Travel Spotlight

First Look: Six Senses Zil Pasyon

was thought to be the Garden of Eden when it was first discovered by Europeans in the 1700s. But surprisingly, due no doubt to the remoteness of the islands located more than 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa, high-end tourism didn’t arrive here until the 1990s. And for the nearly three decades since, there were just two properties vying for the luxury traveler in search of a Robinson Crusoe–style private island retreat. Today, however, the 115 islands tell a different story as they rise to become one of the world’s most exclusive and glamorous tropical destinations. And in late 2016, the Thailand-based brand Six Senses became the new kid on the block, bringing a stylish, international flair to the place with its property Zil Pasyon on Félicité Island.

Contact Indagare to plan a customized itinerary to the Seychelles. Our specialists can match you with the resort that is right for you and plan special experiences and activities.

Everything is a bit wild in the Seychelles, a land where huge fruit bats and giant tortoises are as prevalent as sparrows and squirrels are back home. So it is a welcome treat for the vaguely squeamish to arrive at the new Six Senses Zil Pasyon, on the private Félicité Island northeast of Mahé.

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The property’s 30 villas sit amidst lush jungle and huge, prehistoric-looking granite boulders. But inside the air-conditioned villas, finishes are high-tech, very comfortable and supremely luxurious. Décor, in teal blue and hard-wood brown, is stylish and the mosquito net–draped beds are plush. All views look out onto the infinity pool and stunning horizon beyond. The bathrooms, which feature an open-plan, rainfall shower, free-standing tub, Japanese electric toilet, double vanities and cushioned swing, have been named the world’s most beautiful.

What stands out at Zil Pasyon ("pasyon" is the Creole word for passion) are the thoughtful touches throughout–both design and otherwise. These range from minibars stocked with complimentary homemade coconut chips, macaroons and coconut water, to the wooden turtles that guests turn to denote when they’d like privacy or their rooms made up.

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During their stay, most guests will spend their days ensconced in their ultra-luxe private villa, lounging on the outdoor daybed and in the infinity-edge pool complete with submerged chaise lounge. On land, visitors will delight in the world-class spa and excellent hiking on the private island, or go on a treasure hunt (the Seychelles are renowned for their pirate history). Activities abound, too, on the water, including some of the best snorkeling in the islands, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking, boat trips and fishing excursions.

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By sunset, the whole sky takes on a pinkish tint, twinkle lights illuminate from above (lanterns in trees) and below (LED dot lights on the pool floors), and the resort’s culinary efforts shine. Cocktails at Island Café are a must, followed by dinner at Ocean Kitchen, which might include a delectable avocado, shrimp, mango and cashew salad and grilled local catches. Twice a week, the staff sets up an open-air cinema complete with homemade popcorn.

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On any given day on property, with east African winds blowing, over Thai food and a Seychellois cocktail, relaxed after a Balinese-style massage, you might think that those 18^th-century explorers were right. This could be Eden.

Contact Indagare to plan a customized itinerary to the Seychelles. Our specialists can match you with the resort that is right for you and plan special experiences and activities.