January is one of the best months to experience the Indian Ocean, with calm seas, warm temperatures, and ideal conditions for island escapes.
In this edition of January Travel Highlights, we showcase three exceptional luxury island resorts, each offering a distinct expression of Indian Ocean luxury travel — from innovative overwater living in the Maldives to refined glamour and deeply personal private island experiences.
Soneva Jani, Maldives
Iconic Overwater Living in the Noonu Atoll
Soneva Jani is a defining name in Maldives luxury travel, celebrated for its expansive turquoise lagoon, architectural overwater villas, and commitment to sustainability.
Located in the Noonu Atoll, the resort is designed around space and privacy, placing it among the most iconic luxury island resorts in the Indian Ocean.
Ideal for: Families, honeymooners, and travelers seeking spacious villas, creative design, and a refined yet relaxed approach to Maldives luxury travel.
The overwater villas are among the largest in the Maldives, featuring private pools, retractable roofs for stargazing, and direct lagoon access.
January’s dry-season conditions make it an ideal time for snorkeling, dolphin cruises, and lagoon activities, while evenings are perfectly suited to open-air cinema experiences and relaxed, destination-led dining.
Soneva Jani is particularly well suited for longer stays and multi-generational travel, thanks to its scale, privacy, and wide range of experiences.
SEANSES Insight: Soneva Jani appeals to travelers who value freedom, space, and sustainability without compromising comfort. It remains one of the most compelling resorts for guests looking to combine meaningful luxury with playful island living.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Refined Glamour and Contemporary Island Design
Set on a private natural island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort offers a polished interpretation of Indian Ocean luxury travel, blending bold architecture with timeless elegance.
Its design, inspired by marine life and organic forms, creates a visually striking identity that sets it apart from other luxury island resorts.
Ideal for: Couples, honeymooners, and luxury travelers seeking elegant surroundings, elevated service, and a glamorous island atmosphere.
Both overwater and beachfront villas feature private pools, generous terraces, and signature St. Regis Butler service.
January brings excellent conditions for diving, yachting, and reef exploration, complemented by refined dining venues and the iconic overwater Iridium Spa — one of the most distinctive wellness experiences in the Maldives.
The resort is also an excellent choice for milestone celebrations and special occasions.
SEANSES Insight: The St. Regis Maldives is ideal for guests who appreciate structure, refinement, and consistently high service standards, paired with the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean.
North Island, Seychelles
Unscripted Luxury on a Private Island
North Island represents the pinnacle of the Seychelles private island resort experience.
With only a small number of villas spread across an untouched island, it offers rare exclusivity, privacy, and complete personalization — hallmarks of true Indian Ocean luxury travel.
There are no fixed schedules here. Dining, activities, and daily rhythms are shaped entirely around the guest.
Ideal for: Honeymooners, privacy seekers, and travelers looking for an authentic Seychelles private island resort with absolute discretion and freedom.
January is an excellent time to visit the Seychelles, with warm seas and ideal conditions for snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife encounters.
North Island’s strong conservation ethos reflects the broader environmental significance of the Indian Ocean, a region recognised by UNESCO for its exceptional marine biodiversity.
This is a destination best suited to those who want to disconnect fully and experience island life on their own terms.
SEANSES Insight: North Island is about slowing down completely. It delivers one of the most personal expressions of luxury in the Indian Ocean, where space, silence, and individuality shape every stay.
January, Curated the SEANSES Way
January travel is about setting the tone for the year ahead — choosing places that feel considered, inspiring, and effortless.
At SEANSES, we design island journeys with a clear understanding of timing, destination flow, and the details that truly elevate a stay. If you’re considering an escape to the Indian Ocean, our team would be delighted to shape an experience that reflects how you want to travel now.
