The following post in our regular ‘photograph of the week’ series was scheduled to appear here many weeks ago, before the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus was as widespread as it is now. Whilst travel around the world is not recommended right now, we leave this post here as a source of inspiration for something to look forward to once normality returns to our lives.
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Accessible by seaplane charter, the stunning Four Seasons Seychelles Resort at Desroches Island sits among the top properties of an already impressive brand. This off the grid location ticks plenty of boxes – spacious villas, private plunge pools, pristine beaches, and sunny cabanas. There’s even a tortoise sanctuary! Available by private plane transfer, how many resorts have you stayed at that have their own airstrip?
As expected, the Four Seasons offers island luxury with a relaxed approach. The friendly staff immediately greet visitors by name and have golf carts ready as guests step off the airstrip from the short flight from Mahé. There is a quick tour of the lush premises before checking out their accommodation, where any additional paperwork is finalized. Luggage is seamlessly loaded into separate golf carts and meets guests in their villa.
When possible, booking a Sunset Beach Villa is highly recommended. High ceilings (and thread counts), a bathroom that’s almost as large as the bedroom, soaking tub, indoor and outdoor showers — these villas even come with a hammock and private beach access. We spy hermit crabs and other wildlife before going for a plunge in our private pool. These villas also include a second level, which is perfect for morning coffees or pre-dinner cocktails. While golf carts are always available to collect guests, bikes (which come with every room) are the primary mode of transportation.
The low number of rooms at Desroches all but ensure a feeling of seclusion. As the property only takes up a small part of the island, embrace your inner adventurer, grab a map, and explore island trails by bike. Pack your bathing suit to go for a quick swim, or jog on one of the many private beaches, all stocked with towels, bottled water, and recreational swim gear. While guests will most likely remain in the privacy of their villas, there are plenty of public spaces, including: tennis courts, an infinity edge pool, an on-site spa, a modern gym, a conservation center, and a water sports center. Diving and snorkeling can be arranged, and sports equipment is available at an additional fee.
Meals can be a romantic affair, as guests can dine beachside at The Lighthouse (but not before stopping for stunning sundowners upstairs). There is also all-day dining at Claudine, which offers a range of international selections, The Deli, which is home to a small sweets shop, as well as a The Bar. Similarly, guests can stop at the Lighthouse Lounge for a cocktail. Finally, there is a small bar at The Castaway, located near the watersports area.
For a resort of this caliber, everything seems to align with expectations. The spa takes offerings to the next level with Connection Ceremonies, Sensory Connection rituals, and visiting masters with some of the industry’s leading practitioners who visit the island. Guests would need to check in advance for these visits.
Easier to access than the Maldives, Desroches Island offers levels of privacy and a sense of ‘getting away from it all’ rarely found in the rest of the world. With a price tag to match, this could be a once in a lifetime getaway. Even on the ‘main’ island of Mahe, there are very few properties that approach this level of privacy and space. The low number of rooms, stunning location and attentive but relaxed nature of the staff make this a memorable vacation destination.
A pro traveler tip – add this unique destination at the start or end of your stay in the Seychelles to start out with a bang, or end on a high note. Also, try and seek out George, the oldest tortoise on the island, over one hundred years young.
Thank you to Courtney Brandt from A to Za’atar for permission to share the photograph.If you have a really special photograph you would like to share with A Luxury Travel Blog‘s readers, please contact us.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.
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6 Comments
Yes, the Seychelles are on my to do list. Nor have I ever enjoyed the luxury of a Four Seasons Hotel so this could be the dream combination for me.
I know that many people will suffer with both health and financial consequences as a result of Covid -19 but there will be a handful of people who will now be able to afford that dream holiday to the Seychelles which is some small comfort for those in the travel industry.
Before working from home I used to buy an extortionate weekly rail ticket. That money is now saved. Also we haven’t been to a restaurant or pub for weeks so that money can go into the Seychelles fund too – a few crumbs of comfort for the luxury travel industry.
I’ve also been thinking about the same thing, that I’ve been able to cut down on my own spending for things I don’t absolutely need. That’s one small benefit right now, putting money aside for whenever things get better hopefully sometime in the near future.
Arriving by private plane is really A – List celebrity style – definitely appeals to my sense of luxury and style but then that’s because I’m that sort of self indulgent guy!
You can’t help but aww at the fact this place has a tortoise sanctuary, that’s so sweet. I love the design and how they’ve made the most of the greenery, like planting the resort there among nature rather than ripping up nature to take over it with concrete. Part of nature rather than destroying it, you know? That’s the feel from the photo anyway but it would be interesting to know what, if any, eco credentials it has and what ways the Four Seasons may be supporting the area. Sounds lovely, I certainly wouldn’t say no to a week there, especially right now. And no, I’ve never stayed in a resort with its own airstrip, that seems so fancy and I love it!
This is the type of place I want to go to when the lockdown is over. A remote island away from the city and all the problems, being free from the heavy feelings that we face right now in these times of crisis. I’ve been to Maldives a few years back and it’s one of the most memorable getaways I’ve had. Seychelles has a similar vibe and from what I’ve heard, they have great accommodations and good food as well. The zen and tranquil life away from the stress of work and daily routine surely hits the right spot for me. Crystal blue waters and the sceneries of clear and unending skies uplifts my spirits and calms me. I want to experience that same feeling again after all this is over and I think Four Seasons is the kind of place I want to be in. Amazing amenities and services, as well as that view of the sea.
As expected, the Four Seasons offers island luxury with a relaxed approach. The friendly staff immediately greet visitors by name and have golf carts ready as guests step off the airstrip from the short flight from Mahé. There is a quick tour of the lush premises before checking out their accommodation, where any additional paperwork is finalized. Luggage is seamlessly loaded into separate golf carts and meets guests in their villa.
When possible, booking a Sunset Beach Villa is highly recommended. High ceilings (and thread counts), a bathroom that’s almost as large as the bedroom, soaking tub, indoor and outdoor showers — these villas even come with a hammock and private beach access. We spy hermit crabs and other wildlife before going for a plunge in our private pool. These villas also include a second level, which is perfect for morning coffees or pre-dinner cocktails. While golf carts are always available to collect guests, bikes (which come with every room) are the primary mode of transportation.
The low number of rooms at Desroches all but ensure a feeling of seclusion. As the property only takes up a small part of the island, embrace your inner adventurer, grab a map, and explore island trails by bike. Pack your bathing suit to go for a quick swim, or jog on one of the many private beaches, all stocked with towels, bottled water, and recreational swim gear. While guests will most likely remain in the privacy of their villas, there are plenty of public spaces, including: tennis courts, an infinity edge pool, an on-site spa, a modern gym, a conservation center, and a water sports center. Diving and snorkeling can be arranged, and sports equipment is available at an additional fee.
Meals can be a romantic affair, as guests can dine beachside at The Lighthouse (but not before stopping for stunning sundowners upstairs). There is also all-day dining at Claudine, which offers a range of international selections, The Deli, which is home to a small sweets shop, as well as a The Bar. Similarly, guests can stop at the Lighthouse Lounge for a cocktail. Finally, there is a small bar at The Castaway, located near the watersports area.
For a resort of this caliber, everything seems to align with expectations. The spa takes offerings to the next level with Connection Ceremonies, Sensory Connection rituals, and visiting masters with some of the industry’s leading practitioners who visit the island. Guests would need to check in advance for these visits.
Easier to access than the Maldives, Desroches Island offers levels of privacy and a sense of ‘getting away from it all’ rarely found in the rest of the world. With a price tag to match, this could be a once in a lifetime getaway. Even on the ‘main’ island of Mahe, there are very few properties that approach this level of privacy and space. The low number of rooms, stunning location and attentive but relaxed nature of the staff make this a memorable vacation destination.
A pro traveler tip – add this unique destination at the start or end of your stay in the Seychelles to start out with a bang, or end on a high note. Also, try and seek out George, the oldest tortoise on the island, over one hundred years young.
Thank you to Courtney Brandt from A to Za’atar for permission to share the photograph.
If you have a really special photograph you would like to share with A Luxury Travel Blog‘s readers, please contact us.
As expected, the Four Seasons offers island luxury with a relaxed approach. The friendly staff immediately greet visitors by name and have golf carts ready as guests step off the airstrip from the short flight from Mahé. There is a quick tour of the lush premises before checking out their accommodation, where any additional paperwork is finalized. Luggage is seamlessly loaded into separate golf carts and meets guests in their villa.
When possible, booking a Sunset Beach Villa is highly recommended. High ceilings (and thread counts), a bathroom that’s almost as large as the bedroom, soaking tub, indoor and outdoor showers — these villas even come with a hammock and private beach access. We spy hermit crabs and other wildlife before going for a plunge in our private pool. These villas also include a second level, which is perfect for morning coffees or pre-dinner cocktails. While golf carts are always available to collect guests, bikes (which come with every room) are the primary mode of transportation.
The low number of rooms at Desroches all but ensure a feeling of seclusion. As the property only takes up a small part of the island, embrace your inner adventurer, grab a map, and explore island trails by bike. Pack your bathing suit to go for a quick swim, or jog on one of the many private beaches, all stocked with towels, bottled water, and recreational swim gear. While guests will most likely remain in the privacy of their villas, there are plenty of public spaces, including: tennis courts, an infinity edge pool, an on-site spa, a modern gym, a conservation center, and a water sports center. Diving and snorkeling can be arranged, and sports equipment is available at an additional fee.
Meals can be a romantic affair, as guests can dine beachside at The Lighthouse (but not before stopping for stunning sundowners upstairs). There is also all-day dining at Claudine, which offers a range of international selections, The Deli, which is home to a small sweets shop, as well as a The Bar. Similarly, guests can stop at the Lighthouse Lounge for a cocktail. Finally, there is a small bar at The Castaway, located near the watersports area.
For a resort of this caliber, everything seems to align with expectations. The spa takes offerings to the next level with Connection Ceremonies, Sensory Connection rituals, and visiting masters with some of the industry’s leading practitioners who visit the island. Guests would need to check in advance for these visits.
Easier to access than the Maldives, Desroches Island offers levels of privacy and a sense of ‘getting away from it all’ rarely found in the rest of the world. With a price tag to match, this could be a once in a lifetime getaway. Even on the ‘main’ island of Mahe, there are very few properties that approach this level of privacy and space. The low number of rooms, stunning location and attentive but relaxed nature of the staff make this a memorable vacation destination.
A pro traveler tip – add this unique destination at the start or end of your stay in the Seychelles to start out with a bang, or end on a high note. Also, try and seek out George, the oldest tortoise on the island, over one hundred years young.
Thank you to Courtney Brandt from A to Za’atar for permission to share the photograph.
If you have a really special photograph you would like to share with A Luxury Travel Blog‘s readers, please contact us.
Yes, the Seychelles are on my to do list. Nor have I ever enjoyed the luxury of a Four Seasons Hotel so this could be the dream combination for me.
I know that many people will suffer with both health and financial consequences as a result of Covid -19 but there will be a handful of people who will now be able to afford that dream holiday to the Seychelles which is some small comfort for those in the travel industry.
Before working from home I used to buy an extortionate weekly rail ticket. That money is now saved. Also we haven’t been to a restaurant or pub for weeks so that money can go into the Seychelles fund too – a few crumbs of comfort for the luxury travel industry.
I’ve also been thinking about the same thing, that I’ve been able to cut down on my own spending for things I don’t absolutely need. That’s one small benefit right now, putting money aside for whenever things get better hopefully sometime in the near future.
Arriving by private plane is really A – List celebrity style – definitely appeals to my sense of luxury and style but then that’s because I’m that sort of self indulgent guy!
You can’t help but aww at the fact this place has a tortoise sanctuary, that’s so sweet. I love the design and how they’ve made the most of the greenery, like planting the resort there among nature rather than ripping up nature to take over it with concrete. Part of nature rather than destroying it, you know? That’s the feel from the photo anyway but it would be interesting to know what, if any, eco credentials it has and what ways the Four Seasons may be supporting the area. Sounds lovely, I certainly wouldn’t say no to a week there, especially right now. And no, I’ve never stayed in a resort with its own airstrip, that seems so fancy and I love it!
This is the type of place I want to go to when the lockdown is over. A remote island away from the city and all the problems, being free from the heavy feelings that we face right now in these times of crisis. I’ve been to Maldives a few years back and it’s one of the most memorable getaways I’ve had. Seychelles has a similar vibe and from what I’ve heard, they have great accommodations and good food as well. The zen and tranquil life away from the stress of work and daily routine surely hits the right spot for me. Crystal blue waters and the sceneries of clear and unending skies uplifts my spirits and calms me. I want to experience that same feeling again after all this is over and I think Four Seasons is the kind of place I want to be in. Amazing amenities and services, as well as that view of the sea.