What It is Wish to Keep on the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island

As my aircraft descended in the direction of Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island throughout a late November journey, it was arduous to not really feel as if I have been getting into paradise.

The property is Hilton’s newest addition to its luxurious Waldorf Astoria assortment and is nestled on Platte Island, a small, distant islet situated about 80 miles south of Mahé, the most important of the Seychelles. The lodge made its debut in January 2024 with 50 non-public villas, personalised concierge companies, and beach-inspired design. And since its location is pretty secluded, the property’s lagoon and coral reefs provide an thrilling alternative for guests to identify migratory birds and turtles.

Upon check-in, I used to be shortly launched to Angel, my concierge for my keep, who zipped me away to my villa on a golf buggy. Every single day, she would verify in on Whatsapp, and he or she emphasised that she was at all times one textual content away. As a enjoyable bonus, Angel and the employees additionally notified company when there have been tortoise sightings—nests are dotted throughout the island.

Regardless of the posh and pampering the resort has to supply, the true spotlight of Platte Island is the Indian Ocean itself. One morning, I joined the resort’s normal supervisor, Elias, and the on-site marine biologist for a wildlife stroll across the island. Underneath the gentle mild of the dawn, we noticed child reef sharks, eagle rays, and ghost crabs within the shallow water.

Evenings are equally enchanting on the property. Visitors can take pleasure in beautiful sundown views over the Indian Ocean, moutya dance performances by the employees, and dinner at one of many property’s three eating places. For me, my favourite was Moulin, the lodge’s cooking college by day, restaurant by night time idea—dishes listed here are ready nearly completely with produce grown on the island. And the property’s distant location makes it a perfect place to stargaze as properly. As soon as the solar units, the sky twinkles with a seemingly infinite variety of heavenly lights.

This is every part you have to find out about what it was like to remain on the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island.

The Rooms

Room sorts at Platte Island vary from the one-bedroom Hawksbill Villa to the five-bedroom Eagle Ray Pool Villa, which packs a big non-public terrace. All items, nonetheless, have an prolonged picket deck with swing sofas, non-public infinity swimming pools, and an out of doors eating area. Whereas company can entry the seaside from the pool space by passing via a backyard, the lodge made a deliberate option to set the villas removed from the shore to make them really feel non-public and to reduce any disruptions to marine life, particularly the tortoises, who wish to nest beneath the large shade timber.

As one would anticipate from a Waldorf Astoria property, the villa I stayed in throughout my go to was stylish and pristine—however the true “wow” issue was its sheer measurement, which was solely enhanced by the connected out of doors patio and backyard. The rooms’ design appeared to attract inspiration from the island itself, and lots of the furnishings function the usage of wooden, shells, and even palm timber. For many who wish to indulge, the in-room mini bar presents a various choice of drinks, together with the Seychelles’ nationwide spirit: Takamaka rum.

Within the evenings, a heat bathtub embellished with lovely pink flowers awaited me. Elias (the overall supervisor) confirmed us the inventive bathtub artwork that room service recurrently prepares as a shock for company. Whereas the rooms have been beautiful, it was the employees’s impeccable service that made staying right here so particular.

Meals and Drink

The resort presents top-notch eating throughout three eating places. There’s La Perle, serving “health-conscious” breakfasts and Mediterranean-inspired dinner; the laid-back Maison de Epices specializing in Creole-Latin fusion with dishes corresponding to octopus salad and vibrant curries; and Moulin, a “soil-to-soul” produce-forward eatery that provides cooking courses within the daytime.

Moulin, with its rotating tasting menus dreamed up by Chef Gavi, was maybe the standout eating vacation spot for me. Inventive dishes right here embrace the grilled monkfish served with coconut broccoli dressing, beef with candy potatoes, in addition to the beetroot rose and mirepoix crumple. If you would like to see the place your meals comes from, company can discover the on-island backyard the place the restaurant’s substances are sourced.

As for drinks, there is not any scarcity of choices. Torti is the resort’s pool and seaside bar, the place diners can feast on bento packing containers and sushi. Peacock Terrace, a espresso and tea bar, is impressed by the eponymous authentic location on the Waldorf Astoria New York. And for breathtaking sundown sea views, head to Lalin, the place you’ll be able to sip on craft cocktails and champagne.

Actions and Facilities

Lively company will discover a lot to busy themselves with, together with alternatives to fish, kayak, paddleboard, and even scuba dive. For these curious about taking it simple, there are additionally stress-free catamaran rides, guided wildlife reef walks, and excursions of the tortoise sanctuary—it’s also possible to be taught to make Seychellois Creole throughout the daytime cooking courses at Maison des Epices. Different facilities embrace tennis and paddle ball courts surrounded by lush greenery, a well-equipped health club, sundown pilates and yoga, and private health coaching alternatives. Nonetheless, a easy stroll or bike experience is possibly one of the simplest ways to get acquainted with the island. Upon check-in, each visitor is given a motorbike with a personalised identify tag, so peddling across the island is hassle-free.

The Spa

The spa wellness middle, situated subsequent to the Moutya restaurant, has 5 remedy rooms with steam showers and baths. Visitors can choose from choices such because the Immune Therapeutic Restoration Therapeutic massage and an Ayur-Abhyanga remedy, which function luxurious Seychellois and Voya Irish skincare merchandise. Personalised wellness screenings are additionally accessible, which curate personalised remedy plans. Different spa options embrace a hammam-style steam room, a Himalayan pink salt sauna, pedicure and manicure companies, a hair salon, and hydro and infinity swimming pools with sea views.

Household-friendly Choices

Platte Island is family-friendly. Kids can benefit from the amenities on the lodge’s Children Membership, which has a big out of doors playground that includes a big play pirate ship. Inside, the Child’s Membership has Ps video games, a climbing wall, and common arts and crafts periods like coconut shell portray. You could find accomplished artworks by the mini-maestros displayed across the space.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Due to a big, on-island photo voltaic farm, 95 p.c of the resort is powered by daylight. The property has adopted different environmentally pleasant initiatives corresponding to energy-efficient lighting and water recycling, too. Wildlife preservation is large on the island as properly. The Island Conservation Society, which is devoted to defending and rehabilitating the distinctive ecosystems of the Seychelles, has an on-site base to make sure native preservation efforts are adequate and constant.

Location

The lodge is distant, however that is additionally certainly one of its important promoting factors. These coming should catch a 25-minute flight from the Seychelles Worldwide Airport (SZE) on Mahé—there are two flights per day. Tickets value 700 euros (about $758 USD per particular person) and 350 euros (round $380 USD) for youngsters beneath 12. Fascinated with a extra non-public expertise? Waldorf Astoria can present a non-public chartered flight for five,000 euros (about $5,418 USD).

The right way to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is a Hilton property, so Hilton Honors members can earn double factors for every night time of their keep. In case you ebook at the least seven days upfront, you will get 17 p.c off charges with the Hilton Honors Advance Buy Low cost. AARP and AAA members can get an added 10 p.c low cost as properly. Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island can be part of American Specific’s Superb Accommodations + Resorts program—from now till Dec. 31, company can get a complimentary fourth night time by reserving on the FHR platform.