What it is

The only resort on a 933-acre coral island in the Indian Ocean, with 9 miles of pristine beaches, airy waterfront suites and villas, an al fresco spa, and exquisite restaurants that include a raw bar in a lighthouse.

What it isn't

Limited to sprawling on the sand. Exploits here include surfing protected lagoons, cycling 9 miles of lush trails, and visiting aldabra tortoises in a sanctuary where they can reach 550 pounds and are up to 150 years old.

What we think

Honeymooners flock to this literal paradise—but why should they have all the fun? Desroches Island is for everyone. Proof: even the most basic room category here is a suite, so you’re guaranteed to have an indulgent experience (amenities include evening turndown, twice daily housekeeping and everything city dwellers demand, from zippy WiFi to HD satellite televisions. Sunset Beach Suites are a whopping 2,874 square feet, and have their own gauzy white canopied beds under soaring blonde wood ceilings, private gardens and a swimming pool for you and your traveling companions alone. The Two Bedroom Presidential Villa has three full bathrooms—including one with a deep stone soaking tub; a private gym (because, of course it does), a barbecue pit and pool in a private garden...the list goes on. At sunset, be sure to walk to the top of The Lighthouse restaurant for a Coco Loco cocktail—with rum, passionfruit and coconut milk frothed to perfection.

You're here because

The Kids for All Seasons program has it all—including a sand-floored play pavilion, air-conditioned spaces to frolic, and doting staff that pamper them even more than Grandma.

The Moment

You’re almost dismayed to leave the beach for the spa, but the Sound of Waves treatment matches the level of bliss you’re feeling: a massage use with eggs filled with hot baobab seeds, meant to echo the music of the waves crashing on the beach. Heaven.

Restaurants & Bars

Claudine - French and Italian cuisine

The Lighthouse - Seafood and organic meats

The Deli - Fresh-baked pastries, local fruits and coffee

The Bar

The Beach Bar

Lighthouse Lounge

Location

35 minutes by plane from the airport in Mahé, Seychelles International Airport, booked by the Four Seasons staff. Yes, the island is remote, but Four Seasons has thought of everything, including a German doctor on call at all times and a topnotch local medical clinic.