Maia Luxury Resort and Spa is one of Mahe Island's standout beach retreats. Its stylish design – a curious mix of Balinese and traditional Seychellois design influences; its marvellous location on a huge stretch of beach within the Bay of Anse Louis; and its world-class spa have won it plaudits and numerous awards since it opened in 2006.
That said, Maia is not an overly flashy resort. Small in size (just 30 rooms), it's remarkable for the way in which it blends in so effortlessly with its natural environment, its luxury villas scattered loosely among boulders and beautiful, wild flora on a high hill overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Maia is as famous for its spa as it is for its stylish accommodation. The spa offers a huge range of treatments (too many to list here: see the Maia website instead for an overview), and most bookings with Maia include a visit to the Spa as part of the package.
Though a variety of water sports are offered from Maia, we would recommend the resort to those more inclined to simply relax. Motorised sports are not offered (for the good reason that the noise would somewhat hamper the atmosphere) and you'll need to travel a little way from the resort to experience the best diving. Kayaking and canoeing in the Bay of Anse Louis is a joy, but most come to Maia for the beach and spa – there are much better alternatives in the Seychelles for more active travellers.
Accommodation
Maia offers 30 luxury villas. The villas are all identical in appearance and facilities, but are divided into four categories based on their location. These range from Ocean Front Villas, set at the foot of the hill and close to the beach, to Signature Villas, which occupy pride of place at the very top of a high coastal cliff.
Inside, the villas are spacious and beautifully furnished. Each is divided into a master suite, separate dressing area, bathroom en-suite with outdoor sunken bath and rainfall shower, and private deck with plunge pool. They are all discretely located at a distance from each other so as to ensure maximum privacy. Terraces overlook the ocean and are furnished with comfortable day beds and an outdoor dining table sheltered beneath thatch. Full-length glass wall panels on the suites ensure wonderful ocean views whether inside or out.
Villa facilities include plasma TV, DVD player, music dock, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, fridge, mini-bar, ice machine, La Prairie body products and refreshment facilities.
Each suite has a private butler. The butler service is unobtrusive.
Dining
Meals are typically served in the poolside restaurant, Tec-tec, or, if preferred, in the privacy of your private villa. The menus are rich and varied, with lots of local produce and fresh seafood.
The sunset pool bar serves a range of delicious cocktails.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa
Activities
- Diving
- Explore the city of Victoria
- A number of walking trails around the island
- Fishing
- Water sports
Child Policy
Children of all ages can be accommodated but in the Ocean Front Villas only. One child under the age of 12 stays free if sharing with parents. The Resort will helpfully provide child minders on request for families with children.
