'Zil Pasyon' translates as 'Island of Passion' in Creole and it's a fitting name for this breathtaking private island retreat on Félicité, one of the Seychelles' most dramatic granitic islands. Once a coconut plantation, the island spent nine years being lovingly regenerated before the resort opened in 2016 – and it shows. Occupying just a third of Félicité's 652 acres, the 30 pool villas are tucked among lush tropical forest and towering granite boulders, with three powder-white beaches and Indian Ocean views that'll stop you in your tracks. A 20-minute helicopter ride from Mahé sets the tone for what follows: a seriously impressive spa carved into the rocks, Creole-inspired dining, and the kind of barefoot luxury that Six Senses does so well.
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Whitewashed buildings sit beneath the shade of a huge badamier tree, lending the communal area the feel of a small coastal village. The turquoise infinity pool merges with the ocean beyond, flanked by rope swing chairs and bamboo hammocks. Island Café serves spice-route-inspired fare all day, while Ocean Kitchen delivers freshly caught seafood with Indian Ocean views stretching to La Digue and Praslin. For something more intimate, the Wine Cellar seats up to eight for private tastings, and the Chef's Kitchen lets you watch dinner being prepared. Sundowners at the rum-focused Lakanbiz bar are a must – the flavoured rums are dangerously good.
All 30 villas come with private infinity pools, four-poster beds, personal wine cellars and generous sundecks – so even the entry-level Hideaway villas feel indulgent. Panorama villas earn their name with sweeping ocean views, while the Oceanfront category puts you close enough to hear the waves from your pillow. Interiors are all warm timber, clean lines and earthy tones, with en-suite bathrooms that Vogue France once crowned the most beautiful in the world. Two-bedroom villas suit families or friends, and for something truly extraordinary, the multi-level Residences come with private chefs, glass-bottomed plunge pools and enough space to forget you're on an island at all.
Félicité's hiking trails lead through dense tropical forest to a summit with panoramic views – challenging but well worth the climb. Back at sea level, the snorkelling is superb (the surrounding reefs are rich with turtles, rays and colourful fish), and kayaking out to neighbouring Coco Island is a highlight. Hop on a boat to La Digue for a leisurely cycle along its famous beaches, or head to Praslin to explore the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, home to the endemic coco de mer palm. Cooking classes, outdoor cinema nights under the stars and pétanque round out the quieter moments. For something more adventurous, deep-sea fishing and diving excursions can be arranged through the Experiences team.
The spa is something else entirely – five treatment villas built seamlessly between giant granite boulders with an elevated saltwater pool perched above the ocean. It's worth the trip alone.
Ask for a west-facing villa if sunsets are your thing, but the east-facing Panorama villas have uninterrupted ocean horizons that are equally hard to leave.
The terrain is hilly with lots of steps, so it's not ideal for anyone with mobility concerns. Some villas are a good 20-minute walk from the main area, so you'll rely on buggies.
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115 shining islands, luxury hotels, waving palms and cotton-candy beaches? Welcome to the Seychelles.
