Mark recently had the opportunity to stay on Alphonse Island, and he describes it as one of the most magical islands he has ever experienced. From the moment he arrived, he felt as though he had stepped into a private paradise.
By Mark Boullé
Managing Director
Alphonse Atoll lies just 7 degrees south of the Equator, consisting of three islands – Alphonse, St Francois, and Bijoutier. Alphonse Island is the largest, and in my opinion, offers the best single-resort island experience in the Seychelles. It combines absolute privacy with incredible luxury and a wealth of activities – a rare gem in the Indian Ocean.
Flights to Alphonse depart from Mahé’s domestic terminal on Saturdays and Wednesdays, with additional flights from November to April, depending on availability. The flight is just 60 minutes, and there’s a strict 15kg luggage allowance for soft bags plus 5kg of hand luggage. I recommend staying overnight in Mahé before your departure so you can start the day relaxed.
The Resort Accommodation
The resort embodies simple luxury. There are just 29 bungalows and villas, all with stunning beachfront views.
The 22 Beach Bungalows are on stilts with ensuite bathrooms, outdoor showers, and a spacious patio with a day bed.
For a touch more indulgence, the five Beach Villas feature private pool decks, open-plan bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and separate guest toilets.
For the ultimate escape, the two 4-bedroom Beach Retreats offer extensive lounge areas, plunge pools, gardens leading directly to the beach, and golf carts for exploring the island.
Bikes are provided with the Bungalows and Villas, while the Retreats include bikes and golf carts, perfect for exploring the island at your own pace.
Things to Do
Beach and Water Activities
Alphonse is perfect if you want to switch off or keep active. The secluded beaches are incredible, and I was amazed at how often I saw turtles and rays right from the sand. There’s a PADI dive centre, excellent snorkelling, kayaks, paddleboards, sunset trips, and ocean safaris where I got to see spinner dolphins, manta rays, and sailfish.
Wildlife and Biologist Tours
I joined the resident biologists on turtle hatching walks, which was both fun and educational. You can also cycle around the island, visit the farm, or explore the smaller atolls, St Francois and Bijoutier. If you want some relaxation, there’s a tennis court and on-site massage team – perfect for a bit of pampering.
Fly Fishing
For anyone who loves fishing, Alphonse is world-renowned for fly fishing. I was blown away by the range of fish: Bonefish, Giant Trevally, Milkfish, Triggerfish, and more, all in the expansive flats around the island. There’s even a fishing shop on-site with rod and reel hire, which makes things really convenient.
Alphonse has some truly special touches. My personal highlights were the Flats Lunch – a BBQ on one of the atolls’ sand flat and sundowners at the Beach Bar. Moments like these remind you why a stay here is so special.
Family Holidays at Alphonse
Alphonse isn’t just for couples; families are extremely well catered for. There’s childcare, a main pool, and plenty of activities for all ages. The island is a fantastic place for kids to explore safely while adults relax or enjoy water sports.
Alphonse is not a budget destination, but it’s worth every penny. The friendly staff, secluded beaches, amazing food, and variety of activities make it one of the best-kept luxury secrets in the Seychelles. I left feeling relaxed, inspired, and already planning my next visit – this island truly does not disappoint.
A remote private atoll in the Seychelles that offers an exclusive “one island, one resort” eco-luxury experience, where guests stay in beachfront villas and suites.
Mark recently had the opportunity to stay on Alphonse Island, and he describes it as one of the most magical islands he has ever experienced. From the moment he arrived, he felt as though he had stepped into a private paradise.
By Mark Boullé
Managing Director
Alphonse Atoll lies just 7 degrees south of the Equator, consisting of three islands – Alphonse, St Francois, and Bijoutier. Alphonse Island is the largest, and in my opinion, offers the best single-resort island experience in the Seychelles. It combines absolute privacy with incredible luxury and a wealth of activities – a rare gem in the Indian Ocean.
Flights to Alphonse depart from Mahé’s domestic terminal on Saturdays and Wednesdays, with additional flights from November to April, depending on availability. The flight is just 60 minutes, and there’s a strict 15kg luggage allowance for soft bags plus 5kg of hand luggage. I recommend staying overnight in Mahé before your departure so you can start the day relaxed.
The Resort Accommodation
The resort embodies simple luxury. There are just 29 bungalows and villas, all with stunning beachfront views.
The 22 Beach Bungalows are on stilts with ensuite bathrooms, outdoor showers, and a spacious patio with a day bed.
For a touch more indulgence, the five Beach Villas feature private pool decks, open-plan bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and separate guest toilets.
For the ultimate escape, the two 4-bedroom Beach Retreats offer extensive lounge areas, plunge pools, gardens leading directly to the beach, and golf carts for exploring the island.
Bikes are provided with the Bungalows and Villas, while the Retreats include bikes and golf carts, perfect for exploring the island at your own pace.
Things to Do
Beach and Water Activities
Alphonse is perfect if you want to switch off or keep active. The secluded beaches are incredible, and I was amazed at how often I saw turtles and rays right from the sand. There’s a PADI dive centre, excellent snorkelling, kayaks, paddleboards, sunset trips, and ocean safaris where I got to see spinner dolphins, manta rays, and sailfish.
Wildlife and Biologist Tours
I joined the resident biologists on turtle hatching walks, which was both fun and educational. You can also cycle around the island, visit the farm, or explore the smaller atolls, St Francois and Bijoutier. If you want some relaxation, there’s a tennis court and on-site massage team – perfect for a bit of pampering.
Fly Fishing
For anyone who loves fishing, Alphonse is world-renowned for fly fishing. I was blown away by the range of fish: Bonefish, Giant Trevally, Milkfish, Triggerfish, and more, all in the expansive flats around the island. There’s even a fishing shop on-site with rod and reel hire, which makes things really convenient.
Alphonse has some truly special touches. My personal highlights were the Flats Lunch – a BBQ on one of the atolls’ sand flat and sundowners at the Beach Bar. Moments like these remind you why a stay here is so special.
Family Holidays at Alphonse
Alphonse isn’t just for couples; families are extremely well catered for. There’s childcare, a main pool, and plenty of activities for all ages. The island is a fantastic place for kids to explore safely while adults relax or enjoy water sports.
Alphonse is not a budget destination, but it’s worth every penny. The friendly staff, secluded beaches, amazing food, and variety of activities make it one of the best-kept luxury secrets in the Seychelles. I left feeling relaxed, inspired, and already planning my next visit – this island truly does not disappoint.
A remote private atoll in the Seychelles that offers an exclusive “one island, one resort” eco-luxury experience, where guests stay in beachfront villas and suites.
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