The best hotels in the Seychelles on small islands

The Seychelles archipelago comprises 115 islands, of which only three are large, offering a choice of hotels and a vibrant modern life:

• The main island Mahé, where the capital of Seychelles - Victoria is located.
• Praslin - the second largest island of the Seychelles, famous for its unique nature and coco de mer palms.
• La Digue - an eco-island where there is practically no noise from civilization, but plenty of tropical nature and cozy bays.

But there are also exclusive resorts, not for everyone, where you can escape the world. Some of the small uninhabited islands of the Seychelles have been transformed into private resorts. And these are often luxurious places, in terms of lush nature and high-quality service.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Felicite Island

Much of this fantastic island is lush green jungle and picturesque cliffs. It is on these boulders that a luxury hotel rises, seamlessly woven into the Seychelles' natural beauty. The resort occupies about a third of Felicite; the rest of the island is wild and untouched. Just look at those stunning views!

Rooms: The villas are built with care and attention to detail, using natural materials throughout. The hotel offers 30 villas, mostly one-bedroom, but also two-bedroom. Choose from ocean views or garden views. One three-bedroom residence and two four-bedroom residences are also available. Each villa boasts a private pool and a cozy terrace. A personal butler is available.

Facilities: The property features an infinity pool next to the restaurant, several beaches with sun loungers, overwater hammocks, and rocky relaxation areas. The highlight of the local restaurants is their use of produce grown on this exotic island. There are two restaurants and three bars. The Chef's Kitchen offers guests a special dinner with a chef cooking demonstration. For gourmets, a wine cellar offers private dinners with wine tastings.

Leisure: Guests can explore the island, snorkel, dive (there's a PADI center), kayak, SUP, or fish. If you're feeling adventurous, you can head to Praslin's Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve or take a tour of La Digue Island. Hikers can enjoy hiking trails on the island. Cinematic Paradiso screens movies on the beach twice a week. There's a kids' club, and adults can relax in a massage villa or practice yoga.

How to get there: by helicopter from Mahé International Airport or by speedboat from Praslin or La Digue (20+20 minutes).

Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, Platte Island

There are only 50 villas on the small, remote island of Platte. The hotel occupies the entire island and is accessible only by private jet. It's an exclusive getaway with the utmost privacy.

Rooms: Stylish villas with every amenity. Options include one, two, and three-bedroom options, as well as one five-bedroom villa. Contemporary island design features exclusive villa decor and turtle-shell roofs. Rooms are finished with bamboo, shells, and terrazzo. The villas are set back from the shore to avoid disturbing sea turtle nesting sites. Private pools are located on a spacious terrace. Butler service is available.

Facilities: The island has three restaurants and three bars. Maison des Epices offers Creole-Latin fusion cuisine in the evening, with live cooking stations and grilled dishes. Moulin follows a "land-to-table" concept: it hosts cooking classes during the day and serves dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients in the evening. You can book a private dinner, enjoy floating food trays in the pool, have a picnic, or attend Creole cooking classes.

Leisure: Platte Island is a great spot for snorkeling. Activities available include bay walks, diving (PADI center), kayaking, SUP surfing, kite surfing, fly fishing, and deep-sea fishing. You can also go on a "blue safari" to watch dolphins and whales, or participate in coral replanting programs. The Waldorf Astoria Spa offers treatments using local ingredients. There's a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy. There are also clubs for children and teens.

How to get there: The island is 130 km from Mahé. The flight takes about 20 minutes.

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, Desroches Island

There is only one luxury hotel on the entire island, where you will have the opportunity to feed turtles and spend time in communion with nature.

Rooms: The hotel offers over 70 accommodation options, including beach villas and residences. The largest has 5 bedrooms. The luxurious villas feature private pools and large terraces with seating areas surrounded by tropical gardens. Bathrooms feature a Jacuzzi and open shower.

Facilities: Several restaurants, a spa, a kids' club, and a diving center. The restaurants offer exquisite seafood and steaks, and they also offer beach dinners.

Leisure: A wonderful spa, bicycles for exploring the island, and a buggy shuttle for exploring remote trails and beaches. Water activities include kayaking, SUP, and fishing. A kids' club is also available. Atmospheric evenings with open-air movie screenings, pétanque, and tennis are also available.

How to get there: By plane from Mahé, about 30 minutes.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

JA Enchanted Island Resort, Round Island

A small resort on the tiny island of Round Island in Sainte Anne Bay, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Mahé. One of the smallest and most luxurious private islands in the archipelago.

Rooms: Just 13 villas, incredibly cozy and secluded, each with its own pool and surrounded by greenery. The most luxurious villas are the Enchanted Signature and Owner's Signature: several bedrooms, an infinity pool, and direct beach access. The Owner's Signature villa has access to three beaches. Each villa includes a butler, a tropical garden shower, and all modern amenities.

Facilities: Restaurant, bar, spa, pool. Everything is very intimate and homely. The spa & wellness area is located on a hill, with magical spa pavilions overlooking the sea and a yoga room. The hotel serves signature cuisine with Creole accents and international dishes. Romantic dinners under the stars and beach picnics are available upon request.

Leisure: Complimentary water activities include snorkeling, kayaking, SUPs, and catamarans. Deep-sea fishing is also available.

How to get there: By boat from Mahé, approximately 10-15 minutes.

JA Enchanted Island Resort

Cerf Island Resort, Cerf Island

This secluded resort is located in the Sainte-Anne Marine Park, surrounded only by mangroves and jungle. It comprises just 24 villas, nestled in the green hills of the eastern part of Cerf Island.

Rooms: The villas are designed in authentic Creole style, very cozy and with a local flair. They feature a terrace and an outdoor shower.

Facilities: Two infinity pools, private beach. Despite the island's size, there's Le Spa Latanier, perched on a green hill. Authentic Creole cuisine is worth savoring at the restaurant. Light lunches, cocktails, and fresh juices are served by the infinity pool.

Leisure: Ecotourism, excellent snorkeling. There's a snorkel trail. Cerf also offers excellent diving in the marine park, island walks, and kayaking among the mangroves. Canoeing, windsurfing, catamarans, and beach picnics are available. Fishing trips and excursions to neighboring islands are also available.

How to get there: From Mahé, about 10 minutes by speedboat.

Cerf Island Resort

North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort

This is one of the most exclusive places on the planet. This private island has just 11 villas. It's not just a hotel, but a true eco-center dedicated to restoring the Seychelles' natural environment. Dense tropical forests, palm trees, and flowering shrubs open up on all sides: over 200 hectares of greenery with four beaches, private trails, and pristine nature.

Rooms: Very spacious and luxurious villas with pools and private beach access. Complete privacy. Each villa features several bedrooms, a cinema, an outdoor bath and shower, a kitchen, and 24-hour personal butler service.

Facilities: A large infinity pool, wine cellar, library, spa, and dive center. But the highlight is the island itself and its natural beauty. Organic farming is used on the island, so the food is environmentally friendly. All meals are included, including drinks.

Leisure: Diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, giant tortoise watching, and birdwatching. The hotel features a luxurious spa with sea views and luxurious treatments.

How to get there: Only by helicopter from Mahé, about 20 minutes.

North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort

Denis Private Island, Denis Island

A hotel offering luxurious service but with a unique concept. There's no internet access, ensuring guests' stay is as close to a complete recharge as possible.

Rooms: Authentic cottages are tucked away in the wild tropical greenery. Everything blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Even the handcrafted furniture is made entirely from fallen trees. The cottages are beautifully appointed and feature all the modern amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.

Facilities: Infinity pool, restaurant, and bar. The island serves Creole and international cuisine, and offers private romantic dinners and picnics. So much attention is paid to sustainability that there's even a farm where they grow more than just fruits and vegetables. The island is self-sufficient in eggs, meat, and milk.

Leisure: Snorkeling, diving, fishing, turtle and bird watching, and island walks. There's a spa pavilion offering relaxing massages and wellness treatments.

How to get there: by domestic flight from Mahé, the journey takes about 30 minutes.

Denis Private Island