Why Honeymoon on Denis Island
The appeal is simplicity. There are no cars, no other hotels and no day-trippers. Cottages open onto the beach and life follows the tides and the sun.
The island is privately owned. Staff know guests by name within a day, which makes it easy to arrange a picnic on an empty beach or a dinner under the stars.
It also offers more activity than its size suggests. The deep water just off the bank makes for good fishing. The reef suits snorkeling and diving. The island's forest walks show off endemic birds that you will not see on busier islands.
For couples who want to unplug, the lack of distractions is the point. Many guests leave their phones in the room for days.
When to Go
Denis is warm year-round, with air temperatures mostly in the 80s°F.
- April to May and October to November: the calmest seas and best visibility. These are the top months for snorkeling, diving and smooth flights.
- May to September: the southeast trade winds bring breezier, drier weather. Some beaches are rougher, but there is always a sheltered side of the island.
- December to March: the northwest monsoon brings humidity and heavier showers. Seas on the other side of the island calm down.
Turtle nesting and hatching seasons vary by species. Ask the resort which months are best if seeing turtles matters to you.
Where to Stay
There is one place to stay: the island's resort, Denis Private Island. It has a couple of dozen cottages spread along the beach, set back in the shade of the trees. Cottages face the sea and are spaced well apart for privacy.
The atmosphere is barefoot rather than formal. Rooms are designed for long days at the beach, with deep shade and wide verandas.
Rates usually include meals and plans vary, so check what is covered for drinks and activities. Expect roughly one to two thousand dollars or more a night depending on the season and cottage type. These are approximate, so get current quotes. Booking early matters, especially for the transition months.
Romantic Things to Do
- Walk around the island: follow the beach for a couple of hours, swimming on the quietest stretches.
- Snorkel and dive: the reef on the island's edge has turtles, rays and reef fish. Dives can be arranged for certified divers.
- Fishing: the island sits near deep water, which makes it a known spot for game fishing. Catch-and-release is encouraged.
- Bird walks: look for the Seychelles warbler, fody and other species brought here for conservation.
- The lighthouse: the island's lighthouse dates from 1910 and stands on its northern tip.
- Picnics: ask the kitchen to pack lunch and drop you at a beach for the afternoon.
- Spa time: book a massage in a garden setting.
Getting There and Around
There are no nonstop flights from the US to the Seychelles. Most couples connect through Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul or Addis Ababa into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé.
From Mahé, the resort arranges a light-aircraft flight to the island's airstrip, which takes about half an hour. Luggage limits on small planes are strict, so pack soft bags and check the allowance before you fly.
On the island, you walk or cycle. Bikes are usually available and paths connect the cottages, the beach and the main resort areas. Flights may be timed to fit international connections, so you may need a night on Mahé on the way in or out.
Food and Drink
Meals are a highlight. Menus lean on fresh fish from the island's waters, alongside Creole dishes such as octopus curry, grilled red snapper and breadfruit in various forms.
The island also grows some of its own produce, which gives menus a farm-to-table feel unusual for a small island.
Breakfast is relaxed and late if you like. Lunch is often beachside. Dinner can be in the main restaurant, by the pool or arranged as a private table on the sand.
Try the local SeyBrew lager or Takamaka rum from Mahé. Bring up dietary needs before you arrive, since supplies come by boat and plane.
Honeymoon Tips
- Stay at least four nights. Short visits do not justify the transfer.
- Pack light: a few swimsuits, cover-ups, sandals, a hat and reef shoes. The dress code is relaxed.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and keep your distance from nesting turtles.
- Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and chikungunya occur in the Seychelles. Use repellent at dusk. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
- Connectivity is limited. Download books, music or films before you arrive.
- Pair Denis with Praslin and La Digue, or with a night on Mahé, for more variety.
