The Seychelles is a group of 115 isolated and nearly untouched islands situated 932 miles east of mainland Africa, northeast of Madagascar Island. The country offers white sand beaches, turquoise waters to swim in and several outstanding places to stay. Seychelles population is estimated at 84,000, the smallest of any African state. From May to November is the most pleasant time to visit, because of the cooling southeast trade winds.
Chateau de Fueilles sits at the peak of the island of Prasin, offering a wide view of the Indian Ocean. It is a small, but luxurious hotel, with the rooms made of natural materials, wood, latanier palm tree leaf, glass and flax.
The hotel can only accommodate 20 guests at a time. The hotel offers nine rooms and suites. French Continental breakfast is served daily and the chateau has a pool, a beach, a Casino and a restaurant.
A rental car is offered free to guests for as long they stay. On weekends, guests are given the option of spending time on the hotel's private island, The Grande Soeur, where a hotel-prepared barbecue is served in the evening.
Chateau De Feuilles
Baie Sainte Anne
Praslin Island, Seychelles
011-248-290-000
chateaudefeuilles.com
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is on a bay in a corner of the southwest coast of Mahé, Seychelles' main island. It is designed as a village, with 67 villas, including five suites, all providing a private sanctuary either high up in the jungle, raised on stilts, or close to the beach, hidden by heavy coastline greenery. All rooms face the azure blue Indian Ocean.
Activities include boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, a children's program, an outdoor pool, scuba and yoga. Room amenities are a 42-inch flat-screen television, a CD/DVD player and wireless Internet access. The hotel's ambiance is relaxed. Two onsite restaurants serve mostly local food, cooked simply.
Four Seasons Seychelles
Petite Anse, Baie Lazare
Mahé, Seychelles
011-248-393-000
fourseasons.com
North Island was abandoned in the 1970s after the coconut industry collapsed, leaving it to unwanted flora and fauna such as cows, rats, pigs, cats and lantana, an invasive weed. In 2003, Wilderness Safaris, an eco-tourism company bought the island and built an eco-sensitive lodge with the hope of restoring the island. Tortoises and some types of birds are gradually being re-introduced to the island along with local trees like takamaka, badamier and the coco-de-mer palm.
Activities include mountain biking, scuba diving to see the coral reefs, kayaking and deep-sea fishing. For a charge, you can take an excursion to Silhouette Island to picnic and to hike.
No menu is used here. The chef talks with you about the offerings and what you want, then designs meals for you. The extensive facilities include 11 air-conditioned guest villas, crafted by hand from wood, stone and glass, each with a private pool. The premises include a central dining room, lounge, kitchenette and library, a health spa, a gym and a large swimming pool built into a granite outcrop.
North Island Resort
PO Box 1176
Victoria
Mahé, Seychelles
011-248-293-100
north-island.com
