Home to dreamy white beaches, vibrant coral reefs and nature reserves, the Seychelles is a popular year-round holiday destination. The luxury resorts here offer impeccable service whilst making a conscious effort to blend developments into the island surroundings and preserve the ecology and protect the indigenous animal species.
Here at Oxford Private Travel our Travel Managers are often out in resort, visiting hotels and exploring the local area to ensure we can use this valuable knowledge to plan your perfect holiday. Rebecca recently took a trip to the Seychelles and below we have put together an overview of her ‘insider tips’ from each resort.
Raffles Seychelles
The Raffles Resort sits on the tranquil bay in the North East of Praslin Island. It boasts an outstanding reputation for fantastic service, stunning views of neighbouring Curieuse Island and stylish design. Stay in a stunning private pool villa with your own butler service and surrounded by breath taking views. Raffles also run an activity daily for guests to take part in; these vary from yoga to pétanque with hotel staff or guided island walks.
From Rebecca:
- Raffles Seychelles has one of the most varied breakfast offerings I’ve ever had. Including but in no way limited to pastries, fresh waffles and pancakes, curry, dim sum, noodles, egg station and unusual fruits such as custard apple and dragon fruit!
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Head to the bean bag sun loungers on the beach, they’re super comfortable and, if you’re lucky ,you may be there at the right time for staff handing out coconut ice lollies from a coconut shell during the afternoon.
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Raffles is home to the largest pool in Seychelles!
Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Six Senses Zil Pasyon is located on the private island of Félicité, one of the most outstandingly beautiful isles in the Seychelles. The hotel is the only one on the island and is made up of just 30 villas and 4 residences. Each villa gives the feeling of privacy and seclusion with plenty of space between you and your nearest neighbours.
From Rebecca:
- The rum and cigar tasting room above the restaurant houses the widest range of rums in the Indian Ocean.
- The hotel offers the option to enjoy breakfast from your room at no extra cost – I’d highly recommend the coconut pancakes with mango compote!
- The true sense of fun is found in elements throughout the resort; take the wooden bridge between two huge boulders to discover the Yoga Pavilion that awaits on the other side!
Four Seasons Desroches Island
The Four Seasons Resort on Desroches Island is perfectly situated between beautifully maintained tropical greenery and sandy white beaches. Here, privacy is of the utmost importance and is your chance to have a true Robinson Crusoe experience. The villa interiors have been crafted in a barefoot-chic style with exceptional attention to detail which seamlessly blends with the beachfront access leading down to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
From Rebecca:
- Enjoy a sunset cocktail and take in the incredible views from the restaurant within the former lighthouse.
- Meet the locals; giant tortoises roam free on Desroches Island!
- The resort organises movies and star gazing on the Island’s runway each week so be sure to check the timings of this during your stay.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles (Mahe Island)
With 67 free-standing villas ringed around the lush cove of Petite Anse on Mahe's southwest coast, the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles combines one of the island's most dramatically beautiful backdrops with the exclusive service and five-star credentials of the Four Seasons brand. Down on the beach front you’ll find the recreation and water sports pavilion which offers a range of activities including kayaking, snorkelling, catamaran sailing, boogie boarding and scuba diving.
From Rebecca:
- Head up to the spa area to take part in rooftop yoga or taste a sun downer cocktail with the most incredible views over the resort.
- The resort is set into a steep hillside but there will always be a buggy around to help you get about. The drivers even decorate their own buggy with fresh flowers each morning for an added personal touch!
Maia Resort & Spa
Maia is situated on its own private peninsular and surrounded by award winning tropical gardens. The private villas are beautifully appointed, and each has an outdoor dining area and private pool to enjoy. The Balinese-style Maia Spa has three individual, private open-air pavilions, which feature their own garden, changing rooms and showers. The Bali trained professional masseurs have numerous massages and treatments to offer during your stay.
From Rebecca:
- The main restaurant has five different menus for you to mix and match across different cuisines; Indian, Creole, Thai, Japanese, Mediterranean.
- Maia's 'Whatever, Whereever, Whenever' policy means you can enjoy true freedom during your trip. Meals can be served anywhere from the helipad, wine cellar or on your own private terrace - the choice is yours!
