Where to Stay in Seychelles: Top 10 Places
Picture talcum-soft sand underfoot, frangipani on the breeze, and lagoons that glow electric turquoise. Seychelles can give you all of that—but with more than 100 islands, deciding where to stay is half the adventure. Our hand-picked top 10—ranging from bustling Mahé to ultra-private islets—will steer you straight to the slice of paradise that fits your style. Ready to start dreaming? Let’s dive in.
1. Mahé Island, Seychelles – The All-Rounder
Why Choose Mahé
Step off the plane and straight into a living postcard: jade-green peaks tumble into ribbons of sugar sand, and each curve of coast reveals another shade of turquoise. Mahé is the biggest island in the archipelago, yet its barefoot vibe stays intact. One day here can hold reef-snorkelling at dawn, a spice-scented market dash at noon and a cloud-forest hike by sunset—ideal if you want Seychelles variety without hopping boats at every turn.
Top Areas & Signature Stays
- Beau Vallon – Classic crescent beach packed with casual Creole cafés, water-sport shacks and sunset buzz; options range from breezy guesthouses to chic STORY Hotel.
- Port Launay – Twin lagoons backed by jungle; Constance Ephelia sprinkles spa bliss, ziplines and a kids’ club along its shoreline.
- South Coast (Anse Intendance) – Wild, turtle-nesting strand where boutique villas perch among granite boulders and the surf rolls in like distant thunder.
Ideal For
- First-time visitors wanting a “bit of everything” base
- Families needing resort facilities + easy excursions
- Divers and hikers chasing both reef walls and rainforest peaks
- Night-owls seeking the archipelago’s softest slice of nightlife
Insider Tips & Quick Facts
- Stay length: Three nights lets you sample beaches, culture and jungle without rushing.
- Getting around: Bright-blue local buses are cheap; rent a car for hidden coves.
- Best panorama: Hit the Morne Blanc trail early—clouds often cloak the summit after lunch.
- Market magic: Friday morning at Victoria’s Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is a riot of cinnamon, mango and live creole rhythms.
2. Praslin, Seychelles – Beaches & UNESCO Wonders
Why Choose Praslin
Welcome to Praslin, the serene soul of Seychelles, where coco-scented breezes slip through prehistoric palm forests and beaches sparkle like polished pearls. Less hurried than Mahé yet rich with must-see sights, the island hosts the legendary Vallée de Mai—a UNESCO-listed reserve where the rare coco de mer and black parrot thrive under a green cathedral of leaves. Pair that jungle magic with world-famous Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, and you’ve got a setting that feels plucked from a tropical daydream.
Top Areas & Signature Stays
- Côte d’Or (Anse Volbert) – A lively curve of soft sand lined with Creole cafés, snorkel shacks and family-friendly hotels. Perfect for easy swims and sunset cocktails with your toes still sandy.
- Grand Anse – Quieter and wilder, this long strand is framed by rust-red headlands and golden light. Boutique resorts and rustic lodges deliver barefoot luxury and endless horizon views.
- Near Anse Lazio – For near-private seclusion, choose a hillside villa or intimate resort tucked in emerald foliage, steps from the famous beach’s champagne-powder sand and turquoise shallows.
Ideal For
- Couples and honeymooners craving postcard romance
- Nature lovers eager to wander among giant palms and spot rare wildlife
- Families seeking calm, swimmable beaches without crowds
- Photographers chasing golden-hour perfection at every turn
Insider Tips & Quick Facts
- Prime jungle hour: Enter Vallée de Mai at opening time; soft morning light filters through the palms and the forest is hushed except for black-parrot calls.
- Getting there: A 15-minute island-hop flight or a scenic one-hour ferry from Mahé.
- Taste of Praslin: Order grilled octopus in coconut curry at a beachfront kiosk—simple, spicy, unforgettable.
- Stay length: Three to four nights lets you blend lazy beach days with rainforest wanderings at an unhurried pace.
Praslin distils everything travellers adore about Seychelles—untamed jungle, dream-worthy beaches and that blissful sense that time itself has slowed to match the rhythm of the waves.
3. La Digue – Bicycles, Granite & Chill
Why Choose La Digue
Trade traffic for tinkling bicycle bells and ox-carts clopping along palm-shaded lanes. On La Digue, sculpted granite boulders cradle beaches so photogenic they’ve starred on countless magazine covers—chief among them Anse Source d’Argent. Off the sand, jungle trails lead to secret coves, Creole cottages burst with bougainvillea, and reef-sheltered lagoons invite lazy snorkels. With only a handful of cars and a community that greets you like family, La Digue distils the carefree spirit of the Indian Ocean into one compact, cycle-friendly gem.
Top Areas & Signature Stays
- La Passe & Anse La Réunion – The mellow “capital” pairs pastel cafés, dive shops and guesthouses where the lobby floor is pure sand.
- Near Anse Source d’Argent – Boutique lodges tucked behind palm groves grant dawn-to-dusk access to those famous blush-pink sands.
- East Coast Trio (Grand Anse, Petite Anse, Anse Cocos) – Wild surf, dramatic headlands and rustic bungalows for travellers chasing raw beauty and sunrise hikes.
Ideal For
- Couples craving barefoot romance
- Slow travellers who’d rather pedal than drive
- Photographers hunting surreal granite landscapes
- Families wanting calm shallows and laid-back vibes
Insider Tips & Quick Facts
- Getting around: Rent a bike the moment you dock; most beaches are a 10-minute pedal away.
- Tide timing: Visit Anse Source d’Argent at mid-tide for shimmering pools between the boulders.
- Local bite: Grab warm coconut bread from a roadside stand—perfect sunrise fuel.
- Stay length: Two to three unhurried nights let you savour every cove without rushing the island’s languid tempo.
La Digue proves that in paradise, less really is more—fewer cars, fewer worries, and infinitely more space for sunsets, stargazing, and stories you’ll retell for years.
4. Silhouette Island – Untamed Luxury
Why Choose Silhouette
Ninety-three percent of this emerald colossus is a protected national park, yet it hides one of the archipelago’s most glamorous resorts. Silhouette feels raw and regal all at once: jungle-cloaked peaks climb to 780 m Mount Dauban, while sugar-soft beaches meet a bath-warm lagoon alive with reef sharks and eagle rays. Arriving by helicopter or speedboat, you’ll scent wild cinnamon on the breeze and hear nothing but waves and birdsong—exactly the sort of castaway chic that makes Seychelles legendary.
Top Areas & Signature Stays
- La Passe Jetty & Village – Your gateway to the island: a postage-stamp settlement of Creole cottages, dive shops and bicycle paths laced with hibiscus.
- Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa – The island’s show-stopper. Beachfront and jungle villas come with private pools, a treetop spa and seven restaurants ranging from sushi to sand-between-the-toes Creole grills.
- Anse Mondon & Grand Barbe Trails – For explorers who prefer a day-pack to a room key: hike through pandanus forest to hidden coves where sea turtles nest and only the rustle of palms reminds you civilisation exists.
Ideal For
- Honeymooners chasing five-star seclusion
- Divers and snorkellers (house reef teems with rays, reef sharks and kaleidoscopic coral)
- Hikers eager for rainforest peaks and waterfall swims
- Travellers who love the idea of one resort, zero crowds, limitless nature
Insider Tips & Quick Facts
- Getting there: 15 min by heli or 45 min speedboat from Mahé—book transfers with your villa to sync perfectly with flights.
- Free bikes: Resort cycles make zipping between spa, diving pier and deserted beaches a breeze.
- Sunset secret: Walk north past Labriz to Anse Lascar; the sand blushes pink under the sinking sun, and you’ll likely have it to yourself.
- Stay length: Two to four nights balance barefoot luxury with enough time to conquer at least one jungle trail.
Silhouette is luxury re-wilded—a place where candle-lit dinners mingle with the scent of takamaka wood fires and the chorus of fruit bats. If you crave pristine nature wrapped in silk-soft indulgence, this is where your Seychelles story turns from dreamy to unforgettable.
5. Félicité Island – Eco-Chic Seclusion
Why Choose Félicité
If your heart beats faster at the thought of a private-island hideaway wrapped in jungle green and framed by giant granite boulders, Félicité is calling. This 264-hectare gem feels gloriously untamed, yet it hosts the ultra-sustainable Six Senses Zil Pasyon—an all-villa resort that blends barefoot luxury with serious eco-cred. Expect the scent of cinnamon on warm trade winds, sea turtles cruising translucent shallows, and star-sprayed nights where surf is the only soundtrack.
Top Areas & Signature Stays
- Zil Pasyon Villas – Glass-fronted, stone-clad sanctuaries perched above turquoise coves; each comes with an infinity pool and personal GEM (Guest Experience Maker).
- Rock Pool & Spa Ridge – Massive boulders cradle salt-water pools and a hilltop spa whose treatment rooms open to the ocean haze—sunsets here redefine “golden hour.”
- La Penice Jetty & Marina – Your arrival point for yacht moorings, diving excursions, and guided eco-walks that reveal hidden beaches and fruit-bat colonies.
Ideal For
- Honeymooners craving off-grid romance
- Wellness warriors (signature Six Senses spa rituals + yoga pavilions)
- Sustainability-minded travellers—solar power, organic gardens, zero-plastic ethos
- Snorkellers and paddlers chasing reef sharks, rays, and rainbow fish right off the beach
Insider Tips & Quick Facts
- Getting there: 20 min by helicopter from Mahé or a 15-min speedboat hop from La Digue.
- Hidden thrill: Ask staff to guide you to the secret “Coco Rope” climb—granite cliff stairs leading to a viewpoint few guests ever see.
- Taste to try: The resort’s garden-to-table passionfruit ceviche pairs perfectly with a sunset lemongrass spritz.
- Stay length: Two or three nights deliver deep-tissue relaxation; five let you unplug completely and still squeeze in island-hopping day trips.
Félicité is where eco-conscious luxury meets raw island drama—proof that protecting paradise can feel utterly indulgent.
6. Denis Island – Castaway Comfort
Why Choose Denis
Imagine touching down on a tiny coral speck, greeted by the scent of casuarina trees and the hush of an ocean that shifts from sapphire to jade. Although small, Denis sits 95 km north of Mahé and feels wonderfully remote—just you, 50 beachfront cottages, and a swath of reef-rimmed lagoon that teems with turtles, rays and shimmering schools of snapper. The island’s eco-farm supplies almost everything on your plate, while conservation teams tag hawksbills and monitor shearwater burrows. It’s pure barefoot luxury wrapped in Seychelles sustainability.
Top Areas & Signature Stays
- North-West Lagoon – Powder-soft sand, gin-clear shallows and the island’s main cottage cluster; sunrise swims are practically mandatory.
- Old Lighthouse Point – A photogenic spit of sand perfect for sunset picnics and stargazing; staff will set up lanterns and chilled rosé on request.
- Island Farm & Nursery – Tour the free-range poultry coops, vanilla orchids and hydroponic herb house, then taste it all at dinner straight from soil to plate.
Ideal For
- Couples craving private-island seclusion
- Marine-life enthusiasts (shore dives + turtle nesting)
- Families who love nature without sacrificing comfort
- Travellers keen on low-key luxury with a green heart
Insider Tips & Quick Facts
- Arrivals: 30-min flight from Mahé; luggage limit is 15 kg—pack light, live lighter.
- Eco extras: Join rangers at dawn to release hatchling turtles (Sept–Feb).
- Signature flavour: Try the island’s own smoked sailfish pâté with farm-baked baguette.
- Stay length: Three nights to unplug; five if you plan to dive the outer reefs and still have hammock time.
Denis Island proves you don’t need Wi-Fi or nightlife to feel utterly indulged—just pristine reef, candle-lit beach dinners and the slow, satisfying rhythm of a true castaway paradise.
7. North Island – Ultra-Private Paradise
Why Choose North Island
Imagine just eleven beach-front villas spread along a crescent of powder sand, backed by jungle and giant granite headlands. North Island is the definition of “castaway luxury.” Helicopter in, kick off your shoes, and let a private butler whisk you to a thatched villa where driftwood daybeds face an ocean the colour of liquid turquoise. Even the palm-fringed paths feel secret, designed so you rarely cross another guest unless you want to—perfect for honeymooners, A-listers, or anyone craving seclusion with style.
Top Areas & Signature Stays
- West Beach Villas – Each 450 m² sanctuary hides behind lush foliage and offers a plunge pool, outdoor lounge, and 24-hour butler.
- Honeymoon Beach – A pocket-size cove reserved for one couple at a time; simply place the handcrafted “Do Not Disturb” sign at the trailhead.
- Spa-on-the-Ridge – Treatment pavilions wedged between granite boulders, with herbal infusions from the island garden and endless ocean views.
Ideal For
- Couples and newlyweds seeking total privacy
- Conservation-minded travellers supporting rewilding projects
- Photographers craving cinematic sunsets and star-bright nights
- Divers and anglers chasing fish-rich drop-offs just minutes offshore
Seychelles Conservation in Action
North Island began life as a “Noah’s Ark” project, restoring native forest and re-introducing creatures like the Aldabra giant tortoise. Today you can join rangers on dusk patrols, plant an endemic tree, or watch hatchling turtles scurry to the surf—proof that ultimate luxury and serious eco-work can thrive side by side in the Seychelles.
Insider Tips & Quick Facts
- Arrival: 20-minute helicopter hop from Mahé—epic reef views en route.
- Signature moment: Sunset dinner for two arranged on the sand, lit only by lanterns and starlight.
- Flavour to try: Line-caught red emperor grilled over takamaka wood, paired with passion-fruit salsa from the organic garden.
- Stay length: Three nights offers a taste; five lets you slip fully into the island’s unhurried rhythm.
On North Island, time slows to the hush of palm fronds, every whim feels anticipated, and the word “paradise” finally makes perfect sense.
8. Cerf Island – Marine-Park Hideaway
Why Choose Cerf
Tucked inside Sainte Anne Marine National Park, petite Cerf Island (barely 1.7 km long) feels worlds away despite being just a 15-minute boat hop from Mahé. There are no roads, only sandy footpaths winding past hibiscus and breadfruit trees to hidden coves where parrotfish flit over coral gardens. By day you can glide across glass-clear water in a kayak, trace reef shallows with a snorkel, or picnic on an empty beach while fruit bats wheel overhead. By night the island settles into firefly calm, the only glow coming from lantern-lit verandas and a star-drenched sky.
Top Areas & Signature Stays
- North-West Sand-Spit – Sugar-soft shore lined with just a handful of boutique lodges; sunrise swims here are postcard-perfect.
- Cerf Island Resort Ridge – Hillside villas with plunge pools stare across a jade-and-turquoise lagoon toward Mahé’s misty peaks. Spa pavilions sit among cinnamon trees, scenting the trade wind.
- Takamaka Beach Strip – Shaded by gnarled takamaka trunks, this quiet strand hides rustically chic bungalows ideal for toes-in-the-sand dining at sunset.
Ideal For
- Snorkellers and beginner divers chasing vibrant, shallow reefs
- Couples wanting seclusion without long transfers
- Families who like easy lagoon swims and safe beaches
- Day-trippers from Mahé looking for a mellow overnight upgrade
Seychelles Marine Sanctuary Highlights
- Coral bommies alive with clownfish, rays and baby reef sharks mere metres from shore
- Seagrass meadows where green turtles graze at dawn
- Occasional dolphin pods threading through the channel on a still morning
Insider Tips & Quick Facts
- Getting there: Scheduled water taxis from Mahé’s Eden Island Marina (15 min) or a breezy 5-min helicopter hop.
- DIY island-hop: Rent a kayak and paddle to uninhabited Île Cachée at low tide—bring reef shoes for the sand-bar walk.
- Taste to try: Grilled red snapper wrapped in banana leaf with island-grown chilli-papaya chutney.
- Stay length: Two nights for a quick lagoon fix; four if you plan to dive, paddleboard, and still leave time for hammock siestas.
Cerf may be small, but it delivers an outsized share of that quintessential Seychelles magic—crystal water, coral rainbows, and the easy rhythm of island life set to the rustle of palms and the hush of the tide.
9. Sainte Anne Marine National Park – Snorkeler’s Dream
Why Choose Sainte Anne
Just 5 km off Mahé, this protected cluster of six islets offers the easiest ticket to reef nirvana. Glass-clear shallows reveal turtle-grazed seagrass, coral bommies shimmer with angelfish, and dolphins sometimes escort the short boat ride in. By sunset, day-trippers depart and the park slips into hushed, castaway calm—perfect for an overnight escape that still keeps airport transfers painless.
Top Areas & Signature Stays
- Sainte Anne Island – The park’s largest isle hosts an all-villa resort wrapped in powder sand; sunrise kayak safaris launch straight from your deck.
- Moyenne Island – Day-visit for pirate-lore trails and giant tortoises, or arrange a private dinner on its lantern-lit jetty.
- Round & Long Islands – Home to tiny boutique hideaways where beach yoga, reef dives and Creole chef’s tables fill an unhurried day.
Ideal For
- First-time snorkellers and families (shallow, calm lagoons)
- Couples craving quick-transfer seclusion
- Wildlife lovers keen to spot hawksbill turtles and reef sharks right off the beach
- Photographers chasing colour-layered blues and fiery Mahé sunsets
Underwater Spectacle
Slip on a mask at low tide and float over brain-coral mazes alive with clownfish. Keep an eye on the sand—stingrays love to snooze here—and listen for the snap-crackle of reef shrimp beneath the waves. Local rangers enforce “look-don’t-touch”, so marine life stays vibrant for the next set of wide-eyed visitors.
Insider Tips & Quick Facts
- Getting there: 10-minute speedboat from Victoria’s jetty; most resorts run hourly shuttles.
- Best time to swim: April–May and October–November bring mirror-still seas and peak visibility.
- Turtle season: Hawksbills nest November–February; watch hatchlings scurry seaward at dawn.
- Stay length: One night satisfies the snorkel itch; three let you hop each islet, hike palm-shaded trails and still find hammock time.
Sainte Anne Marine Park proves you don’t have to venture far from Mahé to feel worlds away—just trade asphalt for aquamarine and let the reef set the pace.
10. Cousine Island – Conservation & Romance
Why Choose Cousine
Picture a pint-size coral isle wrapped in blinding-white sand, where just four beachfront villas share 30 hectares of emerald forest and reef-rimmed lagoon. Helicopter in, shed your shoes, and let the island’s resident giant tortoises set the pace. Days unfold to the rustle of takamaka leaves, the splash of hawksbill turtles in aqua shallows, and sunset dinners served by candle-glow on an empty beach. It’s indulgence with a purpose: every stay funds the island’s award-winning conservation programme.
Top Areas & Signature Stays
- South-West Beachfront Villas – Creole-colonial hideaways with plunge pools, airy verandas, and butlers who arrange everything from reef dives to spa rituals under palms.
- Conservation Centre Ridge – Join island ecologists tagging nesting turtles or planting indigenous coastal almond trees—an unforgettable “vacation-with-impact” add-on.
- Coral Garden Sand-Spit – A snorkel-straight-off-the-beach hotspot where parrotfish graze neon coral and eagle rays glide through electric-blue channels.
Ideal For
- Honeymooners wanting true castaway exclusivity
- Wildlife lovers keen on hands-on eco-experiences
- Photographers chasing powder sand and jade lagoon contrasts
- Travellers who crave barefoot luxury minus the crowds
Wildlife in Safe Hands
Cousine’s rangers protect critical breeding grounds for hawksbill turtles, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and the rare Seychelles magpie-robin. Guests can shadow the team at dawn, release hatchlings at dusk, and even adopt a coral plot—leaving a living legacy in the Seychelles.
Insider Tips & Quick Facts
- Arrival: 15-min helicopter hop from Mahé (luggage limit 15 kg—pack light, live lighter).
- Stargazing: With zero light pollution, the Milky Way blazes overhead; staff can set up a telescope and chilled champagne on request.
- Taste to try: Line-caught jobfish grilled over coconut husk, paired with garden-picked papaya salsa.
- Stay length: Two nights for a luxe eco-taster; four to sink fully into “island-time” and help with multiple conservation outings.