An Indian Ocean paradise famed for its white-sand beaches and luxurious private island resorts, the Seychelles is a striking 115-island archipelago with leafy jungles, delectable Creole cuisine and a fascinating history of diverse African, Asian and European influences. Accommodation options are wide-ranging. There are some lovely small hotels – as well as seriously impressive island resorts, with everything from heli-pads to villa plunge pools to private chefs. Whether you’re on the hunt for a wild hideaway on an isolated nature reserve, an active family holiday or an extraordinary honeymoon, the best places to stay in the Seychelles promise an idyllic tropical escape.
Mahé, the largest of the Seychelles islands, is a thriving hub of fabulous resorts, restaurants, shopping and lively nightlife. The majority of the country’s key cultural sites — including some great museums — are in Mahé, and the island’s dramatic jungle interior is wonderful to explore. Brimming with beautiful hotels and resorts, this is a top spot for those keen to explore the Seychelles Natural History Museum or to take guided historical tours, as well as to hike up verdant mountains and get out on the water.
Just 20 minutes’ flight from Mahé sits Praslin, the second-largest of the granite islands in the group. Lush and hilly, Praslin is much sleepier than its bigger neighbour, and is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles. Home to myriad flora and fauna — the rare Seychelles Black Parrot is particularly admired — Praslin also boasts the Vallée de Mai National Park and World Heritage Site, ideal for hikes and wildlife-spotting. Enjoy the tranquility of your hotel, or drive from one beautiful beach to another: the island’s small size means that any destination is no more than an hour away.
La Digue, the archipelago’s next-most inhabited island (home to just 2800 people), boasts yet more beautiful beaches, many of which can only be accessed on foot. With limited and fairly unobtrusive infrastructure, this is a marvellously mellow place to soak up the sunshine, white sand and swaying palm trees.
There is magic to be found, too, on the stunning private island resorts for which the Seychelles is most celebrated. This Indian Ocean paradise is a haven for sun-worshippers, romantic honeymooners, foodies, water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers eager to discover the brilliant biodiversity of its lush jungles and startlingly clear waters. From eco-retreats and pampering spa resorts, to self-catering beachfront apartments and charming Creole villas, the best places to stay in the Seychelles offer island luxury at its finest — never far from a postcard-perfect pristine coral beach.
The Best Places to Stay in the Seychelles
For Romance
- Le Domaine de l’Orangerie is a beautifully-designed resort on picturesque La Digue, with verdant tropical gardens and a striking stretch of private beach. The 128 suites and villas are smart, stylish and intimate, and the organic architecture blends with the landscape. Pick this place for fabulous food and a lovely spa — a romantic couples’ escape in wonderful surroundings.
- Cousine Island is a romantic hideaway, with just six French colonial-style villas on a lush private island. Think private pools, sumptuous bedrooms, sea-facing verandahs, Creole cooking classes, guided hikes, diving and a restorative spa. An enchanting island paradise for couples and honeymooners.
- Raffles Seychelles is a slick, super-chic luxury hotel with 86 rooms and villas on the Baie Sainte Anne in Praslin. Highlights include a spa, private plunge pools and an excellent sushi restaurant. A sleek, contemporary choice for well-heeled couples.
- The H Resort Beau Vallon offers 100 beautiful suites and villas, decorated in a Creole colonial style, facing the only beach in Mahé where the sea is swimmable all year round. A lovely choice for romantic couples, this spot boasts a spa, several restaurants and a real focus on sustainability. Book an indulgent villa for extra privacy, and explore the best of Mahé from this brilliant location.
- Fregate Private Island Resort is the ultimate luxury hideaway. Nestled on an island sanctuary bursting with fascinating flora and fauna, 16 beautifully-appointed villas offer everything from infinity pools to private chefs. With seven gorgeous beaches, a peaceful spa, guided conservation hikes and a private yacht club, this is an escape to remember. The private chapel makes this a top spot for intimate weddings!
- JA Enchanted Island Resort is a private island getaway in the Saint Anne Marine Park with just ten Creole-style villas. Picture wooden beams on the ceilings, relaxed rattan armchairs and beautiful ocean views from the infinity pool. A private, tranquil paradise with a Castaway bar, calming spa and lots of activities out on the water. An intimate choice for couples keen on traditional Creole architecture.
- Le Domaine de la Réserve offers charming individually-designed rooms, suites and villas on a beautiful stretch of Praslin coastline. A romantic boutique spot with one of the largest pools in the Seychelles, relaxed restaurant-bars and a great spa, this is an excellent pick for sandy-toed amblers keen to explore striking Anse Petite Cour. A couples’ beach getaway.
For an eco-escape
- North Island offers the epitome of barefoot luxury, in the form of just 11 thatched villas created using natural materials. A private island hideaway with a strong sustainable ethos, this is an excellent choice for those eager to explore the Seychelles’ oceans and jungles, as well as its beaches.
- La Belle Tortue is a collection of just six villas and a boutique-style eco-lodge, hidden behind the lush, tropical vegetation of Silhouette Island, a protected reserve. A wonderfully private choice, the lodge caters to up to 15 guests at any one time, with a relaxed, beachy vibe. Watch the sunset from the jacuzzi and savour your catch of the day for supper.
- Denis Private Island encourages guests to forget the world beyond this verdant Indian Ocean oasis. Trade phone signal, wifi and cable television for luxurious contemporary cottages, nature walks and enchanting white sand beaches. The hotel’s eco vision extends to the island’s farm, too, where the food served in the elegant restaurant has been grown, raised and harvested. An intimate pick for foodies and nature lovers.
- Bird Island Lodge boasts 24 simple but spacious chalets on an old converted plantation just off Mahé. Wood-furnished rooms have lots of space for families, and the vibe is lovely and laid-back. Choose this place for a focus on nature and conservation: spot tropical birds and tortoises as you stroll along nature trails, and head out kayaking, snorkelling or fishing. Perfect for lovers of the great outdoors.
For a spa
- Banyan Tree Seychelles is tucked amidst 286 acres of tropical hillside jungle in the south of Mahé, promising one of the most private locations on the island. The 60 generously-proportioned villas fuse contemporary comforts with statement Asian antiques, and many come with private pools and striking sea views. The Asian spa is the real highlight: treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage in a hillside pavilion before strolling down to the beach for cocktails.
- Maia Luxury Resort & Spa's 60 thatched villas come complete with their own infinity pools, whilst private butlers are on-hand to anticipate guests’ requests. Explore 30 acres of gardens, stroll along the white sand beach, and treat yourself to a pampering afternoon with exclusive Omorovicza products at the Balinese-style spa, nestled in three thatched pavilions. A serene and luxurious spa hotel.
For golfers
- Constance Lemuria is a beautiful beachfront resort on Praslin, with a particularly impressive spa. Reserve a luxurious suite with its own massage pavilion, sauna and jacuzzi and soak up wonderful surroundings and superb facilities. The hotel’s 18-hole championship golf course is the only one in the Seychelles — making this a top choice for golfers!
For Boutique Bliss
- Le Château de Feuilles is a five-star hotel with just nine smart suites, offering exposed stone walls, beautiful sea views and a lovely spa. A romantic retreat with access to its own private island — 20 minutes away by boat — this hideaway’s Praslin location also means you’re well-placed for fishing, snorkelling and diving trips with local operators.
- Dhevatara Beach Hotel offers ten boutique suites at Grand’Anse on Praslin. Airy, open-plan suites are decorated in a traditional Seychellois style, and many have balconies with sea views. Tuck into delicious dishes at the Creole restaurant, sip cocktails at the bar, and head out to great nearby kayaking, fishing and snorkelling spots. An intimate, grown up choice.
- Carana Beach Hotel boasts a stylish, youthful vibe, with 40 contemporary chalets decorated in calming blue-and-cream tones. Unwind at the small spa, embark upon dives and sunset horseback rides, or gaze out at the beach from your private plunge pool. The gourmet fare at Lorizon restaurant is a big plus. A great boutique hotel for couples!
- L'Archipel offers 32 minimalist rooms and suites in a secluded spot on the north-east coast of Praslin. A relaxed, friendly small hotel with two Creole restaurants.
For Families
- Constance Ephelia is a chic Mahé-based resort, with 313 rooms and villas nestled amidst lagoons and swaying palms on a long sandy cove. This is a great pick for active families, with a fun Kids’ Club, water sports aplenty, and a whole array of restaurants and bars to sample — with dedicated kids’ menus, of course.
- Four Seasons Seychelles at Desroches Island is a stunning resort with 67 luxurious rooms, suites and villas dotted around a private island. Multi-bedroom villas with private pools are an excellent family pick. Parents will adore the soothing spa and the beachfront bar, whilst the tortoise sanctuary, open-air movie nights and wealth of water sports will be a sure-fire hit with the kids. Get the whole family back to nature with the Discovery Centre and guided snorkelling.
- Kempinski Seychelles Resort is a beautiful beach resort with 148 rooms and suites on the Baie Lazare. Luxurious rooms have a fresh, contemporary feel, and face lush tropical gardens, with beach or lagoon views. Facilities and activities include impressive hilltop yoga, a superb spa, hikes, and dedicated surf and diving centres — great for beginners and experienced ocean-goers. A perfect resort pick for active couples or families with older kids.
- Six Senses Zil Pasyon is a private, tropical island hideaway with a collection of 30 sleek rooms, suites and villas. Expect beautiful beaches, striking hiking trails meandering through the wild vegetation, and a lovely spa. Four-bedroom villas, stacks of activities and a fun kids’ club make this a great private island pick for families.
For great value
- Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel is a beautiful, contemporary oceanfront hotel on the island of La Digue. There’s a choice of blue-and-white rooms or villas, a great seafood restaurant and a pool just steps from the ocean. A charming small hotel, very reasonably priced for what it offers.
- Treasure Island Retreat, in Anse Kerlan on Praslin, features four modern self-catering apartments and one studio in a brilliant beach location. Apartments have fully-equipped kitchens, open-plan dining and balconies or terraces with striking sea views. A relaxed, great value choice.
For an Apartment or Villa
- If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Fly to Seychelles International Airport, near Victoria. There are regular flights between Mahé and Pralin, as well as daily flights from Mahé to Bird Island, Denis Island, Fregate Island, Desroches Island and Alphonse Island. Speak to your hotel to arrange transport from the International Airport.
- You can also opt to charter a helicopter or plane, or to take a ferry. Again, your hotel should be happy to help!
- Depending on where you are staying, there’s lots to explore by road on the larger islands. If you would like to hire a car, we suggest that you contact our online partner Rentalcars.
- The Seychelles are a year-round destination, with the hotter wet season falling between November and March, and the cooler dry season from May to September. April and November mark the annual shifts in weather, when the winds are changing direction.
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