The resort, located on the west coast of Mahé Island, has undergone a comprehensive transformation, elevating its facilities and services to meet the evolving expectations of global travellers. With 192 fully refurbished guest rooms and suites, including new Lagoon Access Rooms, AVANI+ Barbarons now offers an expanded lagoon-style pool and a diverse range of dining options that celebrate local and international cuisines.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, was present at the reopening ceremony and commended the resort’s efforts in contributing to the local economy and community. He highlighted the importance of such investments in strengthening Seychelles‘ position as a premier tourist destination.

“The reopening of AVANI+ Barbarons Resort is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of our tourism sector,”said Minister Radegonde. “It reflects our collective efforts to provide exceptional experiences for visitors while ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared with our communities.”

The official opening of AVANI+ Seychelles Barbarons marks not only a new chapter for the property, but reflects the continuing transformation of Seychelles’ tourism landscape.

With three new restaurants, AVANI+ Barbarons Resort promises a refreshed culinary journey featuring dining experiences that blend international flavours with locally inspired dishes, thoughtfully crafted to satisfy every palate. Other amenities include the AvaniSpa, three versatile meeting spaces, and an oceanfront location, making it an ideal venue for destination weddings, incentive travel, and executive retreats.

Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis, who also attended the event, welcomed the transformation as a timely development that aligns with the department’s broader vision for a more refined and diversified tourism offering.

“The timing of the resort’s opening is perfect. As Seychelles experiences rising demand, this new property enhances our ability to host guests seeking authentic, high-quality experiences. It also reflects investors’ confidence in the destination’s resilience and long-term potential. This development underscores the importance of long-term partnerships and the trust established brands have in Seychelles. Such investments elevate our product standards and improve our global competitiveness as a leading Indian Ocean destination,”said PS Francis.

AVANI+ Barbarons, part of the global hospitality group Minor Hotels, becomes the group’s second property on Mahé. Its reopening and rebranding mark an exciting addition to Seychelles‘ collection of quality hotels, making it the 26th large-scale property on the islands. This milestone highlights the country’s strong appeal as a premier travel destination and demonstrates Minor Hotels’ ongoing confidence in its vibrant tourism industry.

About Tourism Seychelles

Tourism Seychelles is the official destination marketing organisation for the Seychelles Islands. Committed to showcasing the islands’ unique natural beauty, cultural heritage, and luxurious experiences, Tourism Seychelles plays a pivotal role in promoting Seychelles as a premier travel destination worldwide.

The exclusive breakfast session, held at Proud Mary Modern Eatery + Wine Bar in Rosebank, brought together key South African media representatives for an insightful discussion on Seychelles’ future developments and upcoming major events.

During the session, Mrs. Francis unveiled several landmark initiatives, including new luxury hotel developments, an extensive collection of boutique properties and small homegrown products, as well as the new Seychelles Tourism Grading Programme, reinforcing Seychelles’ commitment to maintaining its position as a premier holiday destination.

Among the key highlights of the presentation were discussions surrounding Seychelles’ sporting calendar for the year ahead. Mrs. Francis provided details regarding the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, alongside signature events such as the Seychelles Sailing Challenge and the Seychelles Nature Trail, positioning the destination as a hub for world-class sporting events.  

The Tourism Seychelles team also seized the opportunity to generate excitement for the upcoming 40th Festival Kreol in October 2025. Mrs. Francis mentioned that the country is committed to ensuring it remains one of the most iconic events on the Seychelles socio-cultural calendar every year, making sure to engage visitors and keep the festival top of mind.

“Our engagement with the South African media market is crucial as we continue to strengthen our presence in this key region,” said Mrs. Francis. “The exciting developments and events planned for 2025 will enhance our tourism offering while creating significant opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth in our islands.”

The briefing also showcased new cultural experiences designed to offer visitors authentic encounters with Seychellois heritage, responding to the growing demand for meaningful travel experiences.

This media engagement forms part of Tourism Seychelles’ broader strategy to maintain strong relationships with key market partners and ensure consistent, high-quality communication about the destination’s offerings and developments.

Tourism Seychelles anticipates that these initiatives will contribute significantly to the destination’s appeal, particularly in the South African market, which remains a vital source of visitors for the islands.