February is the perfect time to embrace indulgence, privacy, and unforgettable experiences in some of the most exclusive destinations in the Indian Ocean.
This month, we highlight three extraordinary escapes that redefine luxury in their own way—Niyama Private Islands Maldives, where adventure meets serenity, Gili Lankanfushi, an island of barefoot luxury and sustainable elegance, and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, a remote paradise for those seeking true seclusion.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Play, Chill, Repeat
A place where dreams unfold over twin islands, Niyama Private Islands Maldives invites travelers to choose their ideal escape – between the thrill of adventure or the bliss of tranquility. Here, Play Island and Chill Island offer two distinct worlds, yet both embody the essence of Maldivian luxury.
At Play Island, adrenaline-seekers and families find excitement at every turn.
Treehouses nestled in lush jungle canopies set the scene for a magical stay, while soft white sands lead to an endless horizon where water sports, diving, and marine encounters come to life.
Snorkel with graceful manta rays, chase the waves, or explore a world beneath the surface where vibrant reefs teem with marine life.
On Chill Island, time slows down as relaxation takes center stage.
Drift Spa welcomes guests into a sanctuary of peace, where holistic treatments melt away stress, leaving only pure bliss in their wake.
Overwater villas offer uninterrupted ocean views, while the delicate rhythms of the sea provide the perfect backdrop for a yoga session on the deck.
The island’s fine dining experiences elevate each evening—whether indulging in a gourmet meal beneath the ocean at Subsix, the world’s first underwater club-turned-restaurant, or savoring fresh seafood at Edge, perched offshore and only accessible by boat.
Beyond its idyllic setting, Niyama Private Islands is the only luxury surf resort in the Maldives with waves breaking directly onto its shores. Vodi Point, just off Play Island, offers a powerful left-hander that surfers can paddle out to within minutes, while nearby Kasabu delivers an exhilarating right-hand wave. With expert surf guides tracking the best swells, the experience is tailored to both beginners and seasoned riders looking for the ultimate wave.
Gili Lankanfushi
Barefoot Luxury, Reimagined
In the heart of the North Malé Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi stands as a beacon of understated luxury, where “No News, No Shoes” is more than a philosophy—it’s a way of life. Built entirely overwater, the resort’s handcrafted wooden villas stretch out into the turquoise lagoon, offering unparalleled privacy and breathtaking views.
From the moment guests step onto the jetty, they are enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and tranquility.
Each residence is designed with sustainability in mind, blending rustic charm with contemporary comforts.
The iconic Crusoe Residences, accessible only by boat, provide the ultimate castaway fantasy, complete with open-air terraces, private decks, and direct access to the lagoon.
Gili Lankanfushi is a paradise for gourmands, offering exceptional dining experiences that celebrate both international flavors and fresh island ingredients.
At By the Sea, Japanese and Peruvian influences come together in a culinary masterpiece, while the Underground Wine Cellar presents rare vintages paired with curated tasting menus.
Each meal is an event, whether enjoyed on a secluded sandbank under the stars or on the deck of your villa, serenaded by the gentle lapping of waves.
Beyond its world-class hospitality, Gili Lankanfushi remains deeply committed to marine conservation. The Gili Veshi Marine Biology Center leads coral restoration efforts, inviting guests to participate in reef rebuilding programs, snorkeling excursions, and marine education sessions. It’s not just about staying in paradise—it’s about preserving it.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island
The Ultimate Castaway Escape
Far from the ordinary, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is a secluded paradise, stretching across a pristine island in the remote Amirante Archipelago. The only resort on Desroches, it offers the rare luxury of total seclusion, with 14 kilometers of untouched beaches, swaying coconut palms, and a lush, jungle-covered interior that invites exploration.
Accommodations here are designed for privacy and indulgence.
From Ocean View Pool Villas that frame breathtaking sunrises to Sunset Beach Suites where hammocks sway between palms, every space is an intimate retreat.
Spacious terraces, freestanding plunge pools, and direct beach access create an effortless blend of indoor-outdoor living, where the rhythm of the ocean dictates the pace of the day.
Guests can cycle through winding jungle trails, stopping to meet the Aldabra giant tortoises that roam freely, or set off on a deep-sea fishing excursion in waters renowned for their abundant marlin, tuna, and dorado.
Divers and snorkelers can explore 15 classified dive sites, encountering everything from vibrant coral gardens to mysterious underwater caves teeming with marine life.
For those seeking a new thrill, jet-ski-assisted luxury surfing with expert Tropicsurf instructors ensures a ride unlike any other.
Wellness is woven into the very fabric of Desroches.
The Circle of Connection Spa takes inspiration from the island’s natural cycles, offering treatments designed in partnership with Terres d’Afrique.
From the Sound of the Waves massage—where heated baobab seed pods mimic the gentle motion of the sea—to yoga sessions set against the backdrop of an endless ocean, every moment is an invitation to reconnect with nature.
Dining at Four Seasons Desroches is an experience in itself. The Lighthouse, perched at the highest point of the island, offers breathtaking panoramic views, best enjoyed with a cocktail at sunset before indulging in a menu of fine-aged meats and fresh seafood. Claudine, the resort’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, serves vibrant dishes infused with flavors from the Seychelles, while The Castaway Bar keeps the island spirit alive with relaxed beachside cocktails.
Your Next Escape Awaits
This February, let the Indian Ocean’s most breathtaking hideaways inspire your next journey. Whether it’s surfing perfect waves at Niyama, immersing in barefoot luxury at Gili Lankanfushi, or embracing the castaway spirit at Four Seasons Desroches, each destination promises something extraordinary.
Which paradise will you choose?
