At the very edge of the Seychelles (although only an hour's flight from Mahe), Alphonse Island is one of the most pristine, paradisiacal destinations in the world. Ringed by piercing white sands, the interiors are covered in lush forest and remnant coconut groves, where giant Aldabra tortoises roam. Scattered along the shoreline, Blue Safari has a collection of thatched bungalows and villas that truly offer that barefoot feel. Simply walk out your front door and find yourself on the beach - and then the only decision to make is whether to snorkel in the crystal-clear water, kayak around the coast, or hop in a boat to explore even tinier, untouched islands.
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The central resort is blissfully casual and most dining takes place with your toes in the sand. The menu consists of freshly-caught seafood and island-grown ingredients, which combine the flavours of Seychellois Creole and French cuisine. Take your pick from three fabulous bars – all open-sided of course – where you can get your hands on something fruity and chilled to enjoy beside the pool. If you're in need of some pampering, head to the Azure spa for a massage.
Blue Safari has a collection of beach bungalows, suites and villas. All are decorated in understated tones of white and grey, aquatic artwork, and beach-chic furnishings. Each unit is placed to ensure the utmost privacy and the villas all have their own pools. Bathrooms are spacious and spa-like with huge soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor showers – a definite highlight – and double basins. They all open onto a deck, furnished with a daybed for snoozes in the sunshine. And the beach is always only a few steps away...
Do a little exploring on foot or bicycle and spot ambling tortoises and all manner of waterbirds. Then there are the water-based activities, including snorkelling and SCUBA diving, fly-fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding. You can even join a marine biologist on a reef flats exploration, where you'll gaze over the edge at the juvenile turtles, sharks and rays gliding by. You'll also have the chance to explore other islands in the atoll and enjoy a picnic on the beach.
The unwavering Robinson Crusoe atmosphere where you'll dine under the stars, explore the island to your heart's content, and never be more than a few metres from the ocean.
Simply staying at Blue Safari contributes to the Island Conservation Society, but it's really worth getting involved in activities like turtle patrol, manta ray monitoring and beach clean-ups.
The island is very family-friendly, which is fantastic for some, but might not be to everyone's tastes.
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115 shining islands, luxury hotels, waving palms and cotton-candy beaches? Welcome to the Seychelles.
