The 10 best hotels in Seychelles (and most gay-friendly) Stories > Hotels > The 10 best hotels in Seychelles (and most gay-friendly) Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Laura TuckerLike something copied straight off the back of a postcard, featuring peachy sunsets over palm-lined Indian Ocean shores, believe it or not, the Seychelles was born this way. More than just a cliché of paradise, Seychelles and its glorious beaches offer the rugged perfection we’ve been searching for, with great diving opportunities and 5-star luxury lodges to boot. Base yourself on the largest island of Mahé for easy access to capital Victoria and any number of Seychelles resorts, beaches and restaurants, before boat hopping out to the 114 other islands in the archipelago, such as Praslin and La Digue, for tranquil castaway moments. Tailor Made JourneyLet Us Plan Your Perfect Luxury VacationMr Hudson designs unique and luxurious vacations for sophisticated travelers who prioritize beauty and style. BOOK WITH US Photo: Constance LemuriaFYI – While homosexuality is very much legal in Seychelles (with same-sex marriage and adoption also permitted by law), in reality, local communities may be a little more conservative than these laws suggest. Despite the lack of gay-exclusive resorts and an official Seychelles gay scene, however, most resorts are incredibly gay friendly and accustomed to having international gay visitors. Before jetting off to the resorts below, read our tips on how to get the most out of your Seychelles vacation1. Anantara Maia Seychelles VillasFirst up on Mahé Island are the Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, a series of homey luxury lodges overlooking the Indian Ocean. Offering an all-inclusive experience with private butlers shuffling between the infinity pool, sun deck and private BBQ area to keep you as comfortable as possible, Maia is one step beyond perfection. As well as having the jungle and the boulder-clad beach of Anse Louis on your doorstep, visitors are also well placed for boat trip excursions. Otherwise, enjoy the resort’s many amenities including the thatched-roof spa, fitness centre and open-air pavilions where daily yoga and qi gong sessions take place. For couples’ dining experiences, the resort can provide Asian, Oriental and Creole fusion dishes with hilltop views across the peninsula, preceded or followed by cocktails at the Sunset Pool Bar. Photo: Rhett Noonan Photo: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Six Senses has everything you could need to relax, including an infinity pool, beach spa, gym and even homebrewed rum bar, primed for sunset tasting sessions listening to bossa-nova beats2. Six Senses Zil PasyonSix Senses Zil Pasyon is a hidden gem based on the private island of Félicité, grounding all who visit with its earth-loving ethos. Working with the rocky surroundings to create an eco-boutique overlooking the ocean, Six Senses has everything you could need to relax, including an infinity pool, beach spa, gym and even homebrewed rum bar, primed for sunset tasting sessions listening to bossa-nova beats. Ocean Kitchen, the resort’s alfresco grill restaurant, serves up fresh fish and organic veggies all sourced from the island, with the Island Café providing light buffet breakfasts suitable before morning yoga classes and saltwater soaks on the sundeck. Photo: Six Senses Zil Pasyon3. Raffles SeychellesOn another of the Seychelles honeymoon islands is a branch of the legendary Raffles hotel you won’t want to miss. Raffles Seychelles on Praslin Island comes accessible via a 15-minute flight from Mahé, allowing for utmost luxury on grounds featuring two infinity pools, a beauty salon, rooftop terrace, six restaurants and a shisha lounge. Stay busy by day with kayaking, snorkelling or cycling, also considering guided hiking trails and yoga classes. Pausing for breath, we wander from the resort to Anzo Lazio beach and the Vallée de Mai, allowing Raffles staff to organise day tours around the island or boat excursions to Curieuse Island nearby. Well versed in hospitality, Raffles brings R&R to a whole new level across its spotless suites, full-function spa, and Pan Asian and Creole-influenced restaurants. Photo: Amsnel Gorgonio Photo: Constance Ephelia4. Constance Ephelia Mahe SeychellesThe jungle-based Mahé resort of Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles comes amidst 300 acres of private land, boasting mangroves, ancient forests and award-winning beaches on its grounds. To the north, find Eden-like nature, while south, the resort’s facilities (centred around its four pools at different levels) come to life. Of Constance’s many beach bars, each has its own distinct atmosphere; the Port Launay beach Kabana provides volleyball games and beer or the Japanese-influenced Cyann’s bar brings snifters of aged rum and impressive vistas. Whatever your poison, U Spa can help aid your detox, housed in a micro village within the resort’s tropical gardens, just off from the tennis court, gym and various gourmet eateries. Photo: Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles5. Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot SuitesEliciting exotic flavours and wild forest soundscapes, Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites is our next Seychelles accommodation choice on the quiet island of Praslin. In addition to utmost tranquillity, Coco de Mer provides 4-star luxury on 200 acres beside the sea, in easy reach of Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve and Cote D’Or Beach. On site you’ll have access to the infinity pool, tennis courts and a beauty centre, with the new ocean jetty serving as the centrepiece to guide you from your sea-view suite to the terrace bar or Hibiscus restaurant. Though remote, getting to the hotel is easy thanks to the 24-hour airport shuttle and additional ferry service. Photo: Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot6. Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort & SpaMeanwhile, on La Digue, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort & Spa attracts us with its exclusive location and idyllic setting as much as its rustic wooden architecture that melds right in with the jungle backdrop. Rise to the sound of birdsong in the canopies above, choosing to take a walk along the nearby Anse Severe Beach or a morning dunk in the outdoor pool. Active guests can rent bicycles and snorkels, while others may opt for a treatment at the spa and wellness centre. Easily accessible from Mahé, Le Domaine lies just 5 minutes from La Digue jetty, with buggy transfer also available.7. Eden Bleu HotelAptly located on Eden Island, Eden Bleu Hotel is very much an earthly paradise. Rather than apples, however, temptation here comes in the form of leisurely indulgence, allowing for lazy views over the super yacht marina and Mahé Island beyond. Eden Bleu is also well positioned to enjoy the marina’s shopping complex and lively nightlife in easy reach of the Seychelles International Airport (6 kilometres away on Mahé). Eat at the Marlin Bleu Restaurant just beyond the poolside terrace, enjoying cocktails at Bourgeois Bar any time of day. The island may be man-made but the beaches and mountain views here are still swoon-worthy – just get the hotel shuttle to Beau Vallon and Anse Royal to see for yourself. Photo: Constance Lemuria Photo: Constance Lemuria8. Constance LemuriaOne more of the top Seychelles hotels on Praslin Island is Constance Lemuria, a chic resort laid out like a mini traditional village, replete with thatched-roof spa facilities, a stilted restaurant with a view, and East African-designed beach bar on the shore. There’s plenty to see and do while staying at Constance, but you could easily stay happy enjoying the views from the three-tiered infinity pool or taking treatments in the garden’s massage huts. To stay busier, take a day trip towards the natural wonders of Vallée de Mai, treading lightly on the sandy shores so as not to disturb the nesting hawksbill turtles. Back at the hotel, enjoy a creole spread at any of the hotel’s four restaurants, even going barefoot for a sushi-style lunch at Takamata on Petite Anse beach. Photo: Constance Lemuria9. Avani Barbarons Seychelles ResortCentred on Mahé Island’s Barbarons Beach, Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort could hardly make paradise any more convenient. Just 13 kilometres from Victoria, Avani boasts a tropical shorefront location completely immersed in peace and quiet. Savour the view over the water and gardens from your room’s private balcony or come down for various activities around the fitness centre, yoga studio or cookery kitchen. Otherwise, get some sun and salt spray with water sports on the bay, moving back to the resort come sunset for AvaniSpa treatments followed by a choice of six restaurants serving up everything from poolside appetizers and cocktails to traditional Seychelles cuisine. Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Fregate Island Private As well as pristine beaches and rich green forest to shelter the island’s diverse flora and fauna, it is the Fregate Island Private resort that has us particularly excited10. Fregate Island PrivateThe last of our best hotels lies on Fregate Island, a tiny speck of land east of Mahé, privately owned and kept in tip-top condition. As well as pristine beaches and rich green forest to shelter the island’s diverse flora and fauna, it is the Fregate Island Private resort that has us particularly excited. The traditional style villas here come made from native mahogany and thatched to fit with the palm-fringed aesthetic. Nip around the resort in your personal golf buggy, going from infinity pool to clifftop villa with minimal effort, or even make use of the private butler service to fetch you samples of wine cellar stock while you peruse the on-site boutique and art gallery. After bubbling away the afternoon in the garden jacuzzi, fill up on Creole and African cuisine at Fregate House or hope for a BBQ feast at Plantation House before slurping cocktails at Pirates Bar or Anse Bambous Beach Bar. Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Fregate Island PrivateWant to simplify luxury travel planning?Whether you want a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, once-in-a-lifetime adventure or weekend escape, the trip curation experts at Mr Hudson make travel planning a breeze. Find out how we can handle the finer details of vacationing in style.Main image courtesy of Fregate Island Private. Photo: Constance Ephelia Hotels - Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas This luxurious resort on Mahe features villas overlooking the Indian Ocean, a gourmet restaurant and a wellness centre. Each villa offers a personalized dedicated butler, private infinity swimming pool, kitchenette, Hermès amenities, outdoor gazebo and a sun deck. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Raffles Seychelles Closely located to the world’s most beautiful beaches, Raffles Seychelles offers luxurious villas on the island of Praslin, private plunge pools and 2 infinity pools. Each villa with open-air balconies overlooking the garden, the ocean, or the surrounding area. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Constance Ephelia Nestled amongst the white sand beaches and hills on the island of Mahé, Ephelia offers guests luxurious suites and villas overlooking the Indian Ocean. It features 5 restaurants, 6 bars, 5 pools and boutique shopping. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites Situated along a private beach area in Anse Bois de Rose, Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites offers a swimming pool, two restaurants and a spa. It is nestled in 200 acres of tropical gardens. The spacious rooms and suites all feature a terrace and Indian Ocean views. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort and Spa Located on La Digue, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie features a number of amenities to ensure guests have a relaxing stay, including a spa and wellness centre. Two on-site restaurants provide guests with various dining options. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Constance Lemuria Featuring a three-level pool and spacious suites and villas, the Constance Lemuria Resort includes a spa surrounded by a lush garden and 4 restaurants. All the air-conditioned units are decorated with wooden furniture and some of them have thatched roofs. Book on Booking.com Explore more hotels like this in Seychelles View on Booking.comPowered by Booking.comshare Photo: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Photo: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Photo: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Photo: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Photo: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Photo: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Photo: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Photo: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Photo: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Fregate Island Private Photo: Constance Lemuria Photo: Constance Lemuria Photo: Constance Lemuria Photo: Constance Lemuria Photo: Constance Ephelia Photo: Constance Ephelia Photo: Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Photo: Constance Ephelia Photo: Constance EpheliaDid you enjoy this article? Then sign up for our newsletterDid you enjoy this article? 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