North Island, Seychelles
If you like the dramatic side of paradise then get yourself to the Seychelles, where the islands look like something out of Jurassic Park with their enormous boulders strewn around the coastlines, evidence of geological battles over millions of years. For unadulterated tranquility and luxury, North Island is an absolute must: it’s a private island within an exquisite wilderness sanctuary, consisting of just 11 private guest villas, all of which have been created from local materials harvested during the island rehabilitation process. Conservation is at the core of North Island – after being abandoned in the 1970s following the collapse of the coconut industry and filled with intrusive species such as cows and rats, North Island undertook the ambitious challenge to restore the island to its former glory. When you’re not basking in marital bliss, guests are welcome to patrol the beach to locate nesting sea turtles, plant indigenous trees or become a patron to one of the youngest Aldabra giant tortoises. The villas are world-class and have been designed to harmoniously blend with their surroundings while also being completely secluded from one another. Paradise regained.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
Before we leave the Seychelles, we couldn’t omit one of our favourite properties in the archipelago: Six Senses Zil Pasyon, which lies on Félicité Island. Coming from the Six Senses stable, you know exactly what to expect: beautifully designed accommodation built with sustainability front and centre (the island is a protected national park), as well as world-class dining and spa facilities. Zil Pasyon is the only resort on the island, of which it takes up about a third of the land, so when it says private, it means private. For the intrepid, Félicité is perfectly placed to do some island hopping, too, with the Unesco World Heritage Site Vallée de Mai on nearby Praslin Island, giant tortoises on Curieuse Island and a nature reserve with more bird species than any other island on Aride. Félicité Island is just outside the cyclone belt, too, meaning summer is practically year-round.
Baros, Maldives
If there’s one criticism of luxury travel, it’s that it can sometimes lack depth or can feel somewhat homogeneous but there’s no risk of that at Baros, the local family-owned island resort, which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary. When it first opened in 1973, it was mainly catering to groups of German divers coming to Baros for the incredible reef life but over the last half-century Baros has kept pace with the luxury industry and is to this day one of the most loved resorts in the archipelago. With three stunning restaurants overlooking the reef and lagoon (the island has its own resident marine biologist), and rooms ranging from a private residence with a 24-hour butler service to 95sqm water villas like warm timber cocoons, Baros is that very special brand of intimate and personal hospitality.
One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius
Mark Twain, the prolific American writer and undisputed lord of the one-line zinger once said: ‘You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.’ He had a point. With a history that spans both Dutch and French rule, the island of Mauritius has always captured the imagination as a tropical outpost of exquisite natural beauty. One&Only’s Le Saint Géran honours this heritage with one of the most well-appointed luxury getaways in the Indian Ocean. Boasting five world-class restaurants, Le Saint Géran’s spot on the northern tip of the renowned Belle Mare coastline couldn’t be more postcard perfect. With deep lagoons and stunning reefs set below lush green mountains, Le Saint Géran has been styled with a chic minimalist’s eye, its pale furnishings contrasting with the azure-blue views outside.
Patina, Maldives
The award-winning Patina Hotel in the Maldivian Fari Islands has set something of a precedent in the archipelago, for it is the first of its kind to introduce a modernist design aesthetic, achieved in complete harmony with its natural surroundings. Both the beach and water villas feature soft cubist architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows reminiscent of the Case Study Houses project, part of the mid-century modernist movement. Nowhere is this signature more evident than at Kōen, where Japanese culinary arts combine with the freshest produce in the Maldives (Kōen is just one of 13 dining options). Similarly, the spa is a thing of pared-back beauty. Patina is unique in its design language while being completely harmonious with the Maldivian landscape, which is no easy thing to achieve but they’ve done it with aplomb.
Amanwella, Sri Lanka
Take leave of the island chains and head north to the sun-drenched south coast of Sri Lanka, where you’ll find Amanwella, part of the lauded Aman stable, pitched in the small fishing village of Tangalle. Ensconced in lush jungle that leads on to a vast swathe of golden sand fringed with coconut palms. With the Aman group’s minimalist signature informing the design aesthetic here, the suites feature private courtyards and plunge pools appointed with local flora and fauna. There are three dining options, with the main restaurant taking centre stage on an elevated platform looking out over the beach, and serving up Mediterranean, Asian and Sri Lankan cuisine specialities with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Tangalle is perfectly placed to visit a number of national parks where Amanwella can offer unique safari experiences. If you surf, there are some cracking breaks right outside the hotel, too.
Ryan Thompson is a UK-based menswear and lifestyle writer, whose work has appeared in, among others, the Financial Times, Mr Porter, The Rake and Ape to Gentleman
