$350m resort to replace Plantation Club |19 September 2008

Guests listening to developers unveil plans for the new resort during Wednesday’s reception on Eden Island

Most of the existing buildings will be demolished and a three-phase development will now start, the first part being ready in 18 months.

The property has been awarded through public tender to European Hotels and Resorts Ltd, with development partner Mantis Development International.

Graham Moon, chief executive of Mantis Development International, said this on Wednesday during a reception the company hosted at Eden Island to unveil its plans.

Among those present were the Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Transport Joel Morgan, and the Minister for Employment and Human Resources Development Macsuzy Mondon.

“This project represents the biggest opportunity for Mantis Development International thus far, and is the culmination of a search for the right opportunity and partners over the past few years. We are delighted to be able to develop this wonderful piece of real estate in the most beautiful part of the world,” he said.

He said the development should bring in an extra 9,000 tourists to Seychelles per year and contribute $350 million to the country’s gross domestic product. Construction work will provide the equivalent of 14,000 jobs.

When completed, the resort will give jobs to 1,500 people in the tourism industry and world-class educational facilities to further conservation in Seychelles, he added.

Mantis has 14 hotels worldwide and Mr Moon said they are all renowned as exclusive and luxurious.

Adrian Gardiner, chairman of Mantis, said two world-class luxury boutique hotels will be built on the site to capture the fantastic natural forest and sea environment of the bay.
 
“The existing hotel will be completely renovated into a 130 all-suite 4-star hotel providing the best accommodation and facilities available in the Indian Ocean. The new 4-star hotel will provide a quality luxury experience at an affordable rate, something that is desperately required in the Seychelles market,” he said.

“The hotel facilities and casino will be available for the public to enjoy. A world renowned spa facility is planned for the top of the cliffs, and a select number of private villas will be on offer for the discerning customer who seeks the very best of accommodation on the island of Mahe.”

He said Mantis is committed to good environmental practices and has won many international environmental awards over the past 10 years.

“The development will be harmonious with the environment, and every consideration has been made to ensure this is a sustainable development and contributes to Seychelles’ proud record of preserving its natural heritage,” he said.