Earlier than I went to the Seychelles, I used to be a stranger to golf. I am positive TV sports activities bulletins and the again pages of newspapers everywhere in the world are at all times stuffed with experiences about irons, bunkers and competitions in far-flung locations, however I am afraid to say they’ve failed to depart an impression on me.
However after a visit to the Raffles Resort on Praslin, I have been transformed. Praslin is the second-largest island of the Seychelles, mendacity about 25 miles north-east of the capital Mahé. Praslin has some gorgeous resorts and at Raffles, golf is a serious attraction.
It appeared that no sooner had I arrived on the resort with my good buddy Robin Chaplin than we had been heading off to the primary tee with employees members Ollie and Titiana. The course, overlooking the ocean, was completely gorgeous, and whereas we had been thrashing a succession of balls into the tough, gentle plane buzzed overhead.
Assembly the locals: Rozina and Raffles employees member Ollie stand up shut with one of many big tortoises at Curieuse Island
However in fact there may be a lot else to do within the Seychelles moreover golf. On the close by islands of La Digue and Curieuse,you may take pleasure in shut encounters with big tortoises. Till I noticed them right here, I imagined that these animals had been distinctive to Ecuador, and I assumed it was not possible to get close to them. I used to be flawed: up shut they’re so mild and so very lovely, and the individuals who come to see them are equally mild and delightful.
Coming to the Seychelles was an uncommon vacation expertise for me. I discover it troublesome to loosen up, so after I go away I are likely to go trekking in South America or the jungles of Malaysia – the place I get coated in leeches – or I’m going climbing within the Blue Mountains in Australia. It is truthful to say that I’m an intrepid kind. Buddies name me Dora the Explorer! And though I’ve been recognized to succumb to the odd therapeutic massage, I at all times be sure that it does not final greater than 60 minutes, in any other case I am afraid I begin getting a little bit stressed.
I have been to five-star locations previously, however my journey to the Raffles Resort was my first actual shot at super-luxury, and amazingly, I discovered I might loosen up for as soon as. The entire feeling of wellbeing was generated by absolutely the great thing about the Seychelles and the sheer luxurious of the resort. After which there was the elegant service.
Breathtaking: Pad throughout the right white sand seashore at La Digue
On Praslin, we simply knew that employees had been having pretty much as good a time being of service as we had been having being served. Once we needed to go to the seashore (rated one of many ten greatest on the planet), employees would pack a ravishing picnic for us and take us there in a 4X4 – chilly water, blankets, a picnic, a driver… what may very well be nicer?
As a plastic surgeon and the presenter of BBC’s The Reality About Wanting Younger, I see a variety of stressed-out folks. I lately did a session with a lady the place I advised her she didn’t want surgical procedure or costly face lotions. The affected person was simply drained, so I advised her in regards to the significance of consuming nicely and taking care of herself. Taking care of your self isn’t about being idle – it is about doing issues that enrich you and make you are feeling higher, happier and relaxed.
With that in thoughts, I attempted some yoga whereas I used to be within the Seychelles. Doing the assorted workout routines whereas listening to the sound of the waves lapping towards the shore and a breeze rustling the timber was actually magical.
The spa setting on the Raffles was additionally gorgeous – an actual sensual idyll. As for the remedies, I can not advocate the 60-minute Sea Shell Remedy extremely sufficient. It should have been implausible, as a result of for the very first time in my spa life I fell asleep. I do not know how employees did it, solely that after I awoke I used to be soothed, smoothed and all my aches had mysteriously eased away.
Star remedy: Rozina beloved her therapeutic massage a lot that she fell asleep and was impressed to guide a caviar facial
Close to the top of my keep, I attempted the last word indulgence – a 90-minute Caviar Luxe Luminescence facial. I hadn’t recognized I might wanted it till I noticed the development afterwards. And I broke my golden rule about not having a remedy lasting greater than an hour, so it should have been actually particular.
I am an enormous fan of pure magnificence and nature. So whereas I loved picnics on world-class white-sand seashores, and taking part in golf on the planet’s most superb course, my greatest experiences through the week had been the excursions to Curieuse and La Digue to see big tortoises. I additionally beloved seeing the primeval rainforest and the enormous coco de mer at Vallee de Mai, a Unesco Heritage Website in Praslin.
Whenever you select a vacation, I feel it’s best to plan one thing you could be positive might be rewarding. Do not observe the instance of my sister, who tends to go on vacation by leaving her home in the midst of the night time (which suggests she’s travelling when drained), and she or he comes again at three within the morning earlier than heading again to work six hours later.
I simply assume to myself: ‘The place’s the vacation?!’ All you’ve got had is an expertise – you’ve got been someplace and you have had your passport stamped – however you have not ended up in a unique place bodily, emotionally or spiritually. I feel an excellent vacation ought to be therapeutic for the soul.
So now I discover myself considering the unthinkable. Whereas I really like new experiences and I like thrilling issues, for the primary time in my life I could return to the identical vacation location as a result of my journey to the Seychelles was so particular. I’d return figuring out that I might get myself collectively and be blissfully glad.
I feel I’d relatively save up all my cash and have one vacation like this each couple of years than have 4, 5 – 6 mini-breaks which might contain simply rattling by way of locations.
