Seychelles Grows Up: Cheval Blanc and the Island Nation’s Next Act

When LVMH's Cheval Blanc opens somewhere, it is often a sign of a larger trend of movement. The ultra-selective brand, with maisons in St. Barths, Courchevel, Paris, and the Maldives, plants its flag only in places that the brand thinks can represent a rare blend of service, architecture, and obviously consumer demand. Its arrival is a coronation of sorts; a marker that a place has entered the top tier of ultra-luxury.

Seychelles is getting that coronation. On Mahé's Anse Intendance beach, the former Banyan Tree site has been reborn as Cheval Blanc Seychelles, the group's first maison in Africa. The FT noted the villas, designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, are "architecturally impressive," while the property layers in the full LVMH ecosystem — a Guerlain spa, multiple restaurants, and interiors meant to feel more private gallery than holiday villa.

For Seychelles, this is proof of ambition. Once shorthand for honeymoon escapes and postcard beaches, the island natio