Paradise. Mahé and Desroches
For one of the smallest countries in the world, the Seychelles is packed full of beauty, tranquility and adventure. Made up of over 100 individual islands differentiated by either mountainous granitic or flat Coralline, you will undoubtedly leave wanting to experience more.
We split our time between Mahé, the main island in the Seychelles and Desroches, a coralline island set on the outskirts of a submerged crater, a swift 35 minute flight from Mahé.
Our time across both islands was spent in the company of Four Seasons. FS Seychelles is scattered along Petite Anse beach on the west coast of Mahé. Luxury private pool villas overlook the sprawling turquoise bay exuding oceanfront bliss. Set amongst a lush mountainous backdrop this incredible hotel includes four bars and restaurants, a sky high spa and a huge range of activities. From snorkelling the vivid colours of the coral reef to adrenaline filled water sports, rock climbing and even their own driving range.
Our one bed ocean-view villa sat high above the rest. With exquisite views over the peaceful bay and lush vegetation that fell perfectly between the villas giving natural privacy in a way that made it feel as though you were the only ones on the resort. During our 2 night stay we were indulged by a couples massage, in-villa floral bath and a taste of the Seychelles with traditional Creole cuisine.
Day 3 we flew to Desroches private island.
Desroches is sublime. What else can we say. A coralline island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by endless blues, crystal clear waters and white sandy shores. It’s the epitome of serenity.
A short buggy ride from the islands private runway whisks you away to your own little slice of island paradise. The castaways villas are rustic in natural appearance yet deluxe in FS amenities. An intimate retreat with private pool and access to the beach that the entire 14km island is fringed with.
The island is only home to the FS resort, a ICS Tortoise sanctuary and a small cluster of privately owned villas. The rest is left relatively untouched and uninhabited. Many of the flat coralline islands are largely waterless and very few have a resident population. So it’s no wonder that here you can really detach from the world and experience true paradise.
During your time on the island you are equipped with bicycles to roam freely, ours came complete with a baby bicycle seat. You’re able to cycle around the entire island making stops at many of the secluded beaches, riding through the acres of soaring palm trees and passing the Aldabra tortoises that inhabit the Seychelles.
A visit to the ICS Tortoise Sanctuary is a must. They explain how the giant Aldabra is sadly the only species still remaining in the Indian Ocean parameter. It has been brought from near extinction to over a 100,000 population and growing, which is fantastic. You are able to feed them, learn about them as a species and take a walk with them as they meander around the sanctuary.
One thing’s for sure, the Seychelles have incredible sunsets and 3 times a week they offer a sunset bbq dinner at the castaway beach. We were blessed with the most amazing sunset and delicious bbq food. You can opt for either a meat platter including chicken, lamb and steak or a seafood platter including whole fish of the day, lobster and tiger prawns. Served alongside multiple salads and sides, It is not to be missed.
A dinner at The Lighthouse is also a must. We sampled sushi, sashimi, black cod and rib eye steak followed by lemon tart and chocolate delice. It was a meal we won’t forget for a very long time. Add to that you’re dining in either the base of a lighthouse or under the stars listening to the ocean roll in in the lighthouse grounds, such a magical evening.
There’s no end to the list of activities and experiences you can encounter whilst on the island. When there are no flights scheduled, Four Seasons use the private runway to host activities such as sunset yoga. Other experiences include a beach picnic at the Madam Zabre beach. Chances are you will have this remote beach to yourselves as you wind away the hours in a cabana, surrounded by palm trees and platters of good food.
After 6 days that seemed to pass by in the blink of an eye yet slowly and serenely at the same time, we were headed back to Mahé then onto Dubai. We had a long lay over so FS Seychelles very kindly transported us back to their resort in between and gave us a villa for the day. Very handy and greatly appreciated when travelling with kids.
Thanks to the incredibly accommodating, efficient and welcoming staff at both FS Seychelles and FS Desroches. As you say it’s not goodbye it’s see you soon!