Conquering a small piece of the"Garden of Eden" on Seychelles" Praslin Island
Almasalla,Gate Arab Tourism News- On the hill top of Anse Boudin, Marie Pierrani has built her own heaven on earth. Tucked away within the boulders of Anse Boudin with a superb panoramic view of the sea, the Jardin Marron self catering is an enchanting addition to the island aptly called the ‘Garden of Eden’ because of the unique erotic shaped double coco-de-mer nut that grows on this island.
On one acre of land, Marie Pierrani’s brother designed a serenity garden with many varieties of tropical plants such as Allamanda, and a variety of “Buisson” flowers. A backyard seasonal vegetable garden on the property which hosts a two bedroom self catering establishment supplies fresh vegetables to the clients. Marie Pierrani said she “dedicated the garden to her brother, whose passion for plants had made miracle’’.
When she started her self catering business five years ago, Marie Pierrani had no experience what so ever in the tourism industry. She took the challenge, learnt to nurture her home grown establishment, turning it today into trip advisor 2014 award of excellence – number one self catering apartment at Anse Boudin.
“I feel good and happy of this achievement. Running this business is a lot of work’’. Putting her customer first turned out to be Marie Pierrani’s motto. “In this business, you don’t have time for yourself. You have to be there for the people”. Marie Pierrani’s secret of making her clients feel home away from home is to pamper them.
Seasonal vegetables grown in her garden are shared with her clients. She always ensures a starter pack comprises of tuna can, Pasta and Tomato Paste are ready for her arriving clients, most of whom are repeated guests.
Marie Pierrani said her client’s crave for these special treats. “Clients who stay for two weeks in the apartment get to appreciate a home-made barbecue. I invite them to my house for the barbecue and we share valuable time, getting to know each other more’’ laughs Marie Pierrani.
The “pleasant lady”, as she is often referred to by her clients said she is touch when her clients say “I am home’’ on their return visit to the islands. Beside her splendid garden, Jardin Marron has a “one million dollar view of Anse Boudin’’. The view is even more spectacular as the establishment is only walking distance to Anse Lazio beach. As her business grew, Marie became more innovative to give her property a touch that is today seen as ‘value added with a difference’.
A year ago she constructed a kiosk on a boulder with a breath taking view of Anse Boudin. Marie said newlyweds yearn for this kind of view.
Alain St.Ange, Minister for Tourism and Culture, visiting the property with Freddy Karkaria, Chairman of Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association, commended Marie Pierrani for doing “extremely well’’ in her business.
