An amazing stay at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island feels like a special discovery. It’s a small island, just 1.5 square miles, but it’s packed with natural beauty. Imagine lush forests, long sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs surrounding the island. This place is a haven for endangered birds and turtles, and the waters offer great opportunities for activities like surfing and sportfishing. You can interact with giant Aldabra tortoises, relax in a private villa pool, or enjoy a Seychellois rum tasting. The island has a relaxed pace, encouraging you to enjoy simple pleasures like a sunset cruise or a beach picnic without feeling the need to constantly be on the go.

Getting to Desroches

Reaching Desroches Island involves a flight from Mahé, the main island of Seychelles. The resort arranges these inter-island flights through their charter service, which costs about $530 per person round-trip. I always recommend adding an extra day or two between your international arrival and your onward flight to Desroches. This buffer is crucial to avoid missing connections, as the Desroches flights have specific departure times and are subject to weather changes. The resort staff will guide you through check-in and security at Mahé airport, making the transition smooth.

Once you’ve booked your stay, the resort will coordinate these inter-island flights with you directly. The flights typically depart Mahé in the morning, Monday through Saturday, and a bit later on Sundays. Return flights follow a similar schedule. It’s wise to confirm these times with the resort closer to your travel date, as they can change.

Island Accommodations

The resort offers a range of villas and suites, plus larger residences. My own villa was incredibly spacious, covering nearly 2,100 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. It felt like having my own private retreat within the larger island paradise. The main living area had a large canopy bed, a comfortable seating area, and a dining table. I found plenty of useful details, like universal power plugs and USB-A ports conveniently located by the bed.

The welcome amenities were a thoughtful touch, including local sweets and iced tea. The minibar was well-stocked with both local rum and imported drinks, along with a Nespresso machine and kettle for hot beverages. I appreciated the ample closet space and the sheer size of the bathroom suite.

The bathroom itself featured double vanities and a large soaking tub. Natura Bisse toiletries were provided, and the shower setup was unique, offering both an indoor and an outdoor option. The outdoor shower, with its more powerful stream of water, was a refreshing way to rinse off after being in the sun. Stepping outside from the living area, I found expansive decks with comfortable seating and a spiral staircase leading to an upper-level lounge area, perfect for enjoying the ocean breeze.

The villa’s private pool, mostly shaded throughout the day, was a welcome relief from the tropical heat. A small lawn led to a sandy area equipped with loungers and a hammock, before opening directly onto the beach. Another outdoor shower was conveniently located here for rinsing off sand after a swim in the sea. The design truly made it feel like a secluded sanctuary.

Dining Experiences

Desroches Island offers a variety of dining options across its five bars and restaurants, plus in-room dining and private chef services. Claudine, the resort’s main restaurant, is located by the pool and reception. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is included with room rates and features an extensive buffet with pastries, fruits, cheeses, and a selection of hot dishes. I particularly enjoyed the made-to-order options like shakshuka and lobster fatteh.

For lunch, Claudine offers international dishes. I recall trying a delicious seared tuna sandwich with creole mayo, which was very satisfying. The dinner menu includes continental classics such as sashimi and various seafood dishes. The restaurant also hosts themed buffet nights, like a “La Tous Kreole” evening showcasing Seychellois cuisine. I experienced this and was impressed by the variety, especially the seafood curry made to order with a rich blend of spices.

The Deli is a more casual Japanese izakaya and sushi spot, perfect for a lighter meal. They offer a good selection of starters like edamame and sashimi, along with various sushi rolls and a few main courses. It’s a nice contrast to the other dining venues.

The Lighthouse is the resort’s upscale restaurant, open only for dinner on specific nights. It’s situated within the lighthouse itself, with indoor and outdoor dining options. The menu is primarily a contemporary chophouse, focusing on high-quality steaks from Germany and Spain. They also offer some seafood mains and a delightful mango-coconut flan for dessert. The atmosphere here is ideal for a special evening out, with cocktails and a wine list complementing the dining experience.

Resort Amenities

The resort provides a wide range of amenities to suit different preferences, whether you prefer relaxing on the beach or engaging in activities. There’s a main pool area facing the ocean, with loungers and shaded spots. I found the Castaway Centre to be a hub for booking activities and picking up gear. They offer complimentary non-motorized water sports, with additional fees for activities like deep-sea fishing and sunset sails.

The resort also has a kids’ club, “Kids for All Seasons,” which includes an indoor play area and an outdoor playground. It offers supervised activities and excursions for younger guests. For exploration around the island, each guest receives a bicycle. Many beaches are equipped with kayaks, shaded chairs, and coolers stocked with water and towels, making it easy to spend a day exploring and snorkeling. Aquarium Beach is often highlighted for turtle sightings.

An afternoon excursion to visit the giant Aldabra tortoises is a unique experience. Feeding them leaves and fruits from their enclosure is quite memorable. The Circle of Connection Spa, located oceanfront, offers a tranquil setting for massages, facials, and body treatments. I tried a ginger-lavender poultice rub, which was very soothing after a day in the sun.

For those looking to stay active, there’s an on-site tennis court and an air-conditioned gym with cardio and weight machines. Personal training services are also available.

What are the best times to visit?

The weather in Seychelles is generally pleasant year-round, but there are distinct seasons that might influence your visit. The drier season, from May to October, generally sees calmer seas and less humidity, making it ideal for water activities and exploring the beaches. Temperatures are warm but often tempered by breezes. This period is also popular for visibility in diving and snorkeling.

The wetter season, from November to April, brings higher humidity and more rainfall, though showers are often brief and followed by sunshine. This time can also be excellent for spotting marine life, as the calmer waters of the calmer months give way to slightly rougher seas that bring nutrients closer to shore. The island’s lush landscape is particularly vibrant during this period.

Navigating the Island

Getting around Desroches Island is largely done by bicycle, which is provided to all guests. The island is relatively flat, and cycling between the villas, restaurants, and various beaches is easy and enjoyable. For longer distances or when carrying items, buggies are readily available on demand. I found that having a bike made spontaneously deciding to visit a different beach or location very simple. It allows for a gentle pace of exploration and a chance to really soak in the surroundings.

While the resort’s layout is designed for easy access, some of the more remote beaches or interior paths might require a slightly longer bike ride or a buggy trip. I always recommend grabbing a map from the resort upon arrival to get a sense of the island’s layout. It helps in planning your day and understanding the best routes to the various activities or points of interest.

The sandy paths are generally well-maintained, but it’s worth noting that while buggies are available, some areas might involve a short walk from where the buggy drops you off, especially if you’re heading to a more secluded cove or a specific viewpoint. This adds to the sense of discovery without being overly strenuous for most visitors.

Budgeting for your stay

The cost of visiting Desroches Island, including the inter-island flights, can be substantial, even for a high-end resort. Dining and on-property activities also contribute to the overall expense. It’s important to factor in these costs when planning your trip. For instance, while some activities are included, others like deep-sea fishing or spa treatments will incur additional charges.

Considering the “Castaway” all-inclusive package, which runs through October 31, 2024, might be beneficial if you plan to enjoy meals and drinks extensively. This package covers all meals at the resort restaurants and bars, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and daily replenishment of your in-room private bar. It excludes in-room dining and requires a minimum three-night stay. Given the remoteness and the cost of dining à la carte, this could offer peace of mind and a more predictable budget for your stay.

Another consideration for managing costs is booking through programs like Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s The Edit if you have eligible cards. These programs often provide perks such as room upgrades, property credits for dining or activities, and complimentary breakfast, which can offset some of the higher expenses. If you don’t have access to these programs, working with a travel agent who is a Four Seasons Preferred Partner can also secure similar benefits.

I’d suggest reviewing the resort’s activity calendar and dining menus upon arrival to get a clear understanding of what appeals most to you and to budget accordingly. Little extras can add up, so having a general idea of potential expenses helps in enjoying your vacation without constant financial calculation.

You can find a unique blend of luxurious comfort and untouched natural beauty on Desroches Island. It’s a place that invites you to disconnect and reconnect with the simple wonders of the environment.