Afloat in crystal clear waters in the Outer Islands of Seychelles and seemingly worlds away from everyday noise, stress and obligation, the new Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island – the only resort on the entire island – is the quintessential tropical escape, while also providing every modern comfort and luxury, and plenty to discover for today’s active travellers.
“Chances are that if you’ve gazed longingly at a stock image of a white sand beach fringed with palm trees looking out onto impossibly blue waters, that picture was taken in Seychelles,” commented Edward Linsley, a world traveller who has now settled on Desroches Island as the Resort’s General Manager. “And the dream only gets better when you get here, put your toes in the sand, breathe in the clean air, swim the warm waters, trek through the jungle and finally fall into restful sleep beneath a canopy of stars.”
Four Seasons sprawls over the southwestern portion of a 402 hectare (933 acre), sparsely populated and virtually untouched tropical paradise – which is just 35 minutes away by scenic flight from the international airport on Mahé island.
Around the Island
The first stop on any day of adventure, the Castaway Centre is headquarters for water sports including scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding and ocean fishing; cycling treks through 15 kilometres (9 miles) of trails; or nature walks led by a member of the Island Conservation Society. Underwater explorers can join WiseOceans Marine Educator Hannah Harries for guided snorkelling.
At the nearby Discovery Centre, the naturally curious can learn about the unique Seychelles flora, fauna and sea life, as well as the history of Desroches Island, before heading out to the Tortoise Sanctuary to meet the locals or visiting a tiny Creole Village, where local craftspeople operate a furniture workshop.
With 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) of pristine white sand beaches circling the island, plus plenty of quiet groves for a shady repast, island picnics are a must, so the culinary team provide a selection of portable goodies, fresh and ready to go each morning at the Resort’s Deli.
Happier just to laze in the sun? Four Seasons attendants are always on hand at the outdoor pool and resort beach, ready to offer complimentary frozen treats or cold drinks and snacks from the pool bar and grill.
Spa Time
A haven of wellbeing where massages, facials and body treatments are only the beginning, the organic Circle of Connection Spa has created a series of Sensory Connection Rituals designed to calm, to refresh and detoxify, to relax and restore, to invigorate, balance and more. Skilled therapists work with each guest to identify their needs and wants, customising the spa experience to each individual.
Yoga programs with in-house yogi Ganga Sadhuka include Hatha, Nidra, Meditation, Pranayama and Ashtanga in a dedicated pavilion or on the beach, and there is also a fully-equipped fitness studio for weight and cardio training – as well as tennis courts for those who fancy a match.
Dining and Drinking, Island Style
A highlight of any stay is surely dinner amid the panoramic views at the remote Lighthouse on the southern tip of Desroches Island, where the evening may begin with drinks at the circular bar terrace on the first floor. Then, head downstairs to the main restaurant for dining indoors or out on the lawn terrace, where freshly grilled or cooked meat and fish – plus a seafood raw bar – is prepared under the watchful eye of Head Chef Olivier Barré and his brigade.
There’s also Claudine, inspired by the Mediterranean coast – as well as The Bar for chic poolside refreshments by day, the ideal spot for a sunset cocktail and tipples by night.
An Island Home
Taking “rustic chic” to a new level of luxury, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is home to a variety of accommodations. Enjoy one and two bedroom suites as well as a selection of villas with private plunge pools are dotted along the Sunset Beach or the Coral Beach (best for those who never want to miss a sunrise), and for larger parties, there are three, four and five bedroom villas as well as the fabulously appointed seven bedroom Presidential Villa.
Consider us castaways.