AVANI Hotels & Resorts, the vibrant upscale brand launched by Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group in 2011, announces the opening of AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa. Following an extensive USD 14 million refurbishment, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons blends all the right ingredients for relaxation with a dash of colourful culture and exotic island life.

Just a 25 minute drive from Seychelles International Airport, the resort opens onto tranquil Barbarons Beach along Mahé’s west coast.  Much more than a beach lover’s paradise, a contemporary vibe uplifts the resort’s European heritage style, with accommodation, leisure activities and dining options all designed with every age and travel style in mind.

124 guest rooms and suites each feature a balcony or terrace with garden, pool or ocean views, and essential comforts inside.  Five room types include options with easy access to the spa and sandy beach.  Adjacent and connecting rooms make holidays with family and friends very convenient.  Guests who appreciate space and deluxe amenities can opt for the AVANI Ocean View Suite, which boasts double the room size and the extra pleasures of a lounge, and stunning coastal vistas from the large balcony.

Developed with AVANI’s Honest Food ethos at heart, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons understands that the perfect recipe for a satisfying holiday is great dining, and the resort’s two restaurants are accompanied by pool and shisha bars, as well as private dining.

Offering all day home-style dining, Elements dishes up an impressive breakfast buffet, then western classics, seafood delights and Creole specialties for lunch, followed by lively evenings of themed BBQs and market Creole nights with cultural entertainment.  Tamarind tantalises the taste buds for lunch and dinner with creative twists on Pan Asian recipes, tamarind and seafood specialties and unique island cocktails that pack a punch with local golden rum, served on a beachfront deck or on the beach. In addition, 24 hour in-room dining lets guests sip, snack, wine and dine in total privacy, whilst for romance and special occasions, a Private Dining concept comes with a personal chef to design the ideal menu, enjoyed when and where guests like.

Relaxing into the rhythm of island life is what it’s all about By the Pool from late morning until early evening, with thirst quenching drinks and classic light bites. Changing to suit the mood from day to night, Gravity Shisha Lounge & Lobby Bar is ideal for quiet time or socialising. Perhaps, a coffee boost or revitalising juice while reading a book and, in the evening, the chill out lounge on the upper level is the perfect spot to watch the sunset whilst sharing shisha or enjoy classic or infused cocktails after dinner.

Signature to AVANI is a Design for Life living space, and at AVANI Seychelles Barbarons the resort’s lobby area creates this central hub. The Connect zone in the lobby makes it easy to email, chat online, print boarding passes or charge up a device, whilst the Corner is a quiet space to enjoy some time out. Complimentary wifi is offered throughout the resort.

At a resort with equal appeals to chill out, get active or try something new, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons makes it easy to plan the perfect day.  For blissful relaxation, lazy days can be spent on the palm fringed beach and in the crystal clear ocean, swimming and sunbathing at the outdoor pool or recharging with a yoga class. Those with energy to burn can hit the gym for a workout or play tennis. 

For some “me time” and “we time” pampering, AVANISPA offers three single treatment rooms and a double treatment room, along with a sundeck and plunge pool. Options include beautifying facials, nourishing body treatments and heavenly massages, or exotic pampering such as an Ayurvedic therapy or Turkish hammam ritual. Making family holidays more enjoyable, youngsters can have their own fun in the children’s pool and make new friends as they engage in arts, crafts and games at the Children’s Club, AVANI Kids. 

Adding an interactive edge, budding chefs can learn to cook authentic Creole and Thai dishes in cooking classes, whilst cocktail lovers can pick up an expert bartender’s tips in cocktail making classes. In addition, experiencing the Seychelles unique culture is lively and creative with traditional dance, Creole language and local craft classes, as well as the resort’s nightly Creole fair down on the beach, offering market craft stalls, traditional island food and drinks, plus island dance and music shows. 

Travellers eager to get out and about will find that AVANI’s seamless excursions cover the island’s top highlights, including nature trail hikes, mangrove waterway trips, romantic waterfalls, spice and botanical gardens, touring heritage sites, island cruises and seeing tropical marine life at the best snorkelling and diving spots. The island is also easy to explore independently. The capital Victoria is just a 25 minute drive away, whilst Mahé’s diverse attractions can be seen with a drive around the island taking only a few hours. 

As part of Minor Hotel Group’s global expansion of diverse quality brands, AVANI Hotels & Resorts was launched in late 2011 as a sister brand to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, 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 is a refreshing upscale hotel concept offering relaxed comfort and contemporary style to guests who value the details that matter. Designed for guests who appreciate genuine hospitality, AVANI offers a fuss free approach that leaves a great impression.