Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Arriving at Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicité Island in the Seychelles—whether by helicopter or speedboat—is how you know you’re very far from anywhere else, which is part of its allure. The stylish, stand-alone villas and residences at this secluded (and sustainably minded) resort are perched amid the boulders or set into the hillsides above the sea, with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, some with dizzying heights. The sleek design and massive sliding glass walls, infinity pools, sundecks and outdoor showers accentuate the panoramic vistas and the notion of indoor-outdoor living. By day, guests can explore on foot (hiking) or at sea (snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and island-hopping to Grande Soeur, Petite Soeur, Coco and Marianne nearby). There’s also hatha yoga and meditation and the excellent spa, with some serious treatments: “journeys” are built around themes (Ocean, Rock, Nature), as part of the Six Senses mission of reconnecting people to themselves, others and the world. Come evening, lanterns set the trees aglow, and pools sparkle with tiny lights in the night, adding to the magic.

The Standout: The villas and residences for ultimate privacy (great for groups and families) Don’t Miss: A signature treatment in the spa, which is built into the rocks with beautiful views out across the ocean

• The snorkeling off Félicité Island, some of the best in the Seychelles
• The waterfront restaurant, Ocean Kitchen, inspired by Creole cuisine focused on local produce and fish
• The personal GEM (Guest Experiences Manager), available to organize activities and excursions to surrounding islands

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 Six Senses Zil Pasyon, on the private Félicité Island northeast of Mahé.

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.

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). Water activities abound as well, including some of the best snorkeling in the islands, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking, boat trips and fishing excursions.

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.

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.

The Six Senses is best for young couples who want sleekly-designed and luxurious villas in a stunning setting.

— Amelia Osborne Scott