Enchanted Island Resort, Seychelles
AQUICK 15-minute boat ride from the main island of Mahé, JA Enchanted Island Resort, known as Round Island to the locals, is a Seychellois paradise. A dot in the vast Indian Ocean, the entire island takes up only five acres, making it the smallest in the area.
Set among lush vegetation, each of the 10 villas has its own ocean view, infinity pool and private path to a white, powdery beach. When the tide is low, it’s possible to walk across and explore neighbouring islands.
The wooden villas are a beautiful nod to Indian Creole architecture, havens that blend in with their surroundings and include necessary air-conditioning and heavenly king-size beds. The outdoor bathrooms are a real treat—there’s nothing quite like soaking in the bathtub and staring out to sea. Privacy is guaranteed from everyone but the odd passing parrot.
If you need further help to relax, the spa offers a variety of treatments. A yoga pavilion, set on one of the island’s highest points, will have you feeling zen in no time. Feeling active? Explore the coastline by sea kayak or paddleboard. Take a trip to neighbouring Moyenne Island—bought in the 1960s for £8,000 by British journalist Brendan Grimshaw and now home to hundreds of giant turtles—or stay close to home and snorkel off the beach to see the marine park’s treasures.
The Bounty restaurant offers a wide selection of international dishes. Try the squid curry or the barbecued king prawns, washed down with a glass of white from the extensive wine menu. Beach barbecues are available, depending on the tide, or the chef can come to your villa and cook on the decking for the ultimate private party.
Speaking to Sunil Shah, the owner of this island sanctuary, it’s hard to ignore the intense pride in his voice as he talks about the success of his dream to turn this little piece of heaven into an idyllic reality —and for that I raise my Takamaka cocktail to him. LF Private-pool villa from £598 per night, including boat transfers (00 248 4 672 727; www.jaresorts.com/en/seychelles/ ja-enchanted-island-resort)