Remote private islands, dramatic granite rock formations, cinematic clifftop views, endless stretches of perfect powdery white sand, crystal-clear warm waters and stunning sunsets await you in the Seychelles. Many of the 115 islands are uninhabited and waiting to be explored, while others are home to exclusive and truly sublime resorts only reachable by yacht, seaplane, or helicopter. There’s a reason why we recommend this petite paradise for many of our honeymooners, though we also love the Seychelles for once-in-a-lifetime family getaways, and special celebrations to commemorate those we love. Escape to a tropical nirvana located 1,000 miles off the coast of mainland Africa, where gentle giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely, barefoot luxury reigns, and time stands still… Our founder Mark Lakin has scouted the Seychelles extensively and can create your perfect journey from his own vast personal experience.
1. What Is Unique About the Seychelles’ Geology?
Unlike most tropical islands, the inner Seychelles are neither volcanic peaks nor coral reefs. They are fragments of an ancient continent. The granite on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue formed deep underground roughly 750 million years ago, when this land was part of the supercontinent Gondwana. As Gondwana broke apart, the Seychelles drifted with India, finally splitting from Madagascar about 85 million years ago.
Some 20 million years later, the volcanic activity that created India’s Deccan Traps pulled India away and left the Seychelles stranded in the Indian Ocean as a microcontinent. Then, millions of years of rain and sea sculpted the exposed granite into the smooth, rounded boulders that frame its beaches. The outer islands are much younger: low, flat coral islands and atolls that grew from reefs, home to the world’s largest population of giant Aldabra tortoises.
2. What Are the Best Luxury Resorts in the Seychelles?
Our founder, Mark Lakin, named to Travel + Leisure’s A-List every year since 2015, has stayed at most of these properties. Where he has, he shares what he loves most.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Formerly the home of a Malaysian sultan and a coconut farmer, this private island hideaway is as enchanting as it sounds. Palm thatched villas are built seamlessly into thick jungle and ocean-smoothed granite boulders. Bottomless jugs of fresh juice are sourced from on-site gardens with more variety of mango than you can count on one hand. Creole lobster, grilled seafood, and passionfruit cocktails on tap, to be enjoyed after a dip in the elevated saltwater pool, restorative yoga on the clifftop pavilion, or a relaxing afternoon from your oversized hammock above the sea.
What Mark Loves: The sexy sustainable design and the glass-bottomed pools in the multi-room residences.
Anantara Maia
Welcome to a Bill Bensley-designed hideaway on a private peninsula. 30 luxurious villas flanked by lush flora and herb-filled gardens offer exceptional space, sprawling uninterrupted views, and a dedicated host from beginning to end. Indulge in a deep tissue massage on an alfresco treatment pavilion nestled in the jungle. Take a day trip to a nearby quaint island where locals travel by bicycle and ox-cart. Discover protected species in their natural habitat, be in awe of aquatic wonders, and be sure to take advantage of the “Beyond All Inclusive” policy.
What Mark Loves: Perfect views of the white sand crescent beach from the bathtub that literally sits within your own private infinity pool.
North Island
Dubbed the celebrity honeymoon destination, North Island is beloved not only for its striking beauty but for its efforts to protect the privacy of its A-listers. Pristine coastline, soft sands, picturesque beaches, and just 11 ocean-view villas can be found here. Each thatched villa, made of reclaimed wood and local stone, offers 5,000 square feet of luxurious living, complete with sunken marble baths, outdoor showers, and plunge pools. Opt for a romantic dinner at the top of the lighthouse served with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean or stay in-villa and enjoy a meal prepared by a private chef in your en-suite kitchen.
What Mark Loves: North Island has the highest density of nesting Green Turtles of all the inner islands of the Seychelles. Here, you can participate in revealing sea turtle nests and clearing a pathway for tiny hatchlings to embark on their first journey into the ocean.
Four Seasons Desroches
From tortoise feeding to water sports and island explorations, to wellness experiences and Creole cooking classes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on Desroches. Pair activities with pure relaxation – watch the ebb and flow of waves from a hammock strung between two palm trees or toast the island sunset from your private terrace.
What Mark Loves: This private coral island is surrounded by 14 world-class dive sites – ranging from secret passages to spectacular reef walls.
Alphonse Island
This remote atoll remains largely untouched, featuring unspoiled beaches, lush vegetation, and thriving coral reefs. Alphonse is a haven for nature lovers seeking an authentic and undisturbed tropical paradise. Globally renowned for its exceptional saltwater fly fishing as one of the world’s most pristine marine ecosystems. The surrounding atolls are home to incredibly large populations of Bonefish, Triggerfish, Barracuda, Snapper, Grouper, Indo-Pacific Permit, Parrotfish, Trevally, and Milkfish!
Don’t Miss: Alphonse Island is a year-round home to a few pods of spinner dolphins – swimming alongside them in the wild is the thrill of a lifetime.
Four Seasons Mahé
Luxury villas and residences akin to extravagant tree houses boast infinity pools, outdoor rain showers, large sunken bathtubs, expansive living areas, gourmet kitchens, and sweeping views over Petite Anse. Spend your days in and out of turquoise waters, find bliss at the hilltop spa, or hike the lush Morne Seychellois National Park. Gratis water sports like kayaking and snorkeling let you explore the bay, while fishing and diving excursions take you further out toward the expansive blue horizon.
What Mark Loves: The most family-friendly option with one of the best spas in the archipelago.
Cheval Blanc Seychelles
LVMH’s first Seychelles maison is the only resort on Anse Intendance, on Mahé’s southern coast. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, its 52 villas sit on the beachfront or on stilts in the hillside jungle, each with its own 12.5-meter infinity pool. Dine at Le 1947, a sister to the three-Michelin-starred restaurant at Cheval Blanc Courchevel, then unwind with Guerlain rituals at the spa. Families have Le Carrousel, a pirate-themed kids’ club with a lighthouse and a pool with slides.
Don’t Miss: The Centauresse, Prune Nourry’s sculpture rising from a pond among the banyan trees.
Fregate Island
One of the most revered hideaways in the Seychelles is set to re-open in late 2026 after a complete transformation. The island will remain an ultra-exclusive sanctuary offering the same level of privacy and seclusion, with a wide range of upgrades and sustainability innovations. Its 14 private pool villas and three expansive estates are being rebuilt to blend into the surrounding nature.
A splinter of the former supercontinent Gondwana, this incredibly unique and special island acts as a biodiversity hotspot for dozens of species, some of which only exist here. Home to seven natural powdery beaches, 3,500 free-roaming giant Aldabra tortoises, hundreds of thousands of tropical birds, and an unspoiled diverse marine life including yellow unicorn fish, manta rays, and sea turtles.
Fregate Island is arguably one of the most whimsical island experiences one can have. We are exceptionally excited for Fregate to re-open its doors, and think you should be too.
Don’t Miss: Helping the Fregate Island Foundation protect hawksbill turtle nests, from October through January.
3. What Are the Best Beaches in the Seychelles?
The Seychelles has thousands of empty crescent-shaped beaches, iconic granite boulder alcoves, and sand as soft as talcum powder. These are our favorites.
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue
Consistently ranked as THE most beautiful beach in the world, where white sands meet imposing granite boulders. The beach is reached by bicycle or on foot through L’Union Estate, a former coconut and vanilla plantation. An offshore reef keeps the water shallow and calm. Arrive early in the morning to have it nearly to yourself; at low tide you can walk between the coves, while high tide is better for swimming.
Anse Lazio, Praslin
Anse Lazio is a long arc of white sand on Praslin’s northwest coast. The water is clear and calm for much of the year, and the boulders bookending the bay are excellent for snorkeling. Beachfront restaurants serve Creole seafood for a long, lazy lunch.
Anse Georgette, Praslin
This secluded cove is reached through the grounds of Constance Lémuria or by boat, so it rarely feels crowded. Expect powder-soft sand, vivid turquoise water, and lush hillsides on both sides of the bay.
Anse Intendance, Mahé
A wide, wild beach on Mahé’s south coast with no protective reef, Anse Intendance has some of the biggest surf in the Seychelles during the southeast trade winds, roughly May through September. Hawksbill turtles nest here, and the long stretch of sand is ideal for a sunset walk.
Anse Victorin, Fregate Island
Anse Victorin is reserved for guests of Fregate Island, so you will share it with no one but a few giant tortoises.
4. What Are the Most Romantic Things to Do in the Seychelles?
Clifftop Views
Lounge atop dramatic rock formations with endless ocean views. Several resorts perch villas and pavilions high on the hillsides, so the views follow you from breakfast to the spa to sunset drinks.
Alfresco Film Nights
Cozy up for a classic under a starlit Seychellois sky. We can arrange a private screening on a hidden beach, complete with lanterns, blankets, and champagne.
Toes-in-the-Sand Dining
Infusing a touch of novelty into familiar routine breathes new life into the ordinary… so leave your shoes, and bring your appetite. Savor just-caught seafood and fragrant Creole curries at a candlelit table set on the sand, with your own chef cooking just steps away.
Blissful Evenings
Just you and the gentle lull of the ocean. Watch the sun sink into the sea from your villa, or book an evening in the only hammock in the sea.
5. Are the Seychelles Good for Snorkeling and Island Hopping?
Island Hopping
From the boulder-strewn coves of La Digue to the lush jungles of Praslin, turquoise-hued islands await. Travel between them by helicopter, seaplane, or private yacht, spending a morning cycling La Digue and an afternoon in Praslin’s Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the rare coco de mer palm grows.
Rich Aquatic Life
Come face to face with a giant sea turtle or sting ray within moments of entering the water, no deep dive necessary. Hawksbill and green turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, and hundreds of species of tropical fish thrive in the warm, shallow waters around the islands.
Endless Aquatic Adventures
From snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs to kayaking through mangrove-fringed coastlines, the water-based adventures here are pure magic. Divers can explore granite reefs and dramatic walls, while sailing, paddleboarding, and deep-sea fishing round out days on the water.
6. Why Are the Seychelles Great for Kids?
Gentle Giants
The Seychelles is home to thousands of these free-roaming vegetarian giants, who can grow up to over 600 lbs. and live for over 150 years. You’ll find them grazing freely on Fregate, Desroches, and Curieuse Island, and several resorts invite guests to help feed and care for them.
Restore a Coral Reef
Regrow a reef and leave a legacy in the Indian Ocean. Forever inscribed with your name or dedicated to a loved one. Join a marine biologist for a dive and hands-on experience transplanting coral fragments onto a reef threatened by climate change. You’ll learn why reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth while making a lasting, positive impact.
Calm Waters and Kids’ Clubs
Reef-protected bays keep much of the water shallow and gentle, ideal for first swims and snorkels. Resorts like Four Seasons Mahé and Four Seasons Desroches have dedicated kids’ clubs, giving parents time for the spa or a quiet dinner for two.
7. Why Plan Your Seychelles Trip with The Legacy Untold?
With many direct flights from mainland Africa, the Seychelles is the ultimate beach pairing for a quintessential safari, with the perfect balance of thrilling adventure, wildlife wonders, and uninterrupted bliss on powdery soft beaches.
At The Legacy Untold, we design bespoke journeys that combine the planet’s most luxurious properties with the most immersive, adventurous, and life-enriching experiences. Every trip is completely custom, tailored to your interests, budget, and any special occasion, and our Seychelles journeys draw on Mark’s own travels across the islands.
Click on the video below to see one of our founder’s most recent scouting trips to the Seychelles.
To start planning your next trip, contact us at [email protected] or visit www.thelegacyuntold.com/travel.