Conquering a small piece of Praslin’s 'Garden of Eden' |06 September 2014

On the hilltop of Anse Boudin on Praslin, 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 there.

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 boasts a two-bedroom self-catering establishment supplies fresh vegetables for the clients. Marie Pierrani said she has dedicated the garden to her brother, whose passion for plants has 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 and learned to nurture her home-grown establishment, turning it into what is today a 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,” she said. Putting her customer first is Marie Pierrani’s motto. “In this business, you don’t have time for yourself. You have to be there for the people,” said Marie Pierrani whose secret for 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 starter packs comprising tuna can, pasta and tomato paste are ready for her arriving clients, most of whom are repeated guests.
 
Marie Pierrani said her clients 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, and get to know each other more,” said Marie Pierrani laughing.
The “pleasant lady” as she is often referred to by her clients said she is touched when her clients who are on their return visits to the island say “I am home”.

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 of walking distance to the Anse Lazio beach.  As her business grew, Marie became more innovative, giving 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 breathtaking view of Anse Boudin. Marie Pierrani said newlyweds yearn for this kind of view.

When he visited the property along with Freddy Karkaria, chairman of Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association, Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange commended Marie Pierrani for doing “extremely well” in her business.

Contributed