House of Avalon re-opens in new location |21 August 2023
Mrs D’Souza cutting a cake to mark the occasion (Photo: Joena Meme)
The House of Avalon is the epitome of comfort and quality. That is how the owner, Amelie D’Souza has described her spa located on Market Street, Victoria, which recently opened its doors in its new location.
Initially based in OJ Mall on Market Street for the past six years, Mrs D’Souza said although business was doing well, the original location was too compact and they were therefore unable to provide a comfortable place to their clients.
“It was small and compact and although we tried to fix it there was so much we could do. So I decided to move,” explained Mrs D’Souza.
It was in the presence of family members, friends, staff and some regular customers that an emotional Mrs D’Souza opened the new space, located on the first floor of Jivan building, along Rue Felix Paul, former Church Street.
She said the emotions were due to joy and excitement that the project has come to fruition.
“It has been a long wait; four months in fact. We were ready but waiting for the local authorities such as planning and licensing to give us the go ahead. It has been a very difficult and tough journey where we were constantly paying rent but not generating any revenue, so that is why I am very sentimental today that it has finally happened,” she added.
The young entrepreneur, whose lifelong dream was to run her own spa, said with the new location they can cater for more clients. “Before we were more of a market spa; quick service, anyone could come in anytime and we would attend to them,” she stated, adding now although they would cater to walk-ins it would depend on availability as they would be taking on bookings.
The House of Avalon has five employees; namely three locals and two foreigners and Mrs D’Souza said they place a lot of emphasis on comfort, quality and affordability. The name ‘Avalon’ is a play on word on her favourite shell ‘abalone’ given to her as a gift by her husband.
Alexandra Dorliska, one of her regular clients who was present for the opening ceremony, said she was impressed with the new place.
“It reminds me of those spas I see when I travel to Thailand. I have not seen a spa in Seychelles that has ‘wowed’ me like this one. So I am looking forward to coming here because a spa needs to make you feel comfortable,” said Ms Dorliska.
Mrs D’Souza said the House of Avalon was looking forward to welcoming new clients and advised regular and new clients to look out for their new social media platform coming soon.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our new clients and for them to experience the House of Avalon,” she concluded.
Patsy Canaya
