Spectacular Seychelles: Experience an elevated island escape in a dream destination
The Seychelles are among the most breathtaking islands on the planet, and their pristine beaches and sensational culinary ingredients make for an idyllic getaway.
By Paul Oswell | August 30, 2023 (Updated June 4, 2025)
Made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is famed for its natural beauty — from the immaculate beaches to the lush natural forests and scenic marine parks. Vanilla plants and orchids create an alluring tropical ambiance, while the relaxing atmosphere will leave you feeling refreshed. Here are some of our recommendations for making the most of your getaway in the Seychelles.
Stunning scenery
The Seychelles is blessed with gorgeous white-sand beaches, panoramic views, and stellar sunsets. On the main island of Mahé, Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts is perfectly situated with direct access to the idyllic and secluded Anse Aux Poules Bleues beach. Your concierge can help you discover Mahé’s natural wonders by arranging private island excursions that explore everything from the peaks of the north coast to the reefs at Saint-Anne Marine National Park. For a more secluded retreat, stay on your own private island at Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island. Boasting only 50 spacious villas, the island is your own personal paradise to explore before retreating to Waldorf Astoria Spa, which is inspired by Platte Island’s natural beauty, for a traditional or contemporary treatment.
Cultured cuisine
With prime access to delicious seafood, it’s little wonder that popular dishes in the Seychelles often include fresh fish. Octopus curry is a staple of Seychellois cuisine, and a must-try for visitors. At Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, choose between six distinctive restaurants and bars and three in-villa dining menus. Be sure to try Maison Des Epices, which blends Creole and Latino flavors with open-fire cooking and handmade spices that elevate every dish. Back on Mahé, Mango House Seychelles offers a range of both local and international flavors, with five dining outlets that include Japanese, Italian, and Creole cuisine. Savor fresh sushi at Azido and experience flavorful Creole dishes at Moutya. Many of the ingredients are grown in the resort’s organic garden, including ones used to create the property’s famously refreshing, homemade limoncello.
Eco-friendly exploration
To help preserve the stunning island landscapes, the Seychelles has created a more environmentally conscious tourism industry throughout the archipelago. Hire a private guide to help you navigate the 7,000-plus acres (3,000 hectares) of Morne Seychelles National Park, with its mangrove-lined tropical jungles. For an immersive day of learning about the island’s ocean ecosystems and helping with conservation efforts, your concierge at Mango House Seychelles can arrange a day of coral gardening, where marine life experts oversee live coral being reintroduced to damaged reefs. At Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, visit the Discovery Center to learn about the resort’s active initiatives to protect and maintain the environment, or join an expert-led experience such as a sunrise wildlife walk and Giant Aldabra Tortoise feeding.
Paul Oswell
Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guidebooks/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California, and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.
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