Highlights of the Month: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, LUX* Belle Mare & Desroches Island

By Marilyne Morin, Founder of IMPACT M, Marketing & PR Consultancy.

About the author: Marilyne is a purpose-driven business leader with more than 15 years’ experience in Marketing, Public Relations, Branding, Digital and Corporate Communications. Having worked for a wide range of businesses in the fields of hospitality and tourism, arts and culture, events, entertainment, beauty and healthcare, she has a vast expertise and is driven by connecting emotionally brand personalities with their audiences. Her creativity, passion, and the unique stories she can unfold have allowed her to conduct successful communication campaigns worldwide.

Exceptional tropical retreats

From the tranquil crystalline waters of the Maldives, to the inspiring tropical surroundings of the Seychelles, and the iconic Mauritian scenery, here are some of the best luxury island retreats in the Indian Ocean.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

A luxury escape embraced by natural wonders

Surrounded by a stunning house reef in the scenic Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers serenity and discovery in inspiring surroundings. Remote and unspoilt, Raa Atoll abounds with snorkelling and diving options to explore its rich and diverse underwater world.

Guests can also enjoy the proximity to the famous Hanifaru Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the largest feeding and breeding hotspot in the world for manta rays and whale sharks.

Seamlessly integrated into the landscape, the resort’s villas immerse guests in the natural surroundings and balance privacy with openness to the outdoors.

Carefully positioned to take advantage of the beach and lagoon views, each of the resort’s 44 beachfront villas and 36 overwater villas comes with a private pool and a dedicated host delivering personalised experiences.

The six restaurants and bars offer a creative medley of international cuisines and vibrant flavours with fresh ingredients, in elegant beachside settings.

A true culinary escape, The Shack is the resort’s own private sandbank accessible with a traditional Maldivian Dhoni, offering a picnic-style lunch and a sunset BBQ with a private chef.

The resort offers a plethora of signature experiences from enhancing your well-being through ancient healing arts or the thrill of adventure sports, to embarking on a unique cultural and artistic journey, and a specially curated “A day in the life of a Maldivian” experience.

LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius

Where minimalism meets tropical island living

Tucked away in lush tropical gardens near the quaint village of Belle Mare, on the east coast of Mauritius, LUX* Belle Mare exudes timeless chic in the spirit of tropical island living. Over one kilometre of white sand beach graces the resort’s shores, making it an iconic destination on the island.

Taking the resort to new heights, LUX* Belle Mare has recently been renovated by internationally acclaimed Mauritian designer, Jean-Marc Tang, with a fresh look and feel, and a story at each touchpoint.

Inspired by the resort’s sublime surroundings, the 174 suites and 12 villas facing the sea are modern whilst retaining the island’s rich heritage, and showcase an indoor-outdoor living concept encapsulating laid-back luxury.

The five restaurants and bars are destinations in themselves and offer an array of cuisines from around the world.

Beach Rouge – LUX* Resorts’ signature day-to-night beach club concept – serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine paired with stunning ocean views and a vibrant atmosphere with international DJs and performers.

The signature restaurant Amari by Michelin-starred Chef Vineet Bhatia is a must-visit, offering a modern interpretation of India’s rich heritage.

The five elements and their characteristics—earth, water, fire, air, space —are the foundation of the wellness journey at LUX* Belle Mare.

The spa has channelled cutting-edge technology and ancient wisdom to create a wellness ecosystem where guests have the power to be and feel their best. The resort offers a range of enriching conservation activities where guests can learn about marine life preservation and visit the resort’s very own farm, supplying fresh, pesticide-free vegetables and herbs.

Desroches Island

A paradise of discovery and exploration

Just a 35-minute flight southwest of Mahé, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island lies in the coral-based Amirante Archipelago, part of the Seychelles’ Outer Islands. Four Seasons is the only resort on this stunning 402-hectare island, fringed by 14 kilometres of white-sand beaches.

Desroches’ year-round tropical climate attracts a stunning diversity of flora and fauna. It’s a nesting site for Hawksbill and Green turtles, has its own breeding colony of Aldabra giant tortoises, and is renowned for its large populations of tropical fishes.

The resort comprises 71 luxury accommodations, including villas, suites and residences – all with private pool, beach access and a lush garden for enhanced privacy.

Much grander in scale, Residence Villas are tailored to larger families, social groups and lavish entertaining.

Guests staying in a Residence Villa also benefit from the service of their own Residence Host.

The resort’s team of talented chefs serves a variety of indulgent delights including Mediterranean classics, Creole favourites and fresh seafood.

Guests can sample four distinct culinary options, all open-air and beachfront, with relaxed all-day menus served at The Bar or Claudine and a contemporary fusion menu at The Lighthouse restaurant, the island‟s highest point with 360° views over the Indian Ocean.

The Circle of Connection Spa is a haven of wholeness where self, senses, and surroundings unite with Sensory Connection Rituals and Signature treatments offering interconnected soothing experiences.