Imagine a place where the weather is always warm and the sun forever shines upon groves of towering palm trees and unspoiled white-sand beaches, where a vast expanse of turquoise water surrounds you as far as you can see. When I first landed in the Seychelles last spring, I knew I’d discovered a hidden Eden. Known as the Land of Perpetual Summer, the archipelago consists of 115 islands scattered in the western Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar and 1,000 miles east of mainland Africa.

It’s not only the natural beauty and unspoiled beaches that appeal to travelers but the unique Seychellois culture, as well — an
intoxicating blend of African, Asian and European influences creating a vibrant Creole heritage evident in the islands’ culinary and art scenes. And since there’s no way to get to the Seychelles fast, you may as well take it slow upon arrival. From the bustling streets of Mahé to the remote sand atolls of Amirante, read on for top islands to visit on your journey.

© Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

MAHÉ
This island is only 17 miles long, but it serves as the entry point for all visitors arriving to the islands. Home to the capital of Victoria, Mahé offers the chance to become fully immersed in local culture, from exploring the colorful Creole architecture in the capital of Victoria and visiting local art galleries to participating in weekly beach barbecues, street fairs and night markets. Travelers should also check the schedule for annual festivals celebrating the island’s African roots and Seychellois heritage, including Festival Kreol in October and FetAfrik in May.

PRASLIN
Head northeast to Praslin, the second-largest island, boasting a laid-back ambience and groves of coco-de-mer (giant Seychellois palm trees). Though famous as a romantic retreat, the East African archipelago proves more than just a picturesque honeymoon destination, and Praslin is the perfect spot for active adventures. Hop aboard a water taxi to Curieuse (a marine national park with more than 300 Aldabra giant tortoises), La Digue (where motorized vehicles are restricted and snorkeling reigns supreme) or Cousin Island, a protected sanctuary home to the rarest endemic and endangered birds.

© Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

DESROCHES
Head southwest to the outer islands of the Amirante group and prepare to fully unwind on the island of Desroches, an unspoiled beachside hideaway with lush tropical forests, white-sand beaches and fiery pastel sunsets. Check in at Four Seasons Resort at Desroches, the only resort on the island (and a rumored finalist for the latest season of White Lotus) and spend your days paddleboarding and scuba diving when not sunbathing at your secluded waterfront villa. Barefoot luxury awaits.

LODGING
FOUR SEASONS RESORT SEYCHELLES
Located on the main island of Mahé, this ultra-luxurious hideaway is the perfect place to begin or end your trip. Expect gorgeously appointed villas with stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Petite Anse, Baie Lazare,
Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
$$$$$

© Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

FOUR SEASONS RESORT SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND
The only resort on Desroches Island is a paradise of turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. You’ll feel truly off the grid, even though Mahé lies a mere 35-minute flight away.
Unnamed Road, Desroches
Island, Seychelles
$$$$$

SIX SENSES ZIL PASYON
Book a secluded villa tucked away in the jungles of Félicité Island and sunbathe at your private infinity pool. Treat your- self to holistic African treatments at the world-class spa.

Félicité Island, Seychelles
$$$$$

© Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

DINING
JULIANAS VILLAS CAFÉ
If you want true local flavor, this lunchtime takeaway spot serves a rotating menu of Seychellois soul food favorites, from shark skin chutney to octopus curry — perfect for a beach picnic.
East Coast Road, Au Cap, Mahé,
Seychelles
$–$$

KAFE KREOL
This beachside establishment serves Seychellois Creole and Italian fare, with pastas made fresh daily (we recommend the spaghetti vongole). Afterward order a fresh coconut to head down to the water.
East Coast Road, Anse Royale,
Mahé, Seychelles
$$–$$$

MARIE ANTOINETTE
The oldest restaurant in the Seychelles, this family-run establishment serves up Creole cuisine in a century-old colonial mansion. The set menu remains unchanged since 1972. Order parrotfish and aubergine fritters.

Serret Road, St. Louis,
Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
$$–$$$

© Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

INFO TO GO
While the Seychelles has more than a dozen tiny airstrips across the archipelago for domestic flights and private charters, Seychelles International Airport is the gateway to the rest of the world. Just 7 miles southeast of the capital of Victoria, the airport services Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Condor and more. Many flights arrive from Africa and the Middle East, though there are also direct flights from Paris, Frankfurt and Zürich.