The Wild Luxury of Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island

At Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, luxury doesn’t come at the expense of nature. In fact, it exists because of it. This is an island just 0.5 square miles in size, where indulgence means a lot more than champagne and silver service. It means stepping into an environment where wildlife thrives, where conservation is part of the experience, and where the rhythm of nature dictates the day. 

This tiny speck in the Indian Ocean sits in the crater of a prehistoric volcano – attraction number 1, as its lagoon positively brims with marine life and is one of the best spots on earth to snorkel. Attraction number two? Its remote location. It’s an escape in every sense of the word and that only enhances the appeal.

Originally a coconut plantation, the coral island has been transformed by Waldorf Astoria into a sanctuary of understated elegance, all guided by conservation principles. It was essential for marine biologists and environmental managers to map every inch of land and surrounding sea long before the first stone was ever laid – all to make sure the resort would only ever enhance, rather than disrupt, its surroundings. Their findings? Turtles that place their trust in the shoreline year after year to protect their young, alongside multiple species of crab, and waters abundant with juvenile sharks and stingrays. To let nature take the lead, the 50 villas were placed a safe distance from the beach (a mere 30-second walk) so, hidden among the swaying palms reminiscent of the island’s history, newly planted octopus bushes and gardenias, guests will find a place to stay where their conscience is clear – the wildlife barely notices you’re there. 

Today, Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is an isle where five Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely, red-tailed tropicbirds swoop above, blacktip sharks glide through the shallows, stingrays hover over the seabed, and hawksbill turtles return to nest, their hatchlings emerging in their hundreds, blinking into the sunlight before scrambling towards the sea. The architecture nods to the natural world it protects, and even the villa canopies curve like a turtle’s shell. A quiet tribute to the island’s most frequent visitors. 

When the island’s environmental manager sends word that the turtle hatchlings - in nests he has marked with coconut shell-topped sticks - are about to begin their journey, the villa concierges are ready to whisk any willing and eagle-eyed guests to the shoreline by buggy. The miniscule reptiles stumble at first, feet pressing into the warm sand, before instinct takes over and they begin to race towards the waves. It’s a sight so astonishing that many would call it once-in-a-lifetime, but on Platte Island? In the right season, it’s an everyday occurrence. It also serves as a reminder that luxury isn’t always about the man-made – it’s about having access to moments like these.

Being a Waldorf Astoria property, the island of course comes with a healthy dose of luxury. A dedicated airstrip, a vast open-air lobby, palatial villas with private pools – everything is wonderfully decadent, but so wonderfully true to the location. Even the dining experience respects its setting. Seafood - like the octopus that’s caramelised by chef and Seychellois singer Colvin Beaudoin at Maison des Epices, and served with papaya chutney and tamarind  - is caught off the shores of neighbouring islands, guaranteeing both freshness and sustainability. And the kitchen garden at Moulin, Platte Island’s ‘soil-to-soul’ dining experience, overflows with herbs and vegetables destined for the plate. 

There’s also no rush here – no need to be anywhere but present. The island airstrip means arrivals are effortless, and whether days are spent diving among seagrass carpets (which acts as the sea’s very own nursery school), snorkelling with Athina Antoine (the island’s on-site marine biologist), or simply losing track of time beneath the dappled shade, the sense of seclusion and inner peace is its own kind of indulgence. The perfect spot to soak in this is Lalin Bar. Named after the Creole word for ‘moon,’ its elevated location is made for ocean views sundowners. 

When the night sky emerges, undisturbed by city lights, it’s a dazzling reminder of just how far from the ordinary this place is. Footprints in the sand are few, wildlife sightings are many, and the sense of connection - to the ocean, to the land, to the Seychelles - feels as effortless as the property itself. Every element of the island is naturally dedicated to giving guests a stay to remember, but it’s equally dedicated to hosting, sustaining and championing nature in all of its glory.

For us, Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is everything modern travel should be: immersive, unspoiled, and deeply, undeniably special.

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