Earlier than I went to the Seychelles, I used to be a stranger to golf. I am certain TV sports activities bulletins and the again pages of newspapers everywhere in the world are all the time filled with stories about irons, bunkers and competitions in far-flung locations, however I am afraid to say they’ve failed to depart an impression on me.
However after a visit to the Raffles Resort on Praslin, I have been transformed. Praslin is the second-largest island of the Seychelles, mendacity about 25 miles north-east of the capital Mahé. Praslin has some beautiful resorts and at Raffles, golf is a significant attraction.
It appeared that no sooner had I arrived on the resort with my good pal Robin Chaplin than we have been heading off to the primary tee with workers members Ollie and Titiana. The course, overlooking the ocean, was completely beautiful, and whereas we have been thrashing a succession of balls into the tough, mild plane buzzed overhead.
Assembly the locals: Rozina and Raffles workers member Ollie rise up shut with one of many big tortoises at Curieuse Island
However in fact there’s a lot else to do within the Seychelles in addition to golf. On the close by islands of La Digue and Curieuse,you may take pleasure in shut encounters with big tortoises. Till I noticed them right here, I imagined that these animals have been distinctive to Ecuador, and I assumed it was unimaginable to get close to them. I used to be unsuitable: up shut they’re so mild and so very stunning, and the individuals who come to see them are equally mild and exquisite.
Coming to the Seychelles was an uncommon vacation expertise for me. I discover it tough to calm down, so once I go away I are inclined to go trekking in South America or the jungles of Malaysia – the place I get lined in leeches – or I am going climbing within the Blue Mountains in Australia. It is truthful to say that I’m an intrepid kind. Buddies name me Dora the Explorer! And though I’ve been recognized to succumb to the odd therapeutic massage, I all the time make it possible for it would not final greater than 60 minutes, in any other case I am afraid I begin getting just a little stressed.
I have been to five-star locations prior to now, however my journey to the Raffles Resort was my first actual shot at super-luxury, and amazingly, I discovered I might calm down for as soon as. The entire feeling of wellbeing was generated by absolutely the great thing about the Seychelles and the sheer luxurious of the resort. After which there was the chic service.
Breathtaking: Pad throughout the right white sand seashore at La Digue
On Praslin, we simply knew that workers have been having pretty much as good a time being of service as we have been having being served. Once we wished to go to the seashore (rated one of many ten finest on the planet), workers would pack a fantastic picnic for us and take us there in a 4X4 – chilly water, blankets, a picnic, a driver… what might be nicer?
As a plastic surgeon and the presenter of BBC’s The Reality About Trying Younger, I see loads of stressed-out folks. I lately did a session with a lady the place I advised her she didn’t want surgical procedure or costly face lotions. The affected person was simply drained, so I advised her concerning the significance of consuming properly and taking care of herself. Taking care of your self just isn’t about being idle – it is about doing issues that enrich you and make you’re feeling higher, happier and relaxed.
With that in thoughts, I attempted some yoga whereas I used to be within the Seychelles. Doing the assorted workout routines whereas listening to the sound of the waves lapping in opposition to the shore and a breeze rustling the timber was actually magical.
The spa setting on the Raffles was additionally beautiful – an actual sensual idyll. As for the remedies, I can’t advocate the 60-minute Sea Shell Remedy extremely sufficient. It will need to have been improbable, as a result of for the very first time in my spa life I fell asleep. I don’t know how workers did it, solely that once I awakened I used to be soothed, smoothed and all my aches had mysteriously eased away.
Star remedy: Rozina liked her therapeutic massage a lot that she fell asleep and was impressed to guide a caviar facial
Close to the tip of my keep, I attempted the last word indulgence – a 90-minute Caviar Luxe Luminescence facial. I hadn’t recognized I would wanted it till I noticed the development afterwards. And I broke my golden rule about not having a remedy lasting greater than an hour, so it will need to have been actually particular.
I am an enormous fan of pure magnificence and nature. So whereas I loved picnics on world-class white-sand seashores, and taking part in golf on the planet’s most wonderful course, my finest experiences through the week have been the excursions to Curieuse and La Digue to see big tortoises. I additionally liked seeing the primeval rainforest and the large coco de mer at Vallee de Mai, a Unesco Heritage Website in Praslin.
Once you select a vacation, I believe you need to plan one thing you might be certain can be rewarding. Do not comply with the instance of my sister, who tends to go on vacation by leaving her home in the midst of the night time (which suggests she’s travelling when drained), and she or he comes again at three within the morning earlier than heading again to work six hours later.
I simply assume to myself: ‘The place’s the vacation?!’ All you have had is an expertise – you have been someplace and you’ve got had your passport stamped – however you have not ended up in a distinct place bodily, emotionally or spiritually. I believe an excellent vacation must be therapeutic for the soul.
So now I discover myself considering the unthinkable. Whereas I really like new experiences and I like thrilling issues, for the primary time in my life I’ll return to the identical vacation location as a result of my journey to the Seychelles was so particular. I’d return figuring out that I might get myself collectively and be blissfully completely satisfied.
I believe I’d fairly save up all my cash and have one vacation like this each couple of years than have 4, 5 or 6 mini-breaks which might contain simply rattling via locations.
TRAVEL FACTS
ITC Luxurious Journey (www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk, 01244 355 527) affords eight nights at Raffles Praslin from £2,635 per individual, together with B&B lodging in a Bay View Pool villa, return flights with Etihad from Heathrow, inside flights and personal automobile transfers.
