The 12 best hotels in the Seychelles to wake up in paradise

North Island is your go-to for a total blow-out. Seamlessly blending bespoke eco-luxury (with just 11 handcrafted villas) with serene relaxing opportunities, it’s a picture-perfect retreat adorned with sandy white beaches and granite boulders. Oh, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge honeymooned here, so you know it’s going to be good. It’s as much a conservation project as it’s a resort, with giant tortoises wandering, rare birds tweeting in the treetops, and rich marine life that's heaven for snorkelers. Our tip: transfer by helicopter from nearby Mahé for the ultimate 007-style arrival.

The mood? A mesmerizing beachfront that'll make you forget that annoying queue at the airport. 

Location perks? Walk along North Island's untouched beaches or take the plunge with diving lessons. 

Budget range? You may have to win the lotto. 

If this were a book it would be a page-turner, no doubt. Situated on Mahé Island, on the shores of Beau Vallon Beach, STORY Seychelles resort offers the height of modern luxury with their contemporary accommodation and stunning facilities. As tales go, this one begins with beautifully decorated villas in hues of gold and rich mahogany and a range of luxuries, some of which include private pools, garden terraces, balcony views, cabanas, and rainfall showers. There are many ways to wined and dined at STORY, but what could beat dining in a secret garden by the sea? That's what's on offer at Eden seafood grill, and it isn't one to miss. When you're not eating your weight's worth in scallops, you can enjoy stand-up paddle in the sea, scuba diving or if you prefer to stay dry, you can take a hike through the jungle where you discover waterfalls and the best mountaintop views. A stay here is definitely a story worth telling...

The mood? Tropical oasis.
Location perks? Canopied by lush tropical trees, this resort offers unreal vistas of the Indian Ocean. 
Budget range? Pretty decent rates for all this paradise has to offer.

Wannabe castaways will adore this tiny island (one mile long, less than a mile wide) with no roads and just a couple of paths. Twenty-four low-key villas (with the biggest outside bathrooms ever) are scattered amongst trees overlooking a beach and lagoon. Other than that there's not much aside from a small infinity pool, rustic creole restaurant (the jackfruit ice cream is delicious), and tiny bar, but what else do you really need? Grab a snorkel and kayak and explore the Sainte Anne Marine Park separating you from nearby Mahé.

The mood? Whisked away to paradise. 

Location perks? A Creole evening with live music and food hosted by the resort once a week.  

Budget range? A luxury stay for two.  

Don’t worry, you won’t be bumping into Wills and Kate at this budget-friendly hotel. Run and owned by Seychellois, the complex is made up of 40 sleek ocean-view chalets (some have pools if they fit your budget) overlooking Carana Beach. Outside, you’ll find cabanas to lounge in while reading through that book you never had the time to start, a restaurant serving delicious local dishes and an impressive list of activities. Whether you fancy diving, hiking, sunset picnics, or horse rides on the sand, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

The mood? Cushy suites and moreish ocean views. 

Location perks? Just 8.4 km outside of Victoria.

Budget range? An affordable couple's stay. 

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas is one of the most romantic getaways in the Seychelles, which sits on the forested granite headland beside beautiful Anse Louis beach. Enjoy the island's southwest coast from one of the 30 thatched villas, which are served by butlers that’ll do everything from floating tea lights and frangipani petals in your al fresco double bath to organizing dinner on the beach at sunset. For true relaxation, make sure to book a massage at one of the Balinese-style spa's open-sided pavilions, or try a yoga session at sunrise (if you can extract yourself from the enormous bed in time).

The mood One mud-wrap away from becoming a digital nomad. 

Location perks? Take advantage of the gourmet restaurant and wellness center, especially the tropical-flower baths. 

Budget range? A small fortune.

If you don't want to break the bank but do still want Instagram-friendly extras like an infinity pool overlooking Beau-Vallon (the best swimming beach on Mahé), this is a great option. With a Polynesian vibe to the thatched reception and plenty of coconut palms swaying in the wind, it's laid-back to the max, but with plenty to explore and do – including two restaurants and bars serving free afternoon tea as well as some decent cocktails, Elemis spa, and even a flood-lit tennis court if you get the urge to be active. Rooms are light and airy and there are family suites too.

The mood? Romantic red sunsets. 

Location perks? Lush tropics and glorious ocean views. 

Budget range? Bargain prices.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon is a dazzling super-luxe hotel situated on Félicité island. Close to Praslin and its famous Vallée de Mai, this place features 30 spectacular villas that house infinity pools, submerged sun loungers, four-poster beds and swing seats in bathrooms. There are various restaurants around the place, including the fabulous Ocean Kitchen which serves the best ceviches around. Looking for some excitement? Take part in fun activities like a cinema under the stars or even a treasure hunt.

The mood? Hideaway on a private Island. 

Location perks? Beautiful walking trails, a saltwater pool, and magnificent towering boulders to name a few ... 

Budget range? Pricey, but so worth it. 

Proof that you really can stay in the Seychelles on a budget, this charming guest house has six bungalows split into apartments with a sparkling clean bedroom, kitchen, living room with colourful artwork and terrace. It's not on the beach, but it is set in lush gardens (with a pool) and you're only a short stroll from the shore, including Anse Source d'Argent (which often tops lists of the world's best beaches). Self-catering means there's a chance to sample creole curries in the restaurants clustered around the nearby port.

The mood? Botanical haven. 

Location perks? Only a short walk to nearby villages and restaurants. 

Budget range? Dirt cheap rooms.

This family-friendly, high-end resort is set on a forest-clad hillside with fantastic panoramic views of Petite Anse bay in southwest Mahé. Little ones are treated like VIPs, with children's bathrobes, their own dining menus and a kids' club - a fun place to discover about marine life or paint a tropical picture while mum and dad are trying out the dreamy spa (treatments use locals herbs and spices) or diving. Hillside villas with pools are hard to leave and everything, from the pop-up seafood barbecues to the golf buggies that transport you up and down the hillside, is done with Four Seasons class.

The mood? Luxury beach-hut-esque.

Location perks? Snorkeling, helicopter tours, fishing, cocktail lounge – the lot. 

Budget range? A luxury price tag.

This nine-room retreat is one for the gourmets. Found on a granite peak above Baie St Anne, this is the only Relais & Chateaux hotel in the entire Seychelles. You’ll get to lap up plenty of luxuries throughout your stay, even its vintage wines and dishes feature organic veggies from the garden and fish plucked fresh from the sea. So, you can be sure that evenings at the open-air restaurant are even more memorable. There are cooking classes too, so you can learn how to roast a giraffe crab or whip up coconut mille-feuilles with mango sorbet when you're home.

The mood? Nothing but island vibes.

Location perks? A short stroll to Anse Marie-Louise Beach.

Budget range? A mini fortune well spent. 

If like most of us, you're in desperate need of a dose of the tropics, you can bet on Pataran Village to make your beachfront escape nothing short of idyllic. Situated in La Digue, the hotel boasts gorgeous views overlooking the sea and the horizon, and trust us you will never get tired of those views. Rooms have a bit of a vintage old-timey feel to them - the kind you might expect from a Mills and Boon novel. When you're not cozying up in your room, there's the pool, BBQ facilities, a lounge, bar, and an on-site restaurant to be enjoyed at your leisure. Of course, you could always skip all of that and head straight to the beach, that is, of course when you're done with buffet breakfast, because priorities. 

The mood? Romantic beach getaway. 

Location perks? Free breakfast and dinner are included with your stay. That's like music to our ears. 

Budget range? An unforgettable and affordable (for the Seychelles) weeklong stay.