Denis is a private coral island of 375 acres in the far north of the Seychelles, reached by a scheduled light aircraft from Mahé in about 30 minutes. There are 23 free-standing cottages and villas, and the island is open only to those staying. The rooms come in four kinds: three Beach Cottages of 90 square metres, ten Deluxe Beach Cottages of 110, nine Beachfront Spa Cottages of 150, each with its own massage pavilion, and a single Beach Villa of 325 square metres, the only one with a private plunge pool. The island is deliberately unplugged: there is no mobile signal, no internet in the rooms and no television. It is also a conservation project. More than 50 hectares of woodland have been rehabilitated, giant tortoises roam free, and the lagoon is safeguarded by national law. Snorkelling is in a sea turtle sanctuary, and there is diving, bird-watching and sport fishing off a drop-off where the shelf falls away to the deep ocean. A century-old lighthouse and the only ecumenical chapel in the Seychelles stand on the island, and the kitchen works on a farm-to-table principle. Families are welcome, and the whole island can be taken for a group. On the flight from Mahé, checked luggage is limited to 15 kilograms and hand luggage to 7, with no wheeled cases in the cabin.
- Rooms
- 23 cottages and villas
Insider tip The light aircraft from Mahé allows one checked bag of up to 15 kilograms and one small hand item of up to 7 kilograms.
Why I choose it A whole island given over to nature, with only 23 cottages and villas and its own conservation work.