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Aug 08, 2007:
An international leisure firm has entered into a joint venture with a resorts company to build a hotel on the Ste Anne Island in the Seychelles.
IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) has announced a joint venture partnership with Indian Ocean Resorts Ltd (IOR) to expand its global portfolio by developing a hotel, residences and village marina on the 480 acre island of Ste Anne in the Seychelles.
"The Seychelles was a natural choice for our next development," said Talal Jassim Al-Bahar, chairman and managing director of IFA Hotels & Resorts Kuwait and CEO of IFA Hotels & Resorts Limited (South Africa).
The development will be named Zilwa, which means 'islander' in the local Creole language.
Zilwa will be a US$ 450 million mixed-use development that follows IFA HR's property mix of a five star hotel, serviced residences and luxurious facilities and amenities including a marina. The development's residential mix will include beachfront ocean villas, secluded hillside villas, marina apartments, penthouses and a private residence club, all overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Designed by Stefan Antoni, a leading South African architect, the emphasis is on clean and contemporary tropical architecture allowing the lush natural vegetation and sea views to be drawn into each living space.
Werner Burger, president and chief operating officer of IFA HR, said "Zilwa is the perfect addition to our portfolio. This follows our set strategy of expanding and linking our integrated resorts in Africa and the Indian Ocean region."
Zilwa is the epicentre of the Ste Anne Marine National Park and will offer buyers and visitors alike a combination of island living, security and privacy. The atmosphere will range from the ultra calm to sophisticated and vibrant, depending on where guests choose to spend their time.
The marina will offer boating enthusiasts a centrepiece of activity, while several infinity pools, a spa and a relaxed beach club will suit those looking to 'get away from it all'.
"We believe in maintaining a delicate balance between the ecology and the economy of the islands. We're convinced that this new project will be able to achieve that balance and we're looking forward to working alongside IFA Hotels & Resorts to make it happen," Francis Savy, director of IOR, said.
"With our experience in the Indian Ocean region and IFA Hotels & Resorts' experience internationally, Zilwa will offer the high-end investor or tourist the best of everything."
The Seychelles Islands are 1,600km due east of the Kenyan coast and Ste Anne Island is a mere 10 minute boat or 5 minute helicopter ride from the international airport on the main island of Mahé.
