Michelle Laldenga, Senior Reservations Consultant, shares her stay on Denis Private Island, a peaceful Seychelles retreat where nature, privacy, and simple island living take centre stage.
By Michelle Laldenga
Senior Reservations Consultant
Arriving on paradis island
I recently had the chance to spend a few days on Denis Private Island, and it felt like stepping into a postcard.
Getting to Denis Private Island felt like part of the adventure itself. After arriving in Mahé, I boarded a small 30-minute flight to the island, you land on a tiny field airstrip and a warm welcome on arrival made it feel as though I’d discovered a secret corner of the Indian Ocean.
From the moment I arrived, the pace of life slows down. White sandy beaches stretch around the island, surrounded by turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. With no crowds, no traffic, and only a handful of villas, it felt like my own personal paradise.
Island Tour
One of the highlights of my stay was the complimentary island tour, it was a great way to get to know Denis and learn more about what makes the island so unique. We were taken around the island and shown the conservation projects, farm, and gardens that help make Denis so self-sufficient. It was insightful to see how much effort goes into protecting the island’s wildlife and natural environment.
During the island tour, I met Toby, one of Denis Island’s resident giant tortoises. At approximately 128 years old, he’s proof that the laid-back island lifestyle really does work.
That connection to nature continued throughout my stay. Colourful tropical birds in the trees, and the surrounding coral reef with its marine life. One of the most memorable moments was swimming alongside sea turtles, I will never get bored of that. For those visiting at the right time of year, there’s also the chance to encounter manta rays.
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Farm to table
Let’s talk about food! Most of what is served on the island is grown or produced on the island itself meaning every meal is fresh and delicious. Fresh seafood enjoyed with an ocean view is hard to beat. One evening I had the most delicious suckling pig, it was so good, I went up for seconds!
Note: Lunch is served between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm, while dinner is served at 8:00 pm each evening. At first, this might seem a little restrictive, but with only 23 cottages on the island, it actually helps create a wonderfully relaxed and sociable atmosphere at mealtimes.
Island life
Most of my days were spent walking around the island along the beach, swimming in the sea or pool, and simply enjoying the slower pace of life. What I loved most about Denis Private Island was its simplicity. It offers a kind of luxury that isn’t about extravagance, but about having space, privacy, and the chance to reconnect with nature.
One thing I really appreciated was that Wi-Fi was only available in the bar area. While that might sound unusual at first, it actually encouraged everyone to put their phones away and be present. Instead of endlessly doom scrolling, I found myself spending more time reading, exploring the island, and enjoying conversations over a drink.
Insider tip: With virtually no light pollution on the island, take a walk to the airstrip after dinner and look up, you can thank me later. I’ve never seen so many stars in the sky. It was absolutely breathtaking and I could have spent hours just standing there taking it all in.
Michelle Laldenga, Senior Reservations Consultant, shares her stay on Denis Private Island, a peaceful Seychelles retreat where nature, privacy, and simple island living take centre stage.
By Michelle Laldenga
Senior Reservations Consultant
Arriving on paradis island
I recently had the chance to spend a few days on Denis Private Island, and it felt like stepping into a postcard.
Getting to Denis Private Island felt like part of the adventure itself. After arriving in Mahé, I boarded a small 30-minute flight to the island, you land on a tiny field airstrip and a warm welcome on arrival made it feel as though I’d discovered a secret corner of the Indian Ocean.
From the moment I arrived, the pace of life slows down. White sandy beaches stretch around the island, surrounded by turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. With no crowds, no traffic, and only a handful of villas, it felt like my own personal paradise.
Island Tour
One of the highlights of my stay was the complimentary island tour, it was a great way to get to know Denis and learn more about what makes the island so unique. We were taken around the island and shown the conservation projects, farm, and gardens that help make Denis so self-sufficient. It was insightful to see how much effort goes into protecting the island’s wildlife and natural environment.
During the island tour, I met Toby, one of Denis Island’s resident giant tortoises. At approximately 128 years old, he’s proof that the laid-back island lifestyle really does work.
That connection to nature continued throughout my stay. Colourful tropical birds in the trees, and the surrounding coral reef with its marine life. One of the most memorable moments was swimming alongside sea turtles, I will never get bored of that. For those visiting at the right time of year, there’s also the chance to encounter manta rays.
/
Farm to table
Let’s talk about food! Most of what is served on the island is grown or produced on the island itself meaning every meal is fresh and delicious. Fresh seafood enjoyed with an ocean view is hard to beat. One evening I had the most delicious suckling pig, it was so good, I went up for seconds!
Note: Lunch is served between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm, while dinner is served at 8:00 pm each evening. At first, this might seem a little restrictive, but with only 23 cottages on the island, it actually helps create a wonderfully relaxed and sociable atmosphere at mealtimes.
Island life
Most of my days were spent walking around the island along the beach, swimming in the sea or pool, and simply enjoying the slower pace of life. What I loved most about Denis Private Island was its simplicity. It offers a kind of luxury that isn’t about extravagance, but about having space, privacy, and the chance to reconnect with nature.
One thing I really appreciated was that Wi-Fi was only available in the bar area. While that might sound unusual at first, it actually encouraged everyone to put their phones away and be present. Instead of endlessly doom scrolling, I found myself spending more time reading, exploring the island, and enjoying conversations over a drink.
Insider tip: With virtually no light pollution on the island, take a walk to the airstrip after dinner and look up, you can thank me later. I’ve never seen so many stars in the sky. It was absolutely breathtaking and I could have spent hours just standing there taking it all in.
Michelle Laldenga, Senior Reservations Consultant, shares her stay on Denis Private Island, a peaceful Seychelles retreat where nature, privacy, and simple island living take centre stage.
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