A new 12-room four-star family run hotel -- the Crown Beach hotel -- officially opened its doors on Saturday evening.

Situated only a few steps from the beach and close to the main road at Pointe Au Sel, the new hotel owned by husband and wife Jeff and Siana Bistoquet has been in the making for some five years and it has taken 18 months to build.

The small establishment boasts six ocean view and six mountain view rooms. It has two family suites with connecting rooms for parents with children.

In the short ceremony to officially open the establishment on Saturday, the couple’s three grandchildren had the honour of untying the ribbons opening the way for visitors inside the hotel which has already welcomed its first guests.

Among those attending the event on Saturday were Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange, other key stakeholders in the tourism trade, and other guests.

Addressing every one present, Minister St Ange said it is always a great pleasure to see another small Seychellois homegrown property make its mark in the tourism industry.

“Taking a tour of the new facility I would say it is beyond expectations to see the details that have gone into establishing this small hotel .Congratulations to the owners, you have listened to the words of visitors to our shores because you have included all the frills available in big hotels in your small establishment,” said Minister St Ange. 

“You are a good addition to the stock we have in the country and we want to assure you that we will work with you to ensure that your establishment becomes the success it deserves to be,” added the tourism and culture minister.

Mr St Ange informed the owners that he will ensure the Crown Beach hotel features on the list of new properties that has set itself among the best in Seychelles during the forthcoming World Travel Market in London.

John Stravens, the chairperson of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA), also had words of congratulations for the new owners and their project.

“It is a very beautiful place and I hope you will always keep it this way,” said Mr Stravens, adding that with the all Seychellois team it is hoped that the place will always exude that special warmth and provide a good service which will make us all proud.

“We all hope that you will still be here in 10 years’ time for us to congratulate you on your success and achievements,” added Mr Stravens.

Talking about the realisation of her family’s dream project, Mrs Bistoquet said ‘crown’ was the five letter word preferred to name the hotel.

‘’The project crowns five years of tough laboring -- from buying the land, conceiving the project , starting it and finally leading it to fruition and what it is today,” said Mrs Bistoquet.
“The project is like a crown on the beach of Pointe Au Sel,” she added.

“There is no success without hard work and persistence and the hotel indicates the reward that we share with our family today,” she pointed out.

Mrs Bistoquet noted that at present the hotel has 12 members of staff – all Seychellois -- and it expects to have 20 altogether when fully operational. 

She said it was a joy and great privilege to open the doors of what has been described as among one of the finest small boutique hotels. She noted that the presence of the guests was a sign of support and encouragement “as we make an important step in the tourism industry”.

“It all started as a dream and today we are grateful to everyone who helped make that dream a reality,” she added, thanking in particular Seychellois architect Simon Dingwall and engineer David Port-Louis as well as contactors and everyone and all involved in the project.

She added that looking around guests are sure to appreciate the hard work, devotion and careful planning that went into making the hotel the welcoming institution it ought to be.

She said the hotel which also offers special rate for Seychellois is ready to welcome all patronage as often as possible to enjoy the delicacies of La Pallette Restaurant and simply to relax and chill out by the pool or book a room for the weekend to get away from life’s pressure.

The Crown Beach hotel also caters for special occasions like weddings and other private functions and also offers its guests a range of non-motorised water activities – kayaks, paddle boats, snorkeling and big game fishing. Guests who prefer the swimming pool, the hotel has a fabulous pool where they can enjoy the sound of the waves while relaxing in the warm salt-free pool.

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