Two Islands, One Luxury Brand: Four Seasons Resorts Seychelles Complete Guide

Curated By
Arlette Diederiks
Curator’s statement
In March, I had the immense pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons Resorts Seychelles with my kids. We had a wonderful time, creating memories we'll cherish for years to come. The combination of pristine beaches, lush tropical landscapes and exceptional service made our holiday truly special. The Seychellois culture and warm hospitality added an authentic dimension to our luxury experience.
The Seychelles features two distinct Four Seasons properties: one built into the hills of Mahé Island and another on the secluded Desroches Island. Both locations offer excellent experiences for families and couples alike. Each resort has its own unique character and charm, with thoughtful touches that reflect the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Seychelles archipelago. Here I will explain the differences between both resorts, and the experiences we had.
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Four Seasons Resort Seychelles on Mahé Island
Rooms:
The hillside villas feature private plunge pools and terraces with ocean views. The design thoughtfully combines contemporary luxury with Creole influences. Inside, the spacious layouts include comfortable seating areas, luxurious bedrooms and elegant bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor shower options. The natural materials and subtle color palette create a soothing atmosphere, while floor-to-ceiling windows maximize the spectacular vistas. Each villa feels like a private sanctuary, offering complete privacy while maintaining easy access to the resort's facilities.
Vibe and crowd:
The resort balances a romantic atmosphere with family-friendly offerings. My children enjoyed the kids' club while we appreciated the more sophisticated ambiance. The staff strikes an impressive balance, providing attentive service to couples seeking tranquility while simultaneously engaging families with age-appropriate activities. During our stay, we noticed a diverse mix of international guests, creating a cosmopolitan yet relaxed environment. The resort never felt crowded, with plenty of space for everyone to find their preferred setting for social interaction or peaceful seclusion.

Pool Area FS Mahe
Food:
The dining options include both local Creole specialties and international cuisine, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Each restaurant provides a unique setting for different dining experiences. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking Petite Anse Bay became our favorite morning ritual, with an impressive selection of European pastries, tropical fruits and made-to-order specialties. For dinner, we particularly enjoyed the Creole tasting menu that introduced us to the distinctive flavors of Seychellois cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, aromatic spices and creative presentations. The culinary team was accommodating of dietary preferences and children's palates, making every meal a pleasant experience.

Breakfast FS Mahe
Amenities:
The infinity pool overlooking the ocean is impressive, complemented by a well-equipped fitness center and a serene hilltop spa. As a family, we particularly enjoyed snorkeling, kayaking and exploring the local culture. The beach attendants were exceptionally helpful, setting up comfortable loungers and providing refreshments throughout the day. The spa's treatment rooms, perched on the hillside with panoramic views, enhance the relaxation experience. We appreciated thoughtful details like the complimentary fruit skewers and cold towels offered poolside during hot afternoons, and the extensive library of books and board games available for quieter moments.

Bay FS Mahe
Activities:
We found the guided hikes informative, and the water sports accessible. The local market visits provided my children with valuable cultural insights. The resort's activity team organized nature walks that educated us about the island's unique flora and fauna, including the rare Seychelles warbler and giant millipedes. My children were fascinated by the marine biology session. They learned about coral restoration projects and local fish species before applying their knowledge during guided snorkeling excursions. The cooking class we attended gave us practical skills to recreate some of our favorite Creole dishes at home, complete with tips on sourcing alternative ingredients.

Bicycling FS Desroches
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island
Rooms:
The beachfront villas offer private pools with direct beach access and comfortable outdoor living spaces, providing a sense of seclusion. The architectural design incorporates high ceilings, natural ventilation and expansive decks that effectively blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. We appreciated the thoughtful amenities like the beach bags, reef-safe sunscreen and bicycles assigned to each villa for island exploration. The outdoor shower and bathtub allowed us to enjoy the tropical setting while maintaining complete privacy. The evening turndown service included charming local touches and practical considerations like mosquito netting and refreshing beverages.

Private pool at villa FS Desroches
Vibe and crowd:
As the island's only resort, it offers exceptional privacy in a relaxed atmosphere that encourages natural immersion. The sense of exclusivity is palpable without being pretentious — guests acknowledge each other with friendly nods while respecting personal space. The absence of motorized vehicles creates a peaceful environment as the sounds of waves and tropical birds provide the background soundtrack. Even when the resort was fully booked, we often found ourselves alone on stretches of pristine beach, creating the sensation of having a private island. The communal areas strike a perfect balance between sociability and seclusion, with thoughtfully designed spaces that accommodate both.

Tortoise center Desroches
Food:
The dining venues excel in fresh seafood and locally-sourced ingredients. Having dinner on the beach was particularly memorable. The Mediterranean restaurant showcases an impressive wood-fired oven that produces excellent flatbreads and roasted dishes. We enjoyed the interactive chef's table experience. We selected seafood from the day's catch and discussed preparation methods with the culinary team. The resort's organic garden supplies many of the herbs and vegetables used in the kitchens, and the chefs were happy to show my children around, explaining sustainable farming practices. Their commitment to reducing food miles while maintaining exceptional quality was evident in every dish we sampled.
Amenities:
Cycling the 14km of beaches, snorkeling in clear waters and visiting the tortoise sanctuary were highlights for my children. The spa facilities were equally noteworthy. The island's extensive network of cycling paths makes exploration safe and enjoyable, with thoughtfully placed rest stations offering shade and water. The water sports center provides professional-grade equipment and expert instruction for activities ranging from paddle boarding to deep-sea fishing. We particularly appreciated the discovery center, which offers interactive exhibits about the island's ecology and conservation initiatives. The fitness center, though compact, contains state-of-the-art equipment with virtual trainers and panoramic ocean views that make exercise a pleasure rather than an obligation.

Garden area villa Desroches
Activities:
We found the deep-sea fishing experience rewarding, and the nearby diving locations are exceptional. The nature walks provided educational value about the island ecosystem. The resident marine biologist conducts fascinating coral planting sessions, allowing guests to contribute directly to reef restoration efforts. Star-gazing sessions on clear nights revealed constellations not visible from Europe, with the absence of light pollution creating spectacular viewing conditions. The island's turtle conservation program gave my children hands-on experience with wildlife protection, including participating in nest monitoring and hatchling releases. For more adventurous moments, the resort arranged a helicopter tour that provided a breathtaking perspective on the archipelago's geography and underwater formations.
Sustainability
Both resorts demonstrate genuine commitment to environmental conservation and community support through marine protection initiatives and cultural programs. Four Seasons participates in coral nursery projects that help restore damaged reef systems around the islands. Their waste reduction strategies include eliminating single-use plastics, composting organic waste for garden use and implementing water conservation technologies throughout the properties. Local employment is prioritized, with training programs that develop hospitality skills within the Seychellois community. The resorts also support local artisans by showcasing their crafts in the boutiques and incorporating traditional techniques into the resort design. Educational programs for guests and staff ensure that sustainability remains at the forefront of the resort experience without compromising luxury or comfort.

Beach Desroches
Need to know
Seeking a retreat for couples or a family holiday, these Four Seasons resorts deliver refined luxury with personalized experiences. My children still speak fondly of our time there — we will certainly return in the future. The memories we created, from swimming alongside turtles to learning traditional Creole dances, have enriched our understanding of this unique island nation. The remarkable balance of adventure and relaxation, cultural immersion and natural beauty. This makes the Four Seasons Seychelles properties destinations worth revisiting in different seasons to experience their evolving character throughout the year.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Seychelles page.

Travel Advisor
Arlette Diederiks

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