You don’t need a private yacht to explore the Seychelles – but it certainly wouldn’t feel out of place. From the powdery sands of Praslin to the secluded luxury of Félicité Island, this Indian Ocean archipelago offers an indulgent escape that rivals any on the planet.
From the air, the Seychelles’ 115 islands look scattered in clusters, loosely tethered to the earth’s crust. Alphonse, a heart-shaped atoll with an airstrip down its centre, appears as if it’s floating on turquoise waters alone – a giant lilo set adrift. Mahé (the largest island) stands sentinel over the archipelago. Its granite hills, draped in forested green, descend into turquoise bays.
If you’re seeking a mix of culture and luxury, Mahé’s tiny capital, Victoria is a vibrant hub with its Creole markets and jungle-covered peaks. Close by, the Eden Bleu Hotel offers a sleek, modern retreat. Its rim flow pool appears to empty into a marina where yachts bob in a tranquil rhythm. Here, the Presidential Suite offers the pinnacle of luxury with elevated views across the water, two lounges, a master suite, as well as a dining room and a study.
— Eden Bleu Hotel
Across the island, Beau Vallon Beach is the most famous stretch of sand – a long, golden curve framed by granite boulders and lush hills. On its shore, the five-star Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa boasts the largest swimming pool in the Seychelles, a sparkling 700-metre oasis, and a lineup of restaurants serving everything from local to international favourites. A private dinner or breakfast at the water’s edge or excursions to dive or snorkel among rainbow-coloured parrotfish and shoals of blue damsels are easily arranged.
— Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa at Beau Vallon Beach
At the five-star Constance Lemuria, on Praslin, fairways roll toward the sea at the Seychelles’ only 18-hole championship golf course. More relaxed than flashy, the hotel’s unhurried rhythm invites guests to tee off at sunrise, snorkel with tropical fish after lunch, and watch turtles hatch by moonlight.
— Constance Lemuria, on Praslin
Car-free La Digue Island is home to the exquisite Anse Source d’Argent beach, while six kilometres away on the private island of Félicité, you’ll find the exclusive Six Senses Zil Pasyon resort. Elevated beachfront villas with infinity pools, a clifftop spa, and a focus on sustainability create a serene and secluded retreat. It’s no surprise sanctuaries like this are favoured by celebrities and royalty.
— Six Senses Zil Pasyon resort
Whether it’s waking to the sound of waves on a private atoll, diving in gin-clear waters, or unwinding in a retreat framed by jungle and granite boulders, Seychelles delivers the kind of barefoot luxury that feels both indulgent and remote.
