Four Seasons Resort, Mahé Seychelles

We can't help it, but our first association is Jurassic Park: jungle overgrown granite rocks flow seamlessly into the deep blue-green ocean. At any moment we expect to kick a sleeping T-Rex on its tail. It's like walking into a movie set. But this is all real life.

Our wanderlust takes us for more than three and a half weeks to the Seychelles. A country and archipelago in Africa north of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, about 1600 km east of the African continent. The Seychelles consists of more than 115 islands. Less than a third of it is inhabited. Of the 95,981 inhabitants, about 90% live on the main island of Mahé, which measures 155 km². The capital Victoria is also located on this island. The Seychelles are the smallest country in Africa with their population and it is one of the smallest countries in the world.

And we start our experiences off right with a four-day stay in one of the best hotels in the world on one of the most beautiful bays, Petite Anse, the Four Seasons Seychelles. The resort at Mahé Island is built in and around a slope of granite boulders and lush forest, fringing the beach and the coral reefs beyond, which together create a fascinating environment. Hence again our associates with the mentioned movie.

Over the years we visited many fantastic hotels and resorts, but the Four Seasons Seychelles is of an otherworldly, spectacular level. It is hard to comprehend how this large resort with 67 private villas and 27 residences has succeeded in blending in with the breath-taking nature. Only when, on day three of our stay, we are on the terrace roof of the Le Syel Spa, the highest point of the terrain with the most spectacular views, we do get an idea of its immense size. However, in our villa it seems as if we are more or less alone in paradise. Each of the villas offers its own perspective of Petite Anse and the tropical forest from its hillside perch, yet they're still close to all the resort amenities. With our villa centred around its own private infinity pool, we swim right up to a front-row view of the edge of the world and marvel at the natural beauty that surrounds us. Especially at night this is a truly magical experience. We marvel at the resident flying foxes gathering in the trees for their meals. These amazing creatures are among the largest bats in the world.

We stay in an ocean view category villa which is perfectly fine. The rather colonial style interior includes a TV/lounge area, a beautifully canopied bed and a gloriously big bathroom with a sunken tub set at the foot of floor-to-ceiling windows. If not for all the onsite activities, you could simple spend most of your stay just gazing at the lush jungle while lingering in a warm bath. For those with even more demanding needs eight of the three- to six-bedroom residential villas are also available to rent complete with a house butler.

On arrival the girls are welcomed with a personal note and little gift by the kid’s club’s staff. Although they in most cases find themselves a bit too old, they decide to join in on some of the activities. And in the end they cook their own pizza with one of the chefs. Followed by a swim ofcourse, since the entire beach is their playground.

Each morning we start with a delicious breakfast at the ZEZ restaurant. A marvellous open-air place nestled high on the hillside. Catering for every taste from continental to fully cooked options - we opted for a full range to sample - from fruit smoothies, fruits, and avocado on toast, sausage and potatoes and beans to the recommended french toast. All super tasty and fresh. At night the ZEZ restaurant transforms to a classy place to savoir an inventive Asian Izakaya sharing menu. We especially love the amazing sushi. And we enjoy a more casual dinner of pizza and burgers at Kannel - the informal pool side eatery - accompanied by cocktails followed by a lovely refreshing evening dip in the pool and a nightcap. Staffs at Kannel and ZEZ restaurant are very friendly, genuine and address us by our name. Something else you could wish for?

We do understand why they recommend this one!

Our next stop after breakfast is the beach - where we are greeted with refreshing fruit shots and iced fruit skewers and sun beds with the most beautiful view. The famous beach and bay the resort occupies, are unbelievable. We know that it was going to be fascinating but seeing it in person and being able to swim in crystal clear blue water with coral reefs and fish all around you, is remarkable.

The house reef, just in front of the resort and directly accessible from the beach is teeming with marine life and makes for wonderful snorkelling when the tide is in. Snorkelling equipment is available free of charge. The sand is like powdered sugar. Even though it’s a public beech its hard to get to. As a result, there are never many people on the beach who are not staying at the hotel. Besides the beautiful setting the resort has fantastic water sports facilities. So, we do a lot of body boarding, kayaking and enjoy the waves.

We have an awesome experience with the specialized surf school TropicSurf. Although not included in our rate, we take the opportunity to go out with veteran surfer and trainer Steve for real surf lessons for the girls. Surfing in the Seychelles is relatively unknown. There are no surf shops or reliable online forecasts. Herein lies the beauty of the experience – crowd free surfing in a pleasant, laid-back environment. The ease with which the girls, under the guidance of Steve, are very quickly able to ride the waves independently, is amazing and makes us really proud. TropicSurf professional surf guides are located at Four Seasons Seychelles year-round. Instruction is available for novices and the waves are ideal. Coaching is also possible should you wish to improve your high-level technique. We highly recommend it.

The Wise Oceans centre which is also by the beach is another excellent family experience. We enjoy spending some time with one of the staff members talking about the marine life and learning about coral restoration. Through their partnerships with local environmental organizations and operating WiseOceans, the resort seeks to showcase their commitment to sustainability, while promoting education and engagement opportunities for the guests. Marine education and conservation specialists can even take you for a snorkel tour of the reef.

Meanwhile the gentle ocean breeze floats up the granite hillside and into our tree-house villa, reminding us to also take it slow from time tot time and just take in every second of this remarkable experience. Whether it’s just the two of you, or the extended family, spend days lounging by your private pool and playing in the turquoise waters of the amazing bay, or find bliss at the hilltop Spa, before having a sunset meal on a deserted beach. However, paradise might look for you, we guarantee you’ll find it here.

WOW

# It was one of the best trips ever, mainly because of the friendly staff and wonderful service we experienced. The days couldn't be long enough to enjoy the pool and the beach area is endlessly.

# With villas and suites raised on stilts amongst mango, jackfruit and cinnamon trees on a 180-hectare site nestled in the natural amphitheatre of Petite Anse, the resort is a haven of untouched nature and peaceful isolation.

# The beach is incredible, clean with unspoilt water and sand, the staff are just incredibly friendly. The sunset from the beach or from the top of the spa is special - the perfect place for sundowners.