Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago of some 115 granite and coral islands loosely scattered in the Indian Ocean east of continental Africa. With white sand beaches bordered by swaying palms and calm turquoise waters, it’s very much a picture of a tropical idyll with a well-earned reputation for glamour and barefoot luxury.

Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the largest and oldest islands where almost all the Seychelles’ population resides. Here find scenic mountain trails, prehistoric forests home to endemic coco-de-mer palms and a collection of luxury resorts.

However, for the full Seychelles experience, we prefer one of the archipelago’s private islands. These are among the most exclusive hideaways on earth, and our favourites are about much more than traditional luxury. From single-handedly rescuing species from extinction to ambitious ecosystem restoration projects, some islands are leading the way in regenerative travel.

With the freedom to do what you like when you like, you can lend naturalists a hand in their work, dive on kaleidoscopic reefs alongside marine biologists, sail to hidden islets or simply flop on your own stretch of beach, cocktail in hand. The perfect blend of indulgence, adventure and conservation.