Review: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

_Location: This much-loved resort is ensconced within the protected bay of Petite Anse on the largest island in the Seychelles, Mahé. A spectacular semicircle of sugary sand sandwiched between gently lapping waves and jungle-clad granite hills; this is arguably Mahé’s best beach. Situated in the district of Baie Lazare on the southwest coast, the property is a 30-minute drive from Seychelles International Airport.

_{First impressions:} The Four Seasons experience starts at the airport, where a member of staff whisks us through arrivals and into the air[1]conditioned interiors of a gleaming BMW X5. It’s dark when we arrive at the hotel, but the grand, up-lit gates and elevated coastal road that winds along the bay to the lobby confirm we’re in for something special. Despite our late arrival, staff are waiting to greet us with welcome drinks and cold towels. Our check-in documents have already been laid out on a sleek coffee table, and arrangements have been made for room service since the restaurants have now closed. Immediately, service is thoughtful and intuitive – and imbued with characterful Creole spirit.

_{The facts:} Between its polished interiors, immaculately kept grounds and evidently busy books, you wouldn’t know that Four Seasons Resort Seychelles has been operating for 15 years. Set across both sides of the horseshoe-shaped cove it calls home, this 170-acre site certainly has space on its side, making each of its 67 guest rooms and villas and 27 residential units feel spectacularly sequestered. Accommodation is scattered across the hillside and set on stilts amid the trees, ensuring even the lower room categories get a glimpse of the ocean. But in truth there’s no lesser option here: every accommodation features a private infinity pool, sundeck, outdoor shower and open-air reading pavilion with a comfy daybed – the perfect spot to watch the fruit bats soar at sunset. Six food and beverage outposts provide an impressive amount of culinary choice.

Decadent breakfasts are served in Zez, where a whole room is dedicated to fresh fruit and smoothies, and there’s a station solely reserved for mimosas and bloody marys. The hillside venue transforms at night to offer pan-Asian cuisine. A more casual affair of Indian light bites and speakeasy-style cocktails can be found at Zez Bar. On the beachfront, Kannel majors on modern Creole cuisine; the adjoining Kannel Bar serves up cocktails and comfort food; and Steak Shack is the home of premium grilled meat and seafood. Elsewhere, Japanese venue Koi offers sushi platters and signature rolls, as well as an optional omakase experience. A large pool is situated close to the beach and there’s also a well-equipped gym, plus walking and jogging trails across the resort.

_{Ideal for:} The romantic setting of this far-flung, five-star gem means it’s popular with honeymooners and couples, but families are well catered for too. A dedicated Kids For All Seasons facility offers a tailored programme for younger guests, who can also tap into marine education, surf lessons and junior spa experiences. This is a large and sprawling resort, which is invariably hilly and steep in parts, so buggies are essential to get around.

_Explore: From sailing to scuba diving and everything in between, the location and set-up of this resort ensure there’s hardly reason to leave. Many use the property as a springboard before or after a wider Seychelles itinerary, with Mahé well served by ferries to other islands (Praslin is 65 minutes away, while La Digue is one hour and 45 minutes). Many also combine a stay at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles with a visit to its sister property on the private island of Desroches, a 35-minute flight from Mahé.

_Wow: The Le Syel Spa is literally the crowning jewel of this property. Perched at the resort’s highest point, it overlooks the bay with vast views of the Indian Ocean. Couples should book a double treatment room, which boasts an outdoor bathtub and rain shower, and try the Le Syel Signature massage, with hypnotic singing bowl vibration. Utter bliss – in a blissful corner of the world.

_{Book it:} Rates start from €1,200 per night plus taxes and service charge.
Fourseasons.com