The top 6 hotels in the Seychelles: paradise retreats in the heart of the Indian Ocean, worth visiting for vacation
The beautiful Indian Ocean archipelago has long had a reputation as a superb exotic destination with a touch of elitism. Its otherworldly beauty, luxurious resorts, and the best hotels in Seychelles attract travelers from all over the world. And although this destination is not a budget-friendly option, Seychelles still remains a magnet for lovers of paradise. Many islands in the archipelago remain undeveloped by humans, presenting the same view as they did a million years ago. Some are protected nature reserves.
The inner islands of the archipelago are covered with forests and surrounded by incredibly beautiful beaches. The outlying islands are small groups of coral atolls. For a long time, the Seychelles had mainly small local hotels and modest inns. However, in the 1990s, the government began actively attracting foreign investment, leading to the emergence of international hotel brands on the islands. These are the modern favorites for travelers.
In this ranking, you'll find the most luxurious hotels in Seychelles, personally vetted by Condé Nast Traveler editors. Consult their expertise to plan your perfect tropical vacation.
1. Six Senses Zil Pasyon
This beautiful hotel is located on the private island of Felicite with delightful beaches in the Seychelles archipelago. They are surrounded by coral and massive granite cliffs, creating a dramatic landscape of eternal tropical summer. The resort is accessible from Mahe International Airport by helicopter or boat. The island is managed by a trusted team of specialists who do their utmost to preserve its ecological integrity. Work is being done here to restore native plant and bird species, as well as the endangered hawksbill turtle population.
Situated within a protected national park, the hotel offers 28 pool villas for its guests. There are residences with 1 to 4 bedrooms, inspiring designs, and views of the blue Indian Ocean. The villas are surrounded by lush vegetation, resembling charming treehouses. They have terraces and outdoor dining areas, air-conditioning, and private wine cellars.
Many locally popular hotels offer eclectic cuisine based on Seychelles' cultural heritage. Six Senses Zil Pasyon has six unique restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. Also on-site is the Six Senses Spa with an extensive menu of holistic health, beauty, and rejuvenation treatments, sauna, steam baths, meditation and yoga pavilion, and saltwater pool. Guests' leisure activities are centered on the surrounding excellent beaches. There are also hiking trails and opportunities to visit neighboring islands for golfing and exploring the Valle de Mai Park.
2. North Island
Another of the most exclusive hotels in Seychelles is located on the private North Island. It consists of 11 villas scattered along the pristine coastline, surrounded by 200 hectares of lush natural beauty. Each villa has 450 square meters, private small pools, and direct access to the beach. The white sands and turquoise waters provide guests with a multitude of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, fishing, and sunset cruises. In addition to water adventures, you can explore the tropical trails or go buggy and biking.
Outdoor activities are followed by a 45-meter landscaped pool overlooking the Indian Ocean and the La Vie by Goldhands Spa, where you can indulge in scrubs, wraps, massages, and beauty treatments. Next to the spa, there is a gym where you can do your workout with a beautiful ocean view. Activities for children are organized on the grounds: there is a playground, arts and crafts area, swings, trampoline, and a jungle gym.
Popular hotels in Seychelles provide an unrivaled level of generosity, especially in terms of cuisine. North Island goes the same way: Piazza Restaurant offers a superb private candlelit dinner by the ocean, while Sunset Beach Bar offers a variety of tapas-style barbecue appetizers and sunset cocktails.
3. Four Seasons resort at Desroches Island
The only thing that will distract you from the tranquility of this luxury resort hotel is the birdsong and the ocean breeze. On the coral island of Deroche, this Four Seasons global member, one of the most renowned hotels in the Seychelles, is the only resort. A stay here will provide guests with a unique experience, from turtle feeding and water sports to wellness treatments and Creole cooking lessons. The 14 kilometers of white sand beaches will be your playground for adventures on land and water. Start the day with sunrise yoga, attend a cocktail-making workshop, taste local rum, explore the island on a guided bike ride and see fields of coconut palms, go diving and fishing, or take a day trip to see manta rays - there is an adventure for everyone at this resort.
Several accommodation options are available to guests. For couples seeking privacy, villas with spacious terraces and pools overlooking the lush gardens are available. Families with small children or groups of adults may find suites with pools, terraces, and direct access to the beach. Larger families or companies can rent residences with fully equipped kitchens, private pools, outdoor living areas, and tropical gardens, as well as access to the pristine beach.
There are two on-site restaurants and a lounge bar near the beach. But the usual dining experience at Seychelles' most famous hotels can easily become a grand event: go fishing and then enjoy your catch on a barbecue in your villa, have an intimate romantic dinner on a marina under the stars or atop a lighthouse with panoramic ocean views.
4. Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels and Resorts
This secluded hideaway, which regularly features on lists of the top-rated hotels in Seychelles, is located on the southern coast of Mahé. The white sand beaches, calm crystal waters, and lush flora set the tone for a local vacation. Mango House was originally the home of Gian Paolo Barbieri, one of the world's most famous photographers. Born in Milan, he had a particular passion for traveling, which led him to the Seychelles, where he built this magnificent home. It now operates as a boutique resort under the management of LXR Hotels & Resorts.
There are 41 rooms prepared for guests: premium, suites, and 1 or more bedroom homes. All rooms have ocean views and sunny pools, some also have swimming pools. The menus at the hotel's five restaurants offer a variety of tastes: indulge in Italian delights at Muse, creative sushi and Japanese wines at Azido, Creole cuisine at Moutya and unforgettable cocktails at Kokoye, or dine at Soley by the pool.
Other hotel amenities include three sparkling pools, a fitness center, and a health spa. No need to worry about other adventures: the concierge service of top hotels like Mango House will take care of organizing activities and entertainment in Seychelles, from snorkeling and surfing to wetland tours and forest treks.
5. Denis Island
A tiny dot in the Indian Ocean of just 375 acres surrounded by delightful white sand hides one of the finest hotels in Seychelles. Here you can discover a forgotten image of luxury and fully immerse yourself in nature: you won't find cell phone service, in-room internet, or cable TV here. Nothing should distract you from the surrounding beauty, delicious food, and island adventures.
The hotel consists of 23 cottages and villas, separated from each other by lush vegetation for complete privacy. The spacious rooms have exquisitely simple décor, furniture, and wooden floors from a local workshop and open-air bathrooms. Each cottage has a coffee machine, mini-fridge, air conditioning, and a garden patio. Guests are offered 4 categories of accommodation. Beach cottages feature a furnished veranda and provide access to a private beach with sun loungers. Deluxe cottages also have charming gazebos with daybeds in the front garden. Even more luxurious options include cottages with a private massage pavilion or a beach villa with its own small pool, a dining pavilion steps from the beach, and outdoor seating areas.
The hotel provides a free buffet breakfast and a poolside bar, while the on-site restaurant serves international cuisine.
6. Alphonse Island, Outer Islands
One of the most beautiful hotels, a true pristine paradise located in the heart of the Indian Ocean in the outer islands of the Seychelles archipelago, 250 miles southwest of Mahé. The Alphonse Atoll group is one of the unspoiled paradises ideal for nature lovers. There are miles of immaculate beaches, picturesque lagoons, and a sea: everything you need for a romantic getaway and an idyllic beach vacation is present.
Beach bungalows, lodges, and villas at the water's edge are prepared to accommodate guests. The remote accommodation and serene atmosphere of a good Seychelles hotel will make you feel like you are the only people on a deserted island and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing vacation.
The 22 beach bungalows are located on the east coast of the island, sleeping two adult guests and 1 child. Each has an outdoor rain shower and an indoor bathtub, a mini-bar, and a coffee machine. The patio is the perfect place to enjoy a drink at the end of the day while admiring the beautiful sunset over the ocean. The five spacious villas have one bedroom, a large living room with a sofa bed, and an additional guest bathroom. Villa guests can relax by the private pool with lounge chairs on the large terrace or at a patio table. There are also two beach retreats on the island, sleeping up to 8 adults and 2 children, with 4 double rooms, a spacious living and dining area, a terrace with a private pool, a large kitchen, and an entertainment area.