1. Constance Ephelia
While the Seychelles certainly demands to be explored, part of the charm of Constance Ephelia is its elevated experiences in and around the resort, allowing guests to be entertained day and night. Set against a tropical paradise backdrop, guests can fly above the treetop canopy on a zip-wire, explore the beauty of its scenery on mountain biking trails, snorkel around the coastline, say sun salutations with a dawn yoga session, or simply soak up wholesome goodness at the U Spa Village. The hotel’s gastronomy blends a harmony of flavours all infused with a pinch of local finesse. For bedding down, the Family Villa is ideal for those travelling with kids in tow, while the Hillside Villa offers the ultimate romantic sanctuary away from it all.
2. Maia Luxury Resort & Spa
A favourite for couples looking to wed in provincial paradise, Maia Luxury Resort & Spa’s 12-acre hideaway on the South West coast is a romantic and faithful Seychellois escape. Located on a private leafy peninsula, you’re also guaranteed absolute privacy, while the hotel’s dedicated butlers’ intuitive service ensures even sky-high requests are catered to. With its ‘Whatever, Wherever, Whenever’ approach, food is served around the clock, while everything from Oriental to Creole can be found in the restaurant. It’s hard to advise where to bed down, as the 10 ocean-front villas and 20 panoramic villas each offer considered luxury. Wherever you end up, just remember to lie back and breathe in the hotel’s sweet smells of hibiscus, lemongrass, and cinnamon.
3. North island
Few things beat stepping foot onto your own private island, and North Island certainly knows how to up the ante. A lush, tropical island, flanked by giant granite peaks, its home to just a handful of private villas, 11 to be precise, offering the quintessence of unparalleled exclusivity. Crafted from local materials harvested during the island’s rehabilitation process, rough and smooth textures create a simple and sophisticated approach to what is essentially beautiful barefoot luxury. The one and only Villa North Island is perched on granite boulders at the far end of East Beach and set over a vast 750 square metres, giving you ample room to room free. Coming en masse? Then hire the whole island, and lay claim to North Island as your own.
4. Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Loved for the brand’s stripped-back luxury, Six Senses is a favourite with those who enjoy a more rustic approach to five-star hospitality. At Zil Pasyon, on the 652-acre Félicité Island, the resort continues to create exceptional experiences in places of incredible beauty. Most notable here is the introduction of the hotel’s private four-bedroom residence that sprawls over 1,416sqm. Virtually disconnected, its perched on the resort’s highest point, affording those who stay 360-views over, well, everything. Also worth noting is the resort’s ecological approach that puts habitat restoration at its heart. With ongoing projects to restore the island’s ecology and support its local flora and fauna, Zil Pasyon sets the bar high in eco-friendly travel.
5. Kempinski Resort Baie Lazare
For travellers looking to limit their impact whilst enjoying a little luxury, Kempinski Resort Baie Lazare has been recognised, for the fourth time, for its sustainable approach to business and hospitality, paving the way for a more eco-conscious vacation. The resort seamlessly marries the worlds of rustic splendour with a bold, vibrant style, whilst celebrating traditional Seychellois hospitality to anchor your experience. The on-site helipad provides the ultimate arrival, and if you can bear to tear yourself away from your bucolic hilltop room, the hotel’s giant tortoises, Pepe, Paris, Johnny and Jeanette, lead the way to yoga on the hill, a sandbank dinner, exceptional scuba-diving, and a spa inspired by the European cycle of the seasons.
6. JA Enchanted Island Resort
Recently named ‘World’s Leading Private Island Resort’ at the 2019 World Travel Awards, JA Enchanted Island Resort is riding high on the crest of its wave. But where there is calm, there is serenity, so the tag line goes for this resort, and here it would be hard to prove them wrong. Promising a wonderland of romantic dreams, there’s so much on offer. Think sunset catamaran cruises, scenic helicopter rides, private boat trips and bespoke barbecue dinners... JA Enchanted’s tailor-made itineraries focus on making your experiences exceed expectation. Once exhausted from all the adventure, lay your head down in an Enchanted Signature Villa with its private infinity pool, or in the unrivalled Owner’s Signature Villa.
