(Posted 30th January 2024)
The Waldorf Astoria Platte Island was earlier today officially opened by Seychelles’ President Ramkawalan. The Hilton International brand Waldorf Astoria is the luxury collection of the global hotel group and stands for the top level of luxury hotels and resorts across the world.
The Platte Island’s 50 private villas, spread across the island, all with private swimming pools and offering as many as 5 bedrooms, are ideal for family vacations on a secluded island only accessible by air – the island has its own airstrip.
The General Manager of the resort, Mr. Elias Pertoft, alongside officials of Hilton International Hotels, welcomed the President who spent a night on the island ahead of the official opening, during which he also planted a Coco de Mer palm tree.
“I am pleased to welcome Elias to his new role, as we open the first Waldorf Astoria resort in Seychelles ‘ said Jan van der Putten, Vice President, Operations, Africa and Indian Ocean, Hilton. “Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is set to become a unique, eco-friendly destination, and reaffirms Hilton’s Travel with Purpose commitment to drive responsible travel and tourism across our value chain and operations. With Elias’ expertise and passion for hospitality, I am confident that under his guidance, the resort will take guests on a transformative journey that not only indulges in the beauty of Seychelles but also focuses on its preservation and prosperity.”
Located just over 130 kilometres south of Mahé, the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island features a collection of 50 seafront villas, each equipped with its own private pool and personal concierge. The resort will also offer six restaurants and bars, a spa, as well as conservation and nature safaris.
“I am thrilled to be working on the one-of-a kind Platte Island and leading a team dedicated to conserving the rich ecosystem that surrounds us,” Elias responded before adding: “Our guests will have an extraordinary experience as they join turtle patrols, witness hawksbill turtles laying eggs and embark on blue safaris to spot whales, manta rays and much more. We eagerly await the arrival of our guests to this remarkable destination where nature’s wonders and luxury hospitality intertwine harmoniously.”
The guests were treated to a feast by Executive Chef Jane Therese Mulry, an accomplished chef with over 20 years of international experience. She began her career at the three Michelin-starred restaurant, White Star Line in United Kingdom and has worked at prestigious venues such as The Siam in Thailand and Qualia Great Barrier Reef in Australia. In 2020, she founded Plantfood Cooperative, an innovative food manufacturing company that develops a range of plant-based gluten-free products harvested from local communities in South Africa. Jane is overseeing the entire kitchen operation of the six restaurants at the Waldorf Astoria Platte Islands.
‘Moulin‘ takes guests on a soil-to-soul dining experience, showcasing the embodiment of Chef Mulry’s passion for conscious eating. The resort’s signature restaurant, ‘Moulin’ will also double up as a cookery school during the day, transforming into a unique dining experience at evening-time.
Meanwhile ‘Peacock Terrace‘ is a timeless lounge for light bites and drinks, ‘Maison des Epices‘ offers Creole-Latino cuisine, and ‘La Perle‘ provides an elevated Mediterranean culinary experience. The resort is also home to ‘Torti‘, a vibrant pool bar known for its customisable bento boxes, and ‘Lalin‘, the perfect destination for pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps.
The new resort is set to bring a new level of luxury and privacy to the Seychelles, cementing the islands’ reputation for offering visitors from around the world the best there is.
