Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island
The epitome of sustainable luxury, this private-island resort offers magical, immersive encounters with nature – including hawksbill turtles, reef sharks and stingrays – while still enjoying all the luxury one expects from the Waldorf Astoria brand.
The island, a half-square-mile speck in the Indian Ocean 130 kilometres south of Mahé, is surrounded by reefs and wildlife-rich lagoons. The on-site marine biologist is a font of knowledge and leads snorkelling sessions to spot reef sharks, lemon sharks, green turtles, eagle rays, fantails and more. Most common of all are the island’s friendly hawksbill turtles, which come to nest on the powder-soft beaches. Platte Island has the largest concentration of hawksbill turtles in the Seychelles, thanks in part to the resort’s turtle conservation programme, which monitors and protects the nests. Guests are invited to watch the baby turtles hatch when the time is right – an unforgettable experience that you can’t find just anywhere.
The 50 villas are set back from the beach to allow the turtles to lay their eggs undisturbed. Ranging from one to five bedrooms, they boast fan-shaped interiors with wooden floors, palm-tree-pattern cushions and earthy-toned bathrooms. Floor-to-ceiling concertina doors open onto wide patio decks, private infinity pools and lush gardens backed by soaring coconut trees.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability is further evident through the use of a solar field for renewable energy, while its six bars and restaurants showcase fresh produce grown on the island itself. The on-site spa features an impressive array of treatments, kids and teens are catered for with a selection of clubs and facilities, and activities range from reef walks and fly fishing to cooking classes and outdoor cinema nights.
