Forget the Maldives if you crave turquoise waters mixed with untamed jungle and towering granite. Seychelles, specifically the Four Seasons Resort on Mahé’s Petite Anse, offers a unique alternative. After 16 years, this five-star haven has recently updated its beachfront suites and debuted an impressive eight-bedroom villa, perfect for larger gatherings.
A Warm Seychelles Welcome
The journey from Mahé airport is a delightful prelude to paradise. A scenic 30-minute drive meanders through hills thick with cinnamon groves, past roadside stalls overflowing with tropical fruits like pawpaws and bananas, and offers tantalizing glimpses of the sparkling Indian Ocean through the trees. The grand reveal comes as the road dips sharply into Petite Anse. Below, a perfect crescent of white sand emerges, framed by dramatic granite boulders. It’s hard to believe that 67 luxurious villas are tucked away in the dense canopy, hidden among cinnamon and takamaka trees.
Upon arrival, the resort staff greets you with genuine Seychellois smiles, a refreshing icy towel, and a chilled tropical juice. Then, you’re whisked away by buggy directly to your villa for a private check-in. This eliminates the need for any formal reception desk, allowing for a more personal and immediate start to your stay. Staff will provide a quick orientation and introduce you to the Four Seasons Chat, a convenient concierge system that serves as your on-call link for everything from arranging buggy rides to securing sunset dinner reservations.
Your Hillside Retreat
My hillside villa was a marvel, both inside and out. The design smartly incorporates natural materials, creating a seamless connection with the surrounding environment. Polished teak floors, high timbered ceilings, and louvre shutters invite in the gentle breeze. Wide sliding glass doors open onto a private plunge pool, with a deck that seems to float effortlessly above the jungle canopy. From this vantage point, the view is simply breathtaking: layers of lush jungle cascading down to the vibrant turquoise water, and on clear days, the faint outline of distant islets dots the horizon.
The bathroom itself is a standout feature. A deep stone soaking tub is positioned perfectly beside floor-to-ceiling windows, offering uninterrupted ocean views. For those who prefer an open-air experience, a generous rain shower extends outdoors, giving you the choice between bathing under the sky or retreating to the cool, air-conditioned comfort indoors.
The resort also offers more expansive accommodations. The Three-Bedroom Royal Suite recently received a refresh, now boasting a private gym and a larger outdoor dining pavilion. The Three-Bedroom Presidential Suite has been expanded to include a fourth bedroom and multiple open-air pavilions, offering direct beach access – a rarity on Mahé. But the true showpiece, unveiled this year, is the Eight-Bedroom Residence Villa. Spread across three levels, it features two infinity pools, three kitchens, and can comfortably host up to 20 guests. This isn’t just a villa; it feels like a private compound within the resort, ideal for large family gatherings or groups of friends seeking privacy without compromising on top-tier service.
Culinary Journeys: From Creole to Japanese
Kannel, an open-air restaurant nestled just steps from the beach and shaded by swaying palms, catches the refreshing sea breeze. Its menu offers a delightful range, from light salads and wood-fired pizzas to authentic local Creole dishes. The octopus curry with rice is an absolute must-try – rich, fragrant, and arguably one of the best I’ve tasted across the islands. It perfectly captures the essence of Seychellois cuisine.
For a more intimate dining experience, Koi is the resort’s hidden gem. This Japanese dining room, open most evenings, boasts just a handful of counter seats and a concise yet exquisite menu. Expect impeccably fresh sushi and sashimi, perfectly crisp tempura, and an unforgettable yellowtail carpaccio with yuzu. It’s the ideal spot for couples seeking a romantic and refined meal.
Kannel Bar, located beside the main pool, is the go-to spot for a relaxed afternoon. You can grab late-afternoon tacos or share a platter of freshly grilled prawns and lobster. It’s a popular choice for families, offering a laid-back menu and staff who are happy to customize dishes, adjusting spice levels or splitting portions for children. I found myself frequently stopping here for a cold drink and a quick bite after a day at the beach.
Embracing Petite Anse Bay
Much of the daily activity at the Four Seasons revolves around the stunning Petite Anse bay. Non-motorized water sports, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking, are all complimentary. The in-house marine team organizes guided swims and informative reef talks, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the ocean environment. Most mornings, we made it a point to borrow paddleboards, gently gliding across the calm waters, before returning to simply relax under an umbrella on the pristine sand.
Snorkeling here is particularly rewarding. The bay is framed by the iconic granite boulders that define Seychelles’ landscape, and beneath the surface, these formations create a natural playground of swim-throughs and sheltered nooks for marine life. Vibrant coral gardens cling to the rocks, where you’ll spot an array of colorful fish like bright parrotfish and angelfish, and occasionally, a graceful turtle grazing in the shallows. Visibility is typically at its best in the morning when the water is calm and the sunlight beautifully illuminates the reef. For guests new to snorkeling, the marine team can guide you to the calmer spots near the beach, while more experienced swimmers can venture out to explore the rocky outcrops at either end of the cove.
Rejuvenation at Le Syel Spa
Perched majestically at the resort’s highest point, Le Syel Spa offers eight treatment pavilions, each boasting views so incredible they’re worth the steep journey alone. I chose the “Drift Away” massage, which uses a captivating blend of Mediterranean essential oils, including frankincense, lavender, and patchouli. My therapist was exceptional, and thoughtfully provided tailored stretching tips for me to use afterwards. For those seeking inner peace, yoga sessions are held at both sunrise and sunset. Additionally, visiting practitioners offer a range of holistic therapies, including reiki, comprehensive nutrition consultations, and soothing sound healing sessions.
Family-Friendly Comfort
The villas at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles are generously sized, providing ample space for families to comfortably spread out. Every restaurant across the resort offers a dedicated children’s menu, ensuring even the youngest guests have delicious options. The resort’s Kids For All Seasons club stands out as one of the best in the region, featuring thoughtfully designed indoor play areas and shaded outdoor spaces where children can enjoy supervised activities and make new friends.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
Accessibility and Commitment to the Environment
The resort’s unique hillside location means it might not be ideal for wheelchair users. However, a convenient buggy service is readily available throughout the property to transport guests wherever they need to go, making navigating the resort effortless for everyone. The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is deeply committed to sustainability. Since 2015, they have actively collaborated with marine biologists on the Petite Anse Reef Restoration Project. This ambitious initiative has successfully transplanted over 16,000 coral fragments, with the goal of restoring a remarkable 10,000 square meters of reef. Guests are actively encouraged to participate in coral-grafting workshops, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to this vital conservation effort. The project’s dedication is recognized through its certifications from Green Globe and the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label.
Service Excellence, Naturally
The service at this Four Seasons resort is, as expected, nothing short of exceptional. It’s polished, genuinely warm, and subtly intuitive. Many of the staff members are Seychellois locals who have been with the property since its opening 16 years ago, a testament to their dedication and experience. From the very first evening, they consistently remembered our names and our preferences, creating a truly personalized experience that remained flawless throughout our stay. Buggies, essential for navigating the hilly terrain, arrived within minutes of a chat request, whether we were heading down to the beach or up to the tranquil spa at the top of the hill. This seamless and attentive service truly enhances the overall feeling of effortless luxury.
What types of villas are available?
The resort offers private villas with stunning ocean and jungle views, including beachfront suites, a Three-Bedroom Royal Suite, a Three-Bedroom Presidential Suite, and a new Eight-Bedroom Residence Villa.
Are there options for multi-generational families?
Yes, the new Eight-Bedroom Residence Villa is specifically designed for multi-generational families and groups, offering extensive space and amenities.
What kind of dining experiences can I expect?
Dining options include Kannel, serving local Creole delicacies and international dishes, and Koi, offering Japanese cuisine. Highlights include octopus curry and yellowtail carpaccio.
What wellness facilities are offered?
Le Syel Spa provides exceptional treatments, yoga sessions at sunrise and sunset, and wellness consultations. The spa is located at the resort’s highest point, offering breathtaking views.
What sustainability efforts is the resort involved in?
The resort actively participates in the Petite Anse Reef Restoration Project, transplanting over 16,000 coral fragments since 2015. Guests can also join coral-grafting workshops.
Is the resort suitable for children?
Yes, villas are spacious for families, all restaurants have children’s menus, and the Kids For All Seasons club offers excellent indoor and outdoor activities.
Ready to trade crowded beaches for secluded coves and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and unparalleled luxury of the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles? Explore their stunning villas, savor exquisite dining, and contribute to a vital coral restoration project during your unforgettable stay. Plan your escape today and discover why this resort is the perfect blend of wilderness, indulgence, and responsible tourism.
References
The National
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
