Why Choose a Private Island
A private island honeymoon is about more than exclusivity. It is about the freedom to shape your days entirely around each other. Want breakfast on the beach at 10 a.m., a picnic on a deserted cove and dinner under the stars? Done. Private islands are built for exactly this kind of spontaneity, with hosts and chefs who adapt to you rather than the other way around.
The Seychelles' private islands also offer extraordinary nature. You might watch a hawksbill turtle haul itself up the beach to nest, walk past giant tortoises on your way to dinner, or snorkel a reef you have entirely to yourselves. Conservation is central to the experience, so your stay often supports important restoration work.
Finally, there is the sheer luxury of space: villas measured in thousands of square feet, private pools and beaches where you can walk for an hour and not see another footprint.
Be honest with yourselves about one thing. If you like to explore, eat out and meet people, a single island can feel small after four or five days. Pairing it with Praslin or Mahé solves that.
When to Go
The Seychelles is warm year-round, but conditions vary with the trade winds. From roughly May to September, southeast trades bring drier, breezier weather and rougher seas in exposed spots. From roughly December to March, the northwest monsoon brings heat, humidity and heavier showers.
The calmest seas and best underwater visibility usually come in the transition months of April to May and October to November, making these ideal for snorkeling, diving and smooth helicopter transfers. Private islands book up early during these windows, so plan ahead.
If wildlife is a priority, ask your chosen island about turtle seasons. Hawksbill and green turtles nest at different times of year. Some islands offer guided nesting or hatching experiences when the timing is right.
Where to Stay
North Island is the benchmark. Only 11 villas share a two-square-kilometer island with four beaches, including the aptly named Honeymoon Cove. Ten beachfront villas of roughly 450 square meters each, plus the larger Villa North Island, are handcrafted from natural materials. Dining is entirely personalized, with no set menus. Prince William and Catherine honeymooned here. The island's restoration story is one of the most inspiring in the Indian Ocean.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon occupies about a third of Félicité Island, east of La Digue. Its roughly 30 villas have infinity pools and sunrise or sunset views over the inner islands. The spa, set among giant granite boulders, is a standout. It is a little more social and design-led than North Island. La Digue is just a speedboat ride away for day trips.
The Seychelles has other private-island resorts too, including Frégate Island Private and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, each with its own character.
Romantic Things to Do
Private islands may be small, but your days can be full. Some of the most memorable experiences include:
- Joining conservation teams to monitor nesting turtles or plant native trees
- Diving or snorkeling granite reefs and drop-offs with a private guide
- Asking the boat team to drop you at a deserted beach with a picnic
- Enjoying a couples' spa ritual among granite boulders or high in the trees
- Hiking to island summits for long views over the inner islands
- Taking a sunset helicopter flight over Mahé, Praslin and La Digue
On Félicité, a speedboat to La Digue adds cycling and famous beaches. On North Island, cycling sandy tracks, fishing trips and claiming a beach for the day are classic pleasures.
Getting There & Around
International flights land at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, typically via Dubai, Doha or Addis Ababa from the US, with total travel times of 20 or more hours.
From Mahé, helicopters are the standard way to reach private islands. North Island is about a 15-minute flight. Six Senses Zil Pasyon is about 20 minutes. Helicopters operate in daylight only and have strict weight limits for passengers and luggage, so pack soft-sided bags and confirm allowances. Transfers are usually charged separately and can be a significant cost.
If you are combining islands, boats are an alternative for Félicité, with speedboats from Praslin or La Digue. Once on the island, you will get around by foot, bicycle or buggy; there are no public roads.
Food & Drink
Dining on a private island is one of the great joys of the experience. Menus are often tailored to your preferences, with chefs using island-grown produce, freshly caught fish and Seychellois Creole flavors such as coconut curries, grilled reef fish and spicy chutneys.
At North Island, there are no fixed menus; meals are planned around your wishes and served wherever you like, from your villa deck to a sandbank. At Six Senses Zil Pasyon, choose between the all-day Island Café, the seafood-focused Ocean Kitchen and bars serving house-infused rums and coconut cocktails.
Private beach dinners, chef's tables and themed evenings are common. Many couples cite these meals as highlights of their honeymoon. Ask about meal plans when you book, since dining costs add up quickly on a single-resort island.
Honeymoon Tips
Private islands are a major splurge, so plan carefully to get the most from your stay:
- Stay at least four nights; the journey is long and the pace is meant to be slow
- Ask for a detailed breakdown of inclusions, including transfers, meals, drinks and activities
- Pair a private island with Praslin or Mahé for variety and to balance the budget
- Arrive on Mahé with daylight to spare for helicopter transfers
- Share special occasions and preferences in advance so the team can prepare surprises
Given the multiple connections involved, consider travel insurance that covers trip interruption.
