Alphonse Island, Seychelles

rooms

Nestled amidst lush green forest just metres from the beach, the 22 Beach Bungalows offer privacy and elegance in equal measure. The A-frame buildings feature simple yet comfortable furnishings in neutral hues, as well as indoor and outdoor showers and a private terrace. There’s a king-size bed and spacious lounge that can take an additional cot or sofa bed for families with one child sharing.

Larger families should check into one of five Beach Suites, which offer more space and can sleep up to two children on extra beds in the large lounge area. They also feature an additional guest bathroom, and boast direct beach access and stylish furnishings.

facilities & activities

The resort centres around a vast pool, which is shaded by palm trees and sits beside the beach. There’s a great beach bar, dining area and lounge, as well as a floodlit tennis court and a well-appointed reception area. Each of the 21 Beach Bungalows and five Beach Suites are located on the water’s edge, offering scenic ocean views and ample space, perfect for families.

You won’t be short of things to do. Fly fishing and big game fishing are key activities here, and guided excursions can be organised for keen anglers. There is a good dive centre offering a variety of courses, from a full PADI (Open Water and Advanced) course to a Discover Scuba Initiation for beginners. With its own house reef, as well as plenty of nearby reefs teeming with marine life, snorkeling opportunities are also fantastic. Head out from the beach or venture further afield on a guided snorkelling excursion.

Cycling is the ideal way to explore the island, with its thick, forested interior, and each guest is allocated a bike for the duration of their stay. Pedal off on your own or join the activities team for a fun and informative guided tour on two wheels. Watersports include windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

Alphonse Atoll is a hotspot for nesting Green and Hawksbill Turtles, and you can join the Island Conservation Team on their daily routine of finding and measuring turtle tracks, identifying new nests, tagging nesting turtles and guiding hatchlings to the ocean. Other conservation activities include guided nature walks and guided bird watching trips to nearby St. Francois island.

Feeling achey? A team of trained masseuses are on hand to offer a range of treatments, including the Fishermen’s Massage that eases muscles strained during a day on the flats.

dining

There is a central dining and bar area (children’s menu available), set beside the pool and shoreline, serving dishes inspired by the Indian Ocean. Fresh fish is available daily, along with fruit and veg harvested from the garden and forest just a stone’s throw from your table. Skilled chefs cater for all dietary requirements and special requests. The result is a delicious array of Seychellois Creole and French plates that are effortlessly fresh, varied and tasty. Think locally caught fish and salads with a mix of Creole food, barbecues and tender beef.

family

This a great resort for families. Children under 24 months stay for free, and there’s a good range of accommodation options to suit small to larger families. A Beach Bungalow sleeps two adults and one child, while Beach Suites sleep two adults and two children on sofa beds.

In the restaurant, a children’s menu is available, offering special, smaller portions to suit younger palettes. There is a good variety of fun and educational activities for children, such as kids’ scuba diving and fishing, where instruction is kept enjoyable and light. Youngsters will love the range of sports on tap, from snorkelling out in front of the villa to cycling and swimming in the hotel pool. Bikes are available to each guest aged three and over, and training wheels on the kiddies bicycles are available, as well as baby seats for adult bikes.

location

Set 250 miles southwest of Mahé, Alphonse Island is in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles archipelago. It is a 60-minute flight from Mahé, and flights are weekly on Saturdays (departing from Mahé at 11:00, with the return flight departing from Alphonse Island at 12:30). It is also possible to book private charter flights, and additional flights are sometimes added during periods of high demand.

The Alphonse group of atolls consists of Alphonse, St Francois and Bijoutier, and they are regarded as some of the world’s most pristine islands. Fringed by white sand beaches, the island also boasts dense natural forest and coconut groves, as well as a protected fishery, making it paradise for nature lovers.

rates & specials

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