Review: Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Luxury Travel Expert

1 year ago

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed a wonderful holiday in the Seychelles with the Hilton Hotel Group. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Qatar Airways Boeing 787-9 Business Class from Frankfurt to Doha
Review: Qatar Airways Boeing 777 Business Class from Doha to the Seychelles
Review: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island
Review: Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts (today)
Review: Canopy by Hilton Seychelles Resort
Review: Qatar Airways Boeing 777 Business Class from the Seychelles to Doha
Review: Qatar Airways Boeing 787-9 Business Class from Doha to Frankfurt

Today: Review of Mango House Seychelles

Hotel website: Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Location: Google maps
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Classic Travel

Set on southern Mahé’s unspoiled beachfront, Mango House Seychelles is an intimate island oasis surrounded by sparkling waters, fragrant fruit trees, and lush forests. Originally built as a family dwelling by celebrated Italian photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri, this idyllic hideaway offers a sense of home in a private and secluded location. The boutique hotel features 41 sea-facing villas and suites, each with sun-kissed balconies and earthy décor. For a sublime family experience, book the Cliff House, a unique cluster of guest rooms designed for the ultimate getaway. Facilities at Mango House include a variety of dining venues, which serve specialties from casual poolside bites to Japanese, Mediterranean, and Creole cuisine. Be sure to check out the Anpe Spa for a body treatment infused with coconut charcoal, soothing seaweed, or tropical plants.

Mango House Seychelles features in my top 10 list of the best luxury resorts in the Seychelles.

Have you ever stayed at Mango House Seychelles? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Stretching along the edge of the Anse Aux Poules Bleues, a sparkling calm bay with shallow clear waters, Mango House provides a convivial retreat where guests can explore the breathtaking beauty of Mahé, the Seychelles’ main island. The granite-filled island of Mahé known for its white powder beaches and dramatic rock formations. With lush mountainous scenery, small towns with a unique Creole culture, and over 60 sensational beaches and coves fringing the island’s spectacular coastline, there is much to explore. Mahé is also home to the Seychelles’ international airport and the resort is a 40 minute drive from the airport, which is definitely an advantage compared to hotels on other islands which can only be reached by a ferry ride or domestic flight (something you may not be looking forward to after your longhaul flight to the Seychelles).

Mango House was originally built by Gian Paolo Barbieri, one of the world’s most celebrated photographers, renowned for his exceptional contributions to the world of fashion and photography. Born in Milan in Italy to a family of textile wholesalers, he found a passion for creativity and photography in his father’s textile warehouse. Barbieri’s curiosity for travel led him to the Seychelles where he built his magnificent home. His deep affection for the Seychelles is evident in his captivating photography (which decorates the walls in the hotel), where he skilfully captures the natural beauty and allure of this tropical paradise. Through his lens, he has showcased the Seychelles pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture, conveying a profound love for this enchanting destination that he called home.

Designed by Dubai-based JT&Partners, Mango House Seychelles’ contemporary architecture pays homage to Gian Paolo Barbieri’s family house. Unfortunately, the original structure – “a beautiful orange house with no windows and only a few openings and a shower that opened up the sky” – was damaged by rising sea levels, which led to its eventual demolition once the Hilton Hotel Group acquired the property. The original home was replaced by what the hotels dubs its ‘Main House’ – a newly built two-story pavilion positioned in precisely the same location as the former residence, situated directly on the edge of a cliff. Many of the design elements and experiences that existed in the original dwelling were preserved, such as the terrific view over the deep blue waters of Anse Aux Poules Blues Bay and the jungle covered hilles of Mahe Island.

Designed by dsgnTM, Mango House Seychelles’ airy interiors have been designed to create a sense of home using tactile, natural, and earthy materials. In the arrival pavilion, guests can look up to find Bwason natural wood sticks that recreate the ceilings of the original house, alongside local granite cladding. Preserved handmade furniture with sleek wooden finishing is coupled with muted beige tones, creating a contemporary but comfortable feel that is deeply connected to the local culture and colors of Seychelles. The materials used throughout the property have primarily been sourced in Seychelles, from the local granite cladding to the Nalau wood used for structural elements, to the off-white stucco wall texture finish on the façade and grano wash used for pathways. These architectural and design elements highlight the local textures and aim to create a multi-sensory environment reflecting the Seychelles’ natural beauty.

Mango House Seychelles’ name is inspired by an ancient Mango Tree. Gian Paolo Barbieri originally named his home ‘Mango House’ due to the White Mango Tree that bore fruit in his kitchen’s garden. The historic tree – one of the oldest on the island of Mahé at around 150 years old – has been preserved and remains a prominent feature at the entrance of the resort and its Main House. The latter functions as the beating heart of the resort, and is home to all three restaurants, a stylish bar, the concierge area, several rooms, a small gym and an intimate spa (more on that below). The other hotel pavilions – which house the rooms and some other hotel facilities – are located on both sides of the house and were constructed to mirror the curvature of the coast, allowing expansive views of the ocean from most parts of the property.

Mango House features 41 guest rooms, suites, and villas, which are spread along the shoreline. All accommodations offer ocean views and are adorned with distinctive natural décor echoing the rugged beauty of the Seychelles. During my holiday, I stayed in a “King Premium Room with Ocean View,” which was located within the main house, next to the gym. The stylish room featured a king-size bed and an ensuite bathroom with two wash basin, a walk-in rain shower, and a toilet. Floor-to-ceiling windows opened to a balcony with a sea view. The room featured a contemporary décor characterized by earthy materials, such as light-coloured timber and beige parquet flooring in the bedroom, and lightly hued stone from Lebanon in the bathroom. Amenities included complementary WiFi, a sofa, and coffee/tea making facilities.

Prized furniture pieces dating from the original resort, which are visible in some of the archive photographs of the original interior, have been interspersed within the public area spaces of the house. The original front doors of the Main House have been celebrated and transformed into sculptural artwork reminiscent of the island’s rich heritage and culture. Besides the original fixtures, artwork throughout the property also tells the story of Mango House, a natural showcase of Barbieri’s creative spirit and the scenic surroundings. Collaborations with local artists are part of the hotel’s branding experience, seeping into the stylish uniforms of the staff and making appearances in the smallest of details such as the silkscreens on the bathroom robes and scarves that are tied around the chic wicker hats offered to guests. These were designed by Seychelles-born artist Alyssa Adams in her signature water colors.

Mango House Seychelles features three swimming pools which are scattered throughout the property. The most spectacular pool (albeit with limited loungers) is the infinity pool on the terrace of the Main House, overlooking the glittering bay. Down the hill on a relatively flat promontory is the resort’s main pool area, which boasts an eye-shaped swimming pool lined by plenty of sun loungers. Up the hill is a third pool, set on an elevated wooden deck and offering a serene, quiet ambiance. FYI, the swimming pools are not huge, with the exception of the main pool. The latter pool is the most child-friendly pool and it also features a tiny beach as well as a bar serving light fare and drinks throughout the day. Those in search for the ultimate family getaway can book an exclusive nestled cluster of 13 guest rooms; known as the Cliff House, the largest villa in the Seychelles comes complete with its own private pool.

Mango House offers three restaurants – all located within the Main House – showcasing distinct flavors. With locally inspired menus, each concept promises a unique culinary experience:
- Paying homage to the Seychelles’ fiery Creole cuisine, Moutya invites guests to explore the tantalizing flavors of the Seychelles’ creole cuisine. The venue serves delicacies grilled over sustainable coconut shell charcoal, smoked, or simply oven-roasted for the ultimate casual beach dining experience.
- ‘Azi’ meaning taste and flavour, and ‘do’ meaning every time, Azido has the reputation of being the best Japanese restaurant in the Seychelles. The venue combines freshly caught seafood from local coves with the much-revered discipline of contemporary Japanese culinary art. Expect to indulge in freshly made sushi and robatayaki while enjoying gorgeous views of the Indian ocean.
- Muse is the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, inviting guests to celebrate Italian photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri oeuvre in an ode to the original owner himself. The venue offers Creole and Mediterranean dining in a relaxing ambiance reminiscent of Barbieri’s work. Expect soulful sharing plates made from market-fresh local ingredients, to be savoured among friends and family in a brasserie-style setting against the backdrop of tropical refinement.

Besides three restaurants, Mango House also offers two bars:
- Exotic cocktails, gin and tonics infused with ingredients inspired by the rich and diverse heritage of the locals await at Kokoye, Mango House’s Indo-Seychellois bar built on the philosophy of Root, Fruit, and Spice. Kokoye explores the true richness and diversity of the vanilla islands where some of the finest rums can be tasted.
- Inspired by the journey of the sun throughout the day, Soley, Mango House’s vibrant poolside bar, invites guests to sip on refreshing, tropical cocktails and savour delectable bento box treats from sunrise to sunset. Soley also doubles as a water sports center, offering activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Meaning ‘at peace’ in Creole, anpe is Mango House’s wellness center. Located on the first floor of the main house, the small spa offers personalised treatments that embrace the power of touch, delivered by skilled therapists in treatment suites overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests can enjoy massages, facials, and other therapies using natural, locally inspired products. Product ingredients have been carefully selected and blended to harness the power of local plants and natural resources. Also located within the main house, one floor below the spa, is a small but well-appointed fitness area, allowing guests to maintain their workout routine and to stay in shape throughout their stay. Yoga sessions as well as wellness programs are available throughout the week.

Mango House is a member of Hilton’s luxury LXR brand. LXR Hotels & Resorts is a growing collection of award-winning luxury properties that – according to Hilton – “celebrate the timeless pursuit of personal adventure.” Found in some of the world’s most alluring destinations, each hand-selected property boasts its own storied past and is infused with the essence of its distinctive locale, aiming to provide a luxurious hub for the discerning adventurer. Mango House is just one of seven hotels that the Hilton Hotel Group manages in the Seychelles, the other ones being:

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Located on Mahé’s southwest coast, Mango House Seychelles stretches along the low coastal bluffs of a peninsula above a picturesque but small beach. The beach is in the shade for most of the day and it almost completely disappears at high tide (so beach service is not provided and there are no sun loungers on the beach, although there are a few on the grass behind it). As a result, most guests will spend their time around one of the property’s three swimming pools rather than on the beach (which is not necessarily a bad thing). That said, Mango House is only a 5 to 15 min drive from some of the Seychelles’ most spectacular beaches, such as Anse Intendance, Anse Soleil and Anse Takamaka (but you’ll need your own rental car or a taxi to get there).

Although an excellent 5-star property, Mango House Seychelles’ understated design may lack a wow factor for some guests, especially when compared to its high-end competitors on Mahe Island (such as the nearby Four Seasons, Cheval Blanc and Anantara Villas). That said, Mango House is considerably cheaper (but still expensive) when compared to these properties. It’s also important to keep in mind that Mango House Seychelles exudes the ambiance of a boutique hotel as compared to the resort vibes which you’ll find at the previously mentioned resorts.

With just 41 rooms, Mango House Seychelles is a small boutique property and as such, its ambiance may be more fitting for adults than for families with younger children (although there are plenty of facilities at the hotel to keep younger guests entertained). But despite its small size, Mango House Seychelles feels like a destination in its own right due to its variety of poolside settings, activities and dining venues. Alternatively, it can also be an excellent stopover place between trips to some of the Seychelles’ farther-flung island resorts (such as the Waldorf Astoria Platte Island, which is also managed by the Hilton Hotel Group).

As expected with a five-star resort in the Seychelles, Mango House Seychelles comes with a hefty price tag. The resort offers many inclusive amenities, but some services such as excursions, spa treatments, and meals can add up quickly. While the resort offers various dining experiences, there is no all-inclusive option available, which means that guests will need to budget for meals and beverages.

While the secluded nature of Mango House Seychelles adds to its appeal, it can also be a downside for those who want to explore more of Mahé Island. The resort is somewhat isolated, meaning that off-site activities or trips to local attractions can require a bit of travel or planning. Taxis, rental cars and tours can be arranged via the hotel’s concierge team though.

MY VERDICT

Location: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 8/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Wow factor: 7/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: 8/10 – very good

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at Mango House Seychelles when booking via Classic Travel:
- Room upgrade
- Daily breakfast
- $100 USD food & beverage credit
- Double Hilton Honors points

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Mango House Seychelles (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The Seychelles is often sold as a year round destination and it is. However there is more chance of bad weather, that is to say rain, from November to March. The transitional months of October and April are excellent for a visit as the oceans are very calm and the weather balmy. During the dry seasons (May to September), it can be windy (causing seaweed on the south or south-easterly side of the islands) with rough seas.

HOW TO GET THERE

Mango House Seychelles is a 40-minute drive from Seychelles International Airport (SEZ). Click here for a continuously updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to the Seychelles.

PHOTOS

Below is a selection of my photos of Mango House Seychelles. To view more photos (including breakfast and dinner at the different restaurants), click here.