"Welcome to Paradise," enthuses my buggy driver, Sandy, as we zip upwards on the winding, concrete pathways towards my Hilltop Ocean-View Villa in the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. A recent bout of rain has given the lushest of vegetation that shadows our journey, a new vibrancy as well as that intoxicating aroma of petrichor.
“Here we are Mr Matt!” exclaims Sandy as we navigate the final hairpin turn. A wooden stairway greets us, which I climb quite cumbersomely, still feeling the effects of my early morning flight. However, my drowsiness is cured once I reach the summit as I lay my eyes on the most incredible tapestry of colour. As I peer out from my rain soaked, wooden terrace I drink in views that offer a kaleidoscope of colours. The green of trees, sprinkled with the resort’s brown rooftops, sweep down to the golden sand beach of Petite Anse Bay, that is constantly kissed by the rolling, turquoise waters of the sea. Around me, colourful insects and birds zoom back and forth, with the gliding of giant fruit bats adding a shock of black to this incredible picture.
Tearing myself away from this enchanting scene, I enter through the baby blue door of the villa, where mahogany wooden floors, a thatched-like ceiling and a bed adorned with crisp white linens and an elegant white canopy await. In front of the bed which has a delightful ‘WELCOME’ message, sits two lounge chairs for relaxing, or perhaps to catch your fall as you take in the mountain scenery, showcased by the floor-to-ceiling windows.
As I continue my journey, past walls that showcase works from local, Seychellois artists, I come to the bathroom and the star of the show; a deep, sunken bathtub that yields even more views of the surrounding nature - add a glass of bubbly and it’s the perfect Instagram post, I muse. Double vanity sinks mean there are no fights when it’s time to get ready, with indoor and outdoor showers offering the opportunity to bathe al fresco in nature or more modestly inside. Outside on the gigantic terrace, I have the choice of lazing on the covered, king-sized cabana or on a sun lounger, with refreshing dips enjoyed in the private infinity pool that wraps around the villa. But a word of warning, the pool is quite deep, with it reaching my neckline, so perhaps bring a pair of inflatable armbands if you are not blessed with extensive height.
I stray from my sanctuary and head to one of the highest points of the resort to Le Syel Spa, where I discover that my panoramas were only appetitsers. The view from this idyllic haven of tranquillity is simply breathtaking, immediately causing me to forget about any stress or strains that may have been lingering. Here, I meet Dr Anoop for an ayurvedic consultation before I am led to a treatment room where the wide-open windows allow the sounds of the ocean and gentle breezes to wash over me. It’s a Le Syel Signature Massage for me and it puts me to sleep, with my only disturbance being my own inconsiderate snores.
When the stomach murmurs, there’s a plethora of flavours to enjoy. Steak Shack dishes up island grills with Koi serving up authentic Japanese. I pull up a chair at Kannel for its Italian themed night, Serata Italiana, where I indulge in an array of exquisitely cooked pasta and Aperol Spritz. Make sure to grab a seat around sunset at Kannel Bar for dreamy vistas. Breakfast is served at Zez, where I find a room packed with pastries, cold cuts and cheeses and another room showcasing fruits of every kind. In the evening, the venue transforms into an intimate setting and I help myself to a host of Japanese plates including chicken bao, tuna tataki, Wagyu beef dumpling and sumptuous stir-fried Wagyu tenderloin alongside some tasty signature cocktails.
The beauty of Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is that you are invited to do as much or as little as you like. There’s kayaking, fishing, hiking, scuba diving, snorkelling and more. I opt for a marine education with on-site marine biologist Raisha Ramkissoon of Wise Oceans, who gives me a crash course into their work around the house reef and the marine ecosystems. I am due for a snorkel after my session but unfortunately Raisha informs me that the strong currents have resulted in zero visibility and zero chance of discovering the beautiful marine life – perhaps another time.
With the weather conspiring against indulging my inner Jacques Cousteau, I console myself with a spot on the perfect Petite Anse Bay beach. Framed by two verdant hillsides, I soak up the sun while dipping in and out of the water which rustles up giant waves that send me tumbling into a heap.
Alas, my time is coming to an end and I realise there is one problem with this paradise; you eventually have to leave.
