Luxury Retreats
•
Choosing where to stay in Seychelles for your first trip
Understanding where to stay in Seychelles starts with its geography. The main island of Mahé concentrates many of the best hotels and offers easy access to Victoria and the international airport. From here you can connect to other islands such as Praslin, La Digue and several private island retreats.
Mahé suits travelers who want a varied stay in Seychelles with culture, hiking and beaches. You will find a wide range of hotels Seychelles wide, from an intimate mer hotel facing quiet coves to a large resort with family friendly suites and extensive facilities. This island also works well if you plan to explore several beaches and need reliable transport connections between islands.
Praslin Seychelles appeals to guests seeking a slower rhythm and some of the Seychelles best coastal scenery. Many visitors choose to stay Praslin for quick access to Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, two of the best beaches in the archipelago. When you compare where stay options, remember that distances look short on a map but winding coastal roads and ferry schedules can affect how you experience these islands.
Mahé island stays: from iconic beach resorts to hidden retreats
Mahé island is often the first answer when people ask where to stay in Seychelles. The island combines lush mountains, white sand beaches and a choice of hotels Seychelles travelers can tailor to different budgets and styles. It is also the most practical base if you want to balance relaxation with excursions and nightlife.
On the southwest coast, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles has earned recognition among Travel + Leisure readers' top 10 favorite hotels and resorts in Africa for 2025. This resort offers private pool villas cascading down a forested hillside to a sheltered beach, creating a sense of private island seclusion while remaining on Mahé. Guests who value privacy often consider it among the best hotels for honeymoons and milestone celebrations.
Elsewhere on Mahé, you will find a mix of independent hotels and international resort brands lining popular beaches. Many properties offer spacious suites with ocean views, while some mer hotel addresses focus on intimate service and gastronomy. When you plan where stay on Mahé, check how close your chosen hotel or resort is to specific beaches, hiking trails and the ferry or domestic flight terminals.
Praslin island and La Digue: where to stay for Seychelles best beaches
For many travelers, the question of where to stay in Seychelles is really about proximity to the best beaches. Praslin island stands out because Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette regularly appear on lists of the world’s best beaches. Staying on Praslin Seychelles allows you to visit these bays early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when light is soft and crowds are thinner.
Raffles Praslin, Seychelles is a landmark resort with 86 villas and the largest swimming pool in the Indian Ocean. Its hillside setting overlooks Curieuse island and offers private plunge pools, generous terraces and refined suites that appeal to couples and families. The spa extends over 1 234 square meters, giving wellness focused guests a compelling reason to stay Praslin for several nights.
On La Digue Seychelles, life moves at bicycle pace and ox carts still appear on village roads. Many visitors choose a split stay Seychelles itinerary, combining a resort on Praslin island with a smaller hotel on La Digue to experience both atmospheres. This pairing works especially well if you want easy access to Anse Source d’Argent and other photogenic beaches while still enjoying the comfort of full service hotels Seychelles side.
Private island luxury: coco mer, zil pasyon and beyond
Travelers seeking the most exclusive answer to where to stay in Seychelles often look to a private island. These islands offer a limited number of villas, high staff to guest ratios and a deep connection with the surrounding ocean and nature. They suit guests who prefer to arrive, unpack once and let the outside world fade away.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, located on Félicité island, features 30 villas and a spa built atop dramatic granite rock formations. The resort’s name references the Creole word for passion and the nearby islet of Zil Pasyon, and its design blends indoor and outdoor spaces to keep the senses engaged. Many guests consider it a Seychelles best address for wellness retreats, with experiences that range from sunrise yoga to snorkelling directly from the beach.
Some travelers combine a stay Seychelles on Mahé or Praslin with several nights on a private island for contrast. In this case, a travel guide or specialist agent can help coordinate transfers by helicopter or private boat between islands. When comparing these resorts, pay attention to villa categories such as parrot suites or black parrot inspired names, as they often indicate elevated privacy, larger pools and premium views over the mer.
Room types, suites and how to match a resort to your style
Choosing where to stay in Seychelles also means understanding room categories and layouts. Many luxury properties offer a mix of classic rooms, junior suites and multi bedroom villas, each designed for different types of stays. Reading detailed descriptions and floor plans helps you avoid surprises and ensures the space matches your expectations.
On Praslin Seychelles, some resorts feature dedicated parrot suites or black parrot themed wings that provide extra seclusion and elevated views. These suites often include larger terraces, outdoor showers and direct access to quiet corners of the resort’s gardens or beaches. Families may prefer interconnected suites or villas with kitchenettes, while couples might prioritize a private pool and unobstructed mer views.
Names such as coco mer or chateau feuilles sometimes appear in room or resort descriptions, referencing local flora or historic estates. When you compare best hotels across islands, look beyond the label and focus on concrete features such as pool size, beach access and included experiences. A thoughtful travel guide or hotel website should clearly explain what is unique about each room type so you can decide where stay with confidence.
Planning your stay Seychelles: logistics, seasons and practical tips
Once you have narrowed down where to stay in Seychelles, practical planning becomes essential. Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons, because the most popular suites and villas on each island sell out quickly. This is particularly true for private island resorts and small properties near the best beaches.
Travel between islands in Seychelles can be done via domestic flights, ferries, or private boat charters. When designing a stay Seychelles itinerary that includes Mahé, Praslin island and perhaps La Digue Seychelles, allow buffer time for transfers and potential weather related delays. A structured plan helps you enjoy each beach and resort without feeling rushed between islands.
Some of the top luxury resorts in Seychelles include Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Raffles Praslin, and Six Senses Zil Pasyon. To refine your own list of Seychelles best options, use a trusted travel guide, consult hotel booking platforms and speak with specialist agencies familiar with hotels Seychelles wide. Finally, consider combining a few nights in a mer hotel on Mahé with time at coco mer inspired coastal retreats or at chateau feuilles style hilltop hideaways to experience different perspectives on this island nation.
Key statistics on Seychelles luxury stays
- Raffles Praslin, Seychelles offers 86 villas, many with private pools and expansive ocean views.
- The spa at Raffles Praslin extends over 1 234 square meters, making it one of the most extensive wellness facilities in the islands.
- Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicité island features 30 villas, ensuring an intimate private island atmosphere.
Essential questions about where to stay in Seychelles
What are the top luxury resorts in Seychelles ?
Some of the top luxury resorts in Seychelles include Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Raffles Praslin, and Six Senses Zil Pasyon. These properties span Mahé, Praslin island and a private island, giving travelers varied answers to where stay depending on their priorities. When comparing them, consider transfer logistics, beach style, villa design and how each resort fits your personal vision of a stay Seychelles escape.
Which beaches in Seychelles are considered the best ?
Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette on Praslin island are often ranked among the world's best beaches. Many guests choose to stay Praslin specifically to enjoy these bays at quieter times of day and to pair them with other nearby beaches. Including Praslin Seychelles in your itinerary, even for a few nights, gives you direct access to these celebrated stretches of sand.
How can I travel between islands in Seychelles ?
Travel between islands in Seychelles can be done via domestic flights, ferries, or private boat charters. Your choice will depend on where to stay in Seychelles, your budget and how much luggage you carry. A knowledgeable travel guide or hotel concierge can help coordinate schedules so that transfers between Mahé, Praslin, La Digue Seychelles and any private island resort feel smooth and stress free.
