Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

The lobby at this Four Seasons says it all: The open-air structure with gleaming wood floors, woven ceilings, weathered wood objets resembling Noguchi sculptures, and a cluster of colored-glass windowpanes merge with the sweeping vista -- a cliffside view of the bay below. That general vibe of organic elegance continues throughout the public spaces, with natural elements incorporated into the decor, including native woods, stone, plants, flowers, and palms. The grounds are large and can be a challenge to navigate, but the resort operates buggies for transportation. Everywhere there is a feeling of expansive space, both indoors and out. Even the gym is spacious and lovely, with large picture windows and enough room to qualify as a regular city gym, not merely hotel fitness room. Striking artwork and beautifully landscaped grounds echo each other across the property and all the way to the waterfront. The private beach area has a pristine stretch of white sand, comfortable sun beds, and luxe little treats such as fresh juices or ice cream every hour, to make the hard work of sunbathing more bearable. As expected in a resort that heaps on the romance, most guests are couples, though the occasional family comes as well and makes use of the children's pool and kids' programs.

The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is set on the southwest coast of Mahe, on a hillside overlooking quiet Petite Anse Bay. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, the resort sits on a white-sand beach and is sheltered enough to make swimming and other water sports safe for all. There is plenty of parking on the premises. But there's little in the immediate surroundings aside from other resorts. Victoria Market, an outdoor food and craft market, is about a 40-minute drive away. And the Jardin Du Roi spice garden is a 16-minute drive. The airport is just over 20 minutes from the hotel by car.

Guests at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles stay in individual air-conditioned villas, each with a private infinity plunge pool and a patio. Some villas are close to the beach; others are located high on the hill, a significant walk from the main buildings. The major difference between the villas is the location and view, and guests should specify if they have a preference when booking (although there really is no bad location). The units are surrounded by lush cinnamon, jackfruit, and mango trees. Many villas feature open-air showers, huge, sunlit bathrooms with marble tiles, and walk-in closets. Outdoor features include decks, lounge chairs, whirlpools, and private pavilions with beds for relaxing alfresco. Indoors, the furniture is plantation-style, with comfortable canopy beds, soaring ceilings, and black-and-white photos of local flora, along with other artwork. Other amenities include, 42-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, CD/DVD players, iPod docks, safes, minibars, and luxury toiletries. The resort also provides special kids' amenities and child-sized bathrobes. Housekeeping stops by twice a day to keep everything neat and polished. 

The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles sits on a private white sand beach, and offers a full spectrum of water sports, including surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, boogie boarding, and sailing. Each guest also gets a free 30-minute surfing lesson. Beachside activities include volleyball and badminton. Beach staff circulate among sunbathers, cleaning sunglasses and distributing fresh juices and ice cream throughout the day. A marine education facility -- WiseOceans -- offers guests of all ages talks and educational experiences designed to familiarize them with the local marine ecology. There's also a dive shop at the resort, with available dive tours and lessons for all levels. The resort’s pool is large and peaceful, with cocktails, fruit drinks, and snacks served at the poolside Kannel Bar, which also offers shisha (hookahs) for evening smoking.

Families can make use of the fun kids' area, with a children’s pool, tire swings, gardens, and even sea turtles, as well as programmed kids' and teen activities to keep the younger set busy. Joggers and hikers can take advantage of running paths and daily programmed hikes, and there are three free yoga classes offered every day as well as paddleboard yoga, bonfire yoga, and laughter yoga. The large fitness center is open 24/7, and it's stocked with modern cardio and weight equipment. Guests can borrow exercise clothing, including sneakers, free of charge, and the gym also offers free coffee. Personal trainers are available as well. Golfers can take advantage of the spectacular driving range, where they can hit Ecobioballs into the surf with impunity, as these unusual balls dissolve in water and release fish food.

The spa features an extensive menu, including chakra balancing and jet lag recovery treatments, palm and caviar body wraps, energy work, couples' massage, and a mini-spa menu for kids that includes hair braiding and mani-pedis. Spa treatments can be booked in the guest villas, and bath butlers are on call to draw baths for guests.

There are a number of cultural activities designed to teach guests about the area, including Creole cooking classes, and Creole nights in the restaurant serving local barbecue and specialty curries. The Kannel Restaurant serves an international menu at lunch, and a variety of Asian and Creole dishes at dinner. ZEZ serves three meals daily, and offers a modern Mediterranean menu. The ZEZ Lounge is a classic cocktail bar, serving fine wines, quality cigars, and sushi and sashimi accompaniments. 

Aside from the pre-arranged activities the hotel provides, the property can also customize treatments, classes, and experiences to suit individual guests' tastes.