Hotel reviews: Northolme Resort and Spa

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The only survivor among the old Seychellois hotels, built before the First World War, it was a favourite place for writers like Ian Fleming, the author of James Bond, who got the inspiration for his novel "For Your Eyes Only" from there. Offering splendid sunsets, the panoramic views can be admired from any places in the hotel, from the bathroom through the spa, the fitness centre, the swimming pool, the restaurants and the bar. Entirely renovated in 2006, the Northolme belongs to the Hilton chain now. The hotel has a spa by Duniye offering several treatments. The hotel organises 2 hour cruises at sunset on board a catamaran. A free shuttle takes you to the beach of Beau Vallon nearby offering a great variety of water sports activities. Finally note that the establishment is forbidden for children below 13 years.

Lodging advice

We recommend that elderly and disabled people take one of the 14 deluxe villas on the seafront, below the hotel, easier to reach than the 26 villas on the hill side. As for James Bond fans, they can lodge at the "Ian Fleming" Suite, one of the 19 deluxe on the ocean side.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Built on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, the Northolme is made up of two distinct parts: one houses 14 deluxe villas on the seafront, the other houses the common areas and 26 two storey villas, located on high ground. Hanging from the hill side, the restaurant and the bar's terrace offer a wonderful view of the bay. From there, some stairs run right up to a small fine sand beach. Opposite the reception is a superb overflowing swimming pool overhanging the ocean. In the evening, red, blue, green, orange tints brighten the 5 ft deep swsimming pool, open around the clock. Wooden deckchairs furnished with mattresses and parasols ensures you have all the necessary comfort and towels are available directly at the reception. In the extension of the swimming pool, a small path takes you directly to the spa by Duniye, perched on its granite rock overhanging the ocean. Equipped with three massage cabins, a hammam, a yoga pavilion, a relaxation room and an external shower, it offers a wonderful panoramic view of the ocean. Directly opposite, you will find a fitness centre offering once more (but we do not become bored) a panoramic view of the ocean. In the evening, the entrance of the reception is lighted by two huge Olympic flames. There is a business centre in the hotel's shop, as well as a resting room, the "nid du corbeau", with libraries, newspapers and magazines, board games, darts, billiards, a chess board and a big plasma screen, all also having a superb panorama of the ocean.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The Northolme consists of 40 villas of 970 ft² including 14 deluxe on the seafront and 26 villas on the hill side, having a gorgeous panorama of the sea and the islands. With a typically Seychellois architecture, the decoration blends modern materials with colonial influences, using natural materials especially wood. The living room has a big sofa, a mini-bar with facilities for coffee and tea (expresso machine), two direct telephones with fax and Internet connections (including one in the toilets), a plasma screen television and a DVD and CD player, a safe and individual air-conditioning plus a ceiling fan. The large private veranda consists of an external table with chairs and a magnificent view of the ocean. You will sleep like a lord in the large canopy king size bed placed on a podium and furnished with a mosquitoe net. In the night, a small blue light guides you on the steps. The bathrooms are spacious and have a foam bathtub for two, next to a huge shower without curtains, and a double Italian ceramic sink, and even scales. Whether in the bathtub, shower or bed, the beautiful panorama of the Indian Ocean unveils itself to you. Welcome products, hairdryers, slippers and dressing gowns are available. The toilets are separate. 24 hour room service is available. You will also find a beach bag and towels in the big wardrobes.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The Northolme proposes a gastronomic and panoramic restaurant (with a big terrace), à la carte dinners at the "Cocotiers", and a panoramic buffet restaurant at the "Hilltop", changing themes everyday: international, Creole, sea food, Indian, oriental, Asian..., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a real high class gastronomic buffet with fine contemporary decoration. Both restaurants offer a very beautiful view of the sea especially the small islet flanked with palm trees, and of Silhouette and North islands afar. Every Friday, the "Ocean View Bar and Deck" proposes a musical show. From the terrace of the bar, lighted at night, you see many fishes, meanwhile giant bats fly in a starry sky.

• Z Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The beach of the Northolme consists of 2 small charming creeks with fine sand surrounded by imposing granite rocks. There is one below the 14 luxury villas on the seafront and the other can be reached from the "Ocean View Bar and Deck". Only the hotel's guests have access to this site relatively protected from the waves and wind, and having clean water. These creeks are ideal for snorkelling (diving with masks and tubas). Some plastic deckchairs with mattresses are available for the guests, as well as unique showers designed like a fish splitting water. For the guests looking for more space and water sports activities, the large beach of Beau Vallon is nearby. From December to March, North-West trade winds bring back algae to the shoreline.