserve.

THE GIANT TORTOISES 
The giant tortoises from Aldabra now populate many of the islands of the Seychelles. These unique reptiles can be found even in captive herds. The granitic islands of Seychelles once supported at least three distinct species of giant tortoise. Two of these are currently being re-established in the wild on Silhouette island.

Seychelles hosts some of the largest seabird colonies in the world. Islands such as Bird, Aride, Cousin, Aldabra and Cosmoledo host many species of seabirds including the Sooty tern, Fairy tern, White-tailed tropic bird, Noddies and Frigatebirds.

The marine life around the islands, especially the more remote coral islands, can be spectacular. More than 1000 species of fish have been recorded. Since the use of spearguns and dynamite for fishing was banned through efforts of local conservationists in the 1960’s, the wildlife is unafraid of snorkelers and divers.

Coral bleaching in 1998 has unfortunately damaged most reefs. The taking of marine turtles was completely stopped in 1994, but most turtle populations except on Cousin and Aldabra, have not fully recovered. The use of gill nets for shark fishing as well as the practice of shark finning are now banned.

Website: www.cerf-resort.com

Rooms: 24

Price: from 336 EUR per night