Ultimate luxury Seychelles: sun, sand and serenity

Mother nature was generous when creating the Seychelles- an idyllic archipelago of islands, scattered across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean like a necklace of precious stones. So beautiful is this cluster of islands, that early explorers thought they’d stumbled upon the Garden of Eden. With its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, this paradise has long been a dream destination for luxury travellers. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a perfect blend of both, the Seychelles delivers.

Exploring Mahé: rainforests, culture, and Creole cuisine

A hike up Morne Blanc in Morne Seychellois National Park is the perfect way to start your journey. As you ascend through the cool, misty rainforest, you’re surrounded by towering tree ferns, the rustle of leaves, and the calls of exotic birds. At the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Mahé, where the emerald-green jungle meets the dazzling blues of the Indian Ocean. The white-tailed tropicbirds swoop through the sky, and in the distance, tiny islands dot the horizon like scattered jewels.

Back at sea level, stroll through Victoria – home to 25,000 people and with just two traffic lights, this is one of the world’s smallest capital cities. Despite its size, Victoria is rich in history and culture, with charming 18th and 19th-century colonial architecture, the colourful Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Hindu Temple, and the lively Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market, where you can sample fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and local spices. Pass by the silver-painted Victoria Clocktower, a replica of London’s Little Ben, though the Seychelles version famously didn’t work for the first 96 years of its life, though now strikes twice an hour, as if trying to make up for lost time!

To escape the midday heat, head to the Seychelles Botanical Gardens and wander through the lush greenery. You’ll find more than 280 different plant species here, including the suggestively shaped, endemic Coco de Mer palms, an icon of the Seychelles. The gardens are home to a tiny patch of rainforest where fruit bats roost, and also a giant Aldabra tortoise enclosure, where some of the inhabitants are over 100 years old!

For a taste of authentic Creole cuisine, book a table at Marie Antoinette Restaurant. Housed in a charming wood and iron colonial-style building, with a steep red roof, polished wooden staircase, wide verandas, and shuttered windows. This historic eatery has been serving Seychellois favourites since 1972. The recipes are a well-kept secret, but expect delights like grilled red snapper, parrotfish fritters, Creole curries, and tangy mango salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even find fruit bat curry on the menu—but after seeing them in the Botanical Gardens, you may prefer to stick to seafood!

Luxury and conservation at Four Seasons Seychelles

After a day of exploring, retreat to the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, a secluded haven on the southern peninsula of Mahé. Tucked into the hillside overlooking Petite Anse Bay, this resort offers a blend of barefoot luxury and environmental conservation. Each villa boasts a private infinity pool and a stunning ocean view, making it the ideal spot to unwind.

The Four Seasons has partnered with WiseOceans to create a marine discovery program that’s focused on coral reef restoration. Guests can participate in conservation efforts by helping transplant coral fragments back onto the reef. So far, over 5,000 corals have been grown, and more than 3,500 visitors have taken part in the initiative.

Snorkelling in Petite Anse Bay is a must. Glide over vibrant coral formations and swim among schools of butterflyfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, angelfish, stingrays and even the occasional octopus – an unforgettable underwater experience.

Indulge in a spa treatment at the Four Seasons Hilltop Spa, where breathtaking views over Petite Anse Bay enhance the sense of tranquillity. The scents of coconut, sea kelp, and tropical flowers fill the air as skilled therapists work their magic, leaving you completely rejuvenated.

Island-hopping in the Seychelles

One of the best ways to experience the Seychelles is by island-hopping. Praslin, the second-largest island, is home to the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO-listed nature reserve with prehistoric scenery and rare wildlife. Anse Lazio, with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, is frequently ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches.

From Praslin, take a short boat ride to La Digue, a car-free island where bicycles are the preferred mode of transport. Here you’ll find Anse Source d’Argent, famous for its giant granite boulders and powdery white sand. For an exclusive snorkelling experience, visit the uninhabited island of St Pierre, where colourful fish dart among the coral reefs.

Fine dining and turtles at Waldorf Astoria Platté Island

For a sublime off-the-beaten-path escape, Platté Island offers a level of seclusion rarely found elsewhere. Home to the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Seychelles, this island is a sanctuary for nesting hawksbill turtles, manta rays, and reef sharks, and the underwater seagrass meadows surrounding the island are some of the best preserved in the Indian Ocean, perfect for year-round turtle grazing. The resort’s marine conservation centre ensures the island remains a pristine paradise.

The Waldorf stamp of opulence is everywhere on Platté Island, from the lavish villas to the signature Parisian-inspired Peacock Terrace, where island-roasted coffee and unique tea blends are served. The champagne bar is the spot to head as the sun goes down and there’s a luxurious spa with an impressive menu of therapeutic treatments. For foodies, there’s everything you could desire, with restaurant options ranging from seafood to Creolatino food and a sensational fine-dining restaurant with a garden-to-table vegetarian menu (with carnivore options).

A taste of the Seychelles

End your trip on a high note with a visit to the Takamaka Rum Distillery, located on the historic La Plaine St. André Estate. Sample an array of locally crafted rums infused with true Seychellois flavours. The distillery tour offers insight into the history of rum-making in the Seychelles, and a tasting session ensures you leave in ‘good spirits’.

When to visit the Seychelles

For the best weather, visit between April–May or October–November, when the seas are calm and ideal for snorkelling and diving. If you want to witness turtle nesting, visit between October and December, while January to March is the best time to see hatchlings emerge. The whale shark migration occurs from October to November, and birdwatchers will enjoy spotting migratory species in September and October.

Planning your dream Seychelles getaway

The Seychelles is more than just a tropical paradise; it’s a destination that seamlessly combines luxury, adventure, and conservation. Whether you’re relaxing in a private villa, exploring underwater worlds, or savouring Creole cuisine, this island nation offers an unforgettable escape.

Who you plan your travels with really does make a difference. For 25 years Mahlatini Luxury Travel has been crafting bespoke African getaways. They are committed to creating positive change through travel, and with that in mind have long supported conservation projects and community initiatives throughout the continent. Mahlatini has recently been the first independent African specialist tour operator to become B Corp™ certified – the ‘B’ standing for ‘benefit for all’, and a guarantee that they’ve been verified as meeting high standards for social and environmental impact.  By planning your trip with Mahlatini, you’ll know your journey will contribute to the well-being of the communities you visit and the conservation of the environments and wildlife you encounter.

The Seychelles is a paradise of islands, scattered like gemstones across the ocean, the perfect mix of secluded beaches, swaying palm trees, warm azure waters, abundant marine life, and a vibrant culture. For now, it’s goodbye, until we meet again, or as they say in Seychellois creole “orevwar, ziska nou zwenn ankor”!

Sarah Kingdom

Sarah Kingdom is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. When she is not climbing or traveling, she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia.