Round & Alphonse Islands Get Away From the World and Enjoy Exclusive Seychelles

This could well be the motto of this trip and the two extraordinary destinations that make it possible. An escape marked by unbeatable luxury and true relaxation. First, Round Island, off the coast of Mahé in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, has all the hallmarks of a paradise island: Swaying palm trees, pristine white sand and a turquoise lagoon whose edges contrast with the deep blue of the ocean. You’ll find yourself drifting through this lush haven of peace as if in a waking dream - it’s hard to believe you’re so close to the largest island in the archipelago. Flora and fauna thrive and flourish. In the air, at sea or on land, you’ll come across birds, tropical fishes, tortoises and sea turtles. Masks and snorkels will be your passport to explore the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon, its multicoloured corals and its seagrass beds. Kayaking lets you venture a little further from the coast and paddle freely between the islands. Next comes Alphonse Island, lost in the middle of the Indian Ocean, 450 km (280 miles) south-west of Mahé. It is a tiny green atoll - an incredibly rare feature in the Seychelles archipelago - with white sandy shores, standing alone in the vast azure expanses of the sea. It was officially discovered in 1730 by the French commander Alphonse de Pontevès, who gave it his name. Could you be any more cut off from the world? Nothing obscures the horizon. You can explore the crystal-clear waters of this sanctuary for marine life to your heart’s content and get to know the inhabitants of its exceptional coral reef - green sea turtles, manta rays, whitetip sharks and barracudas. Its vegetation, consisting of coconut palms, casuarinas and Indian almond trees, is home to many endemic bird species, which can often be heard and sometimes seen: red-footed boobies, sooty terns, lesser frigatebirds and Seychelles fodies. They delight your ears with a sweet melody that you’ll soon find yourself humming along to.

Your Exclusive Retreats

Your first accommodation option on Round Island is the smallest resort in the Seychelles with only ten villas. The atmosphere here is steeped in romance. Your accommodation, designed as per traditional Creole architectural style, evokes the elegance of the French colonial era. Crafted from dark tropical wood and decorated with antiques, it depicts a history all its own. It’s hard to leave your zone of comfort here, except perhaps to cool off in the infinity pool or take a small staircase down to a secluded cove. Kayaks, paddleboards, masks and snorkels are all available, so you can freely explore the island and its reef. If you’re in the mood for relaxation, the spa is a true sanctuary of wellbeing, offering views over the lagoon and no fewer than thirty different massages and treatments. The culinary experience is also quite exquisite. During the day, you can opt for a picnic on the beach or lunch on the terrace of your villa in complete privacy. Dinner can also be served at home, unless you prefer to dine in the restaurant and enjoy delicious, perfectly prepared traditional Creole dishes. The charm continues on your second island: Alphonse Island, one of the most remote places on the planet. Here, your peaceful haven features around twenty overwater bungalows, completely cut off from the modern world. It’s a Robinson Crusoe experience, but with added comfort. Yours has a private terrace where you can gaze out over the horizon. With its wooden features, artisanal touches and a palette of soft, natural colours, it is reminiscent of the atmosphere in Out of Africa The soothing view of the ocean and the outdoor shower let you form a powerful connection with nature. It is ever-present, whatever you do, wherever you look. Spa treatments are offered in the privacy of your cocoon or right by the water’s edge. There are very few places where you could imagine a more creative way to indulge in leisure, but also in activity, as the establishment also serves as a diving and big game fishing centre. Here again, masks, snorkels, kayaks and paddleboards are at your disposal to explore the lagoon, whose protected waters are home to tropical fish and sea turtles. At nightfall, dinner under the stars will enchant the senses. Enjoy the luxury of freshness thanks to the fish caught offshore and the vegetables from the huge adjoining kitchen garden. The result on your plate is as surprising as it is delicious.

Your Trip

Priority passage through airport formalities and access to the departure lounge: kick off your trip with ease. Once there, you’ll benefit from the transfers we’ve organised, and then a short domestic flight will connect your two island havens. Your itinerary is part and parcel of the trip too, of course - in fact, it’s very tempting to do nothing but relax and take in the views. Since we felt it was essential, we’ve added a 4x4 tour of hidden Mahé - the island right next to Round Island - with a private guide to your itinerary. What’s more, you’ll be given a local mobile phone with credit to take wherever you go, and you’ll receive assistance from our on-site Concierge to handle any last-minute wishes or questions. All you have to do is let yourself go…