Anse Louis, Seychelles
Anantara Maia Seychelles
Sea Star
What it is
30 thatch roofed villas on 30 rainforested acres abutting a pristine beach, with al fresco spa treatments plus all-inclusive feasting at their three glam restaurants.
What it isn't
Boring. Curated exploits here include classes in Qi Gong (energy work) and walking amid ancient Aldabra tortoises at the National Botanical Gardens.
What we think
When they tapped Bill Bensley to design this jaw-dropper of a resort, they ensured an indoor-outdoor lifestyle for the ages. (Based in Bangkok and Bali, Bensley has whipped up everything from Rosewood Luang Prabang to Capella Hanoi). You can’t go wrong with any villa choice here, all of which are a whopping 2,609 square feet and stocked with Hermès toiletries, multiple lounging spots with turquoise water views from indoors and the sundeck (where a sunken bathtub awaits), and canopied beds that epitomize vacay romance. While you’re here, don’t miss the Stand Up Paddle Boarding adventure—you’ll be equipped with a GoPro to capture every fish swimming beneath you in glass-clear water, and every powder soft sand inlet you explore. Need something? Just contact your villa host, available to help 24/7.
You're here because
Guest adventures on offer include helicoptering to Aride Bird Sanctuary to picnic with local songbirds, and you feel there’s nothing more tweetable.
The Moment
From within your open-air thatched roof treatment pavilion in the spa, the only thing you can hear—besides the cacophonous rainforest birds—is the serene sound of your own calm breath. Today’s particular bliss-booster: a nectarine and honey body scrub and warm cacao wrap that’s good enough to eat.
Restaurants & Bars
- Maia Restaurant
Location
On a leafy peninsula near Anse Louis village on the Seychelles’ Mahe Island, just a 25 minute drive from Seychelles International Airport.