Seychelles / Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

A natural playground just a short flight, yet worlds away from Mahé; seclusion reigns supreme at this private island resort and excites those with a thirst for the true castaway experience.

Unlike the granitic mountainscape and climbing jungles which denote many of its Seychelles siblings, this is a flat, sprawling sanctuary with a more delicate beauty. And with an entire coral island all to themselves, guests at Four Seasons get dizzy with the sense of freedom and adventure, combined with an almost unearthly tranquillity. By all means, kick back in your rustic-yet-chic villa with its private pool and beach access, but you can have run of the island on your own terms with full-on immersion too. Dive the famous deep Desroches Drop, see new coral reefs being nurtured by the dedicated marine biologists, deepen your knowledge of local flora and fauna in the interactive Discovery Centre, enjoy world-class fishing and whizz along biking trails where every twist and turn reveals a new cove or beach to explore.

Others make lasting changes at the organic Circle of Connection Spa or with private sessions with visiting specialists, including Ayurvedic doctors, reiki healers and teachers of transcendental meditation, who make the absolute most of the wild habitat. Besides, where else in the world runs yoga sessions on the island runway?

Travel notes:

• 71 villas and bungalows with their own pools, garden and direct beach access
• 2 restaurants plus deli offering beach picnics and bar with Creole tapas
• Surrounded by 14 classified diving sites ranging from caves and canyons to secret passages and spectacular reef walls
• Families and friends should take advantage of the Carefree Castaway services of a private in-villa chef and butler