Tag Archives: Destination

Japan: Hakone Suishoen

  

Konichiwa Hakone!

Onsen Adventure

Bye bye Tokyo crowd and frantic pace! What a joy to be in Hakone nature! Two hours from Tokyo: after the train, we take the bus and stop in the middle of nowhere. Then a black limousine, driven by the concierge who will take care of us during our stay, drops us off at the Hakone Suishoen ryokan. There is worse as arrival, isn’t it? 

In the duplex suite, we enjoy our private onsen (thermal bath) overlooking the forest. The modern bathroom is really convenient. The wood walls and panels of the bedroom and living room adding a warm cocooning touch.

On the ground floor, the small terrace with a lazy hammock, opens on high pine trees. Green color everywhere! In a drawer, a guide explaining how to properly adjust your yukata. So I take the opportunity to put on a superb yukata! Both comfortable and so elegant! 

      

Heritage

Lovely Surprise

At the center of the different buildings, a traditional house dating from 1925, is listed as a “Registered Cultural Property” by the Japanese government (photos below). Inside, there is the great Momiji restaurant, as well as a bar with a cosy atmosphere. I have the feeling of being in a movie of the early twentieth century.

  

The dinner

The Elegance

If you are an esthete, you will be more than happy! The elegance by the finesse of flavors and the refinement of presentation. All is said! Unfortunately, I lost my notes with the name of the discreet chef. Thank you also to our concierge, a young woman who explained us with patience and kindness, the composition each dish in every detail. 

Itadakimasu!

      

Nos petits déjeuners

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Hakone Suishoen

Planning your trip with Exclusif Voyages

Flying to Japan : direct flights from Brussels & Paris with ANA

Related articles : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks to Exclusif Voyages, Ryokan Collection and all the team of the Hakone Suishoen, for this beautiful invitation. As always theses are my opnions.

Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, Mahé

The Sunset View

The Gecko Bar

The Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa is located opposite the busy beach of Beau Vallon, North of Mahé Island (first photo of the article).

Late in the afternoon, with Lisa, my friend from Seychelles, I discover the promenade next to the beach, with many restaurants, bars … and barbecues of fresh fish! 

It’s very lively and crowded (too much people for me). I am happy to have spent most of my stay in the South of Mahé which is more preserved and quiet.

At the Gecko Bar (photo above), one of the restaurants and bars of the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, you can enjoy a pleasant view of the spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean (photo below). 

The Room

Great Bedding

The comfortable functional room has a well-equipped bathroom with separated bath, shower and toilet. Nice details: L’Occitane bath products. And a little balcony with a view of the swimming pool, where I used to rest on a sofa the afternoons.. 

The Swimming Pool

Huge And Graphic  

The largest pool in the Seychelles islands! To be honest, I didn’t have time to swim there, because I was busy to visit the different parts of Mahé. I like the tiled drawing of the flowers (photo montage above), more graphic in the evening with the lights.

Boasting a central position in the vast complex, the pool is close to the Grand Savoy restaurant, where I had breakfasts and dinner.

The Gardens

Many Shades Of Green

I really enjoy stopping on the way and stroll ing in one of those greenery oases (photo above). Luxuriant and scattered on all the resort, they offer a little freshness and privacy.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

Savoy Seychelles Resort & SpaSeychelles Tourism BoardAir Seychelles

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks for the lovely stay to the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, the Seychelles Tourism Board and Air Seychelles. Thanks also to Céline and Lisa. As always, these are my opinions.

The Banyan Tree Seychelles

My Beach & Villa

  

Incredible Daylight

Wonderful stay! The Banyan Tree Seychelles is elegant. After a long ferry crossing from La Digue to Mahé (via Praslin), under an alternation of rain and lead, I am happy to sit comfortably on the terrace of the hotel lobby.

Airy chic colonial architecture with a stunning view on a long dream beach! Miles of white sand bordered by coconut palms and the turquoise-emerald Indian Ocean. Gorgeous Anse Intendance bathed in the midday strong light. A pure delight!

Then we go in a kart towards my villa (picture below) nestled in a smaller beach, therefore more exclusive: a pure beauty! In this enchanting setting, I barely look inside the villa: I’m hypnotized by the ocean view from my infinite pool! 

I Just Want To Swim!

Pictures below, the private path to access the small beach, where I will spend several hours alone in the water. A beach just for me … until sunset! 

As effective as in a Thalasso spa, powerful strong waves! I complete the treatment with a steam bath in my large shower. A more than exclusive spa!

    

The Early Morning

 

The Breakfast In Peace

  

The Ocean Is Ubiquitous

The Banyan Tree Seychelles succeeds to highlight a magnificent nature, while adding a classic, discreet and very effective service.

You can eat straight the opposite Imposing granite rock of the Seychelles in the Au jardin d’épices, one of the hotel restaurants where I enjoy having breakfast (photos above and below)!

 

Turtles And Organic Vegetable Garden

The Wildlife Conservation Reabilitation Centre

My turtle girlfriends! From October to February turtles lay eggs on the beach of the hotel. The Wildlife Conservation Reabilitation Centre housed in the hotel’s huge property, takes care of turtles and heals the injured turtles.

In spa baths, “natural” environments have been created to welcome convalescent turtles (pictured left of the photo montage below).

And in the evening, returning to my villa, I have the pleasant surprise of finding a girlfriend tortoise in fabrics, nicely posed on sheets in the shape of waves!

The organic vegetable garden is close to the center for turtles. Cooking and tasting classes are organized in this kiosk surrounded by crops (photos below).

  

Creole Dinner

Thanks you, Dorina!

As I don’t know the Seychelles Creole cuisine, I ask Dorina, the awesome waitress at the Chez Lamar restaurant to choose my dinner (photos below). You can’t imagine the pressure (I only like what I know), LOL!

But Dorina made an excellent choice. In the photo montage above: photo 1, big crush for grated coconut slightly flavored with herbs. Photo 2, very refreshing : the Creole Octopus Salad With Local Lime. 

Photo 3, tasty grilled local fish with 3 different sauces. I never use sauce, but here, I liked the one with curry coco and creole with tomato. 

Everything was delicious, but it was way too much for my stomach ; ))

  

Photos & vidéos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

Banyan Tree, Wildlife Conservation Reabilitation CentreSeychelles Tourism BoardAir Seychelles.

Many thanks to the Banyan Tree Seychelles and its great team for this beautiful stay. Also many thanks to the Seychelles Tourism Board and Air Seychelles. As always, these are my opinions.