Higher star classifications require clear evidence of local culture. Traditionally that has meant paintings or prints — but the contemporary art landscape has moved on.
A new art form for the Seychelles tourism sector
We all recognise the importance of well-curated works of art within hotels, guest houses and self-catering establishments. Guests would find it unusual to enter a thoughtfully designed space devoid of artistic expression. Carefully selected local artworks contribute not only to aesthetics, but also to a sense of place and cultural identity.
For larger properties, one of the criteria for achieving higher star classifications from the Department of Tourism is clear evidence of local culture. Traditionally, this requirement has been met through paintings or prints. As Seychelles continues to strengthen the relationship between tourism and culture, it is natural that artistic expression evolves alongside the ways we present cuisine, music, dance and the natural environment itself.
Internationally, the contemporary art landscape has moved beyond two-dimensional formats, embracing installation-based, experiential and living works. This evolution is now beginning to take shape locally.
It is in this context that SHTA is pleased to share the work of AquaTerra Designs, a Seychelles-based design studio specialising in the creation of immersive, living micro-ecosystems housed within bespoke glass environments of varying scale and complexity.
AquaTerra Designs is led by Armaan Shah and Larissa Shah. They oversee the creative direction of the studio, which operates with a structured, professional approach, delivering fully engineered ecosystem installations tailored to the operational and aesthetic requirements of hospitality environments.
Following a visit to the AquaTerra studio at The Sanctuary, Roche Caiman — also home to Nature Seychelles — it became clear that AquaTerra offers a distinctive and highly relevant contribution to the hospitality sector. Each installation is painstakingly curated entirely from natural, locally sourced elements. The collection is immersive, fascinating and beautiful, and would enhance public areas of any property, from reception to restaurant.
AquaTerra's capabilities extend well beyond small-scale works. Larger custom installations for hotel foyers, reception areas, restaurants and architectural feature spaces are entirely achievable. The studio provides a complete service, encompassing concept development, design, fabrication, installation and ongoing maintenance, ensuring each installation integrates seamlessly within its intended environment.
A core principle of AquaTerra's practice is long-term viability. Each installation is designed not only to be visually compelling at handover, but to remain healthy, stable and visually refined over time. AquaTerra places strong emphasis on aftercare, operating under the principle that no completed ecosystem should be left unsupported or allowed to deteriorate.
To support this commitment, AquaTerra provides structured aftercare plans for all installations. Each AquaTerra installation is meticulously engineered using natural materials and balanced ecological systems. These works function not as decorative elements, but as living installations designed to mature and settle naturally over time.
AquaTerra's portfolio is structured across the following ecosystem collections:
- Cacti
- Forest
- Waterfall
- Fantasy Forest
- Paludarium (a semi-aquatic ecosystem inspired by wetlands)
- Aquarium
- Native
All installations are fully customisable in size, composition and character to suit the identity and spatial requirements of each property.
SHTA presents this initiative without favour or commission, simply as an example of innovation that aligns strongly with the evolving needs of the tourism sector.
In terms of pricing, SHTA found AquaTerra's offerings to be surprisingly accessible given the level of craftsmanship, engineering and longevity involved.
By introducing carefully designed living ecosystems into hospitality spaces, AquaTerra reinforces the value of Seychelles' most important asset — the natural environment — while offering guests a refined and contemporary way to experience it indoors.
Interested?
Attached to this update you will find a PDF which provides comprehensive information about the range of enclosed environments produced by AquaTerra, as well as contact details.
This bulletin was sent to SHTA members on 16 January 2026 and is reproduced here in full. The original as it was designed and circulated is below.
Download the original (JPG)