From secluded private islands to vibrant beachfront resorts, the Indian Ocean offers extraordinary experiences for every style of traveller. Each month, we highlight a selection of properties that capture the diversity of luxury travel across the region.
This July, we explore three distinctive resorts: North Island Seychelles, SO/ Maldives and LUX* Belle Mare. Each delivers something different—from unparalleled privacy and conservation-led luxury to contemporary island living and refined beachfront hospitality.
North Island, Seychelles
Ultra-Private Island Living at Its Finest
Located around 30 kilometres north of Mahé, North Island is among the most exclusive private island resorts in the world. Accessible only by helicopter, the island spans over 200 hectares and accommodates just 11 handcrafted villas, ensuring extraordinary levels of privacy and personalised service.
Each villa measures approximately 450 square metres, featuring direct beach access, private plunge pools, expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, and dedicated villa attendants. Rather than following a fixed schedule, every stay is designed around guests’ preferences—from dining locations to daily experiences.
North Island is equally recognised for its long-standing conservation programme. Once heavily degraded by invasive species, the island has become one of the Seychelles’ leading ecological restoration projects. Guests may encounter Aldabra giant tortoises, endemic birds and nesting sea turtles while exploring untouched beaches and native forests.
Experiences focus on the natural environment, including guided hikes, diving and snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, deep-sea fishing, private beach picnics and bespoke wellness treatments overlooking the Indian Ocean.
SEANSES Perspective: North Island is best suited to travellers celebrating milestone occasions, honeymooners, high-profile guests seeking complete privacy, or families wanting exclusive use of one of the Indian Ocean’s most remarkable private islands. Few resorts worldwide combine this level of exclusivity with such a meaningful commitment to conservation.
SO/ Maldives
Where Contemporary Design Meets Island Energy
Located in Emboodhoo Lagoon just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, SO/ Maldives offers a fresh interpretation of luxury in the Maldives, blending fashion-inspired interiors with relaxed island living.
Designed in collaboration with celebrated international designers, the resort features 80 beachfront and overwater villas, each with a private pool and bold contemporary styling that sets it apart from more traditional Maldivian resorts.
Guests enjoy direct access to one of the Maldives’ largest integrated lifestyle destinations through the nearby CROSSROADS Maldives, providing additional dining, shopping and entertainment options alongside the resort’s own restaurants and beach club.
Dining highlights include The Citronelle Club, offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine throughout the day, Hadaba, serving Levantine flavours in an elegant setting, and Lazuli Beach Club, which combines cocktails, music and beachfront relaxation.
The resort also offers extensive wellness facilities, watersports, diving, yacht excursions and family-friendly experiences, making it suitable for a wide range of travellers.
SEANSES Perspective: SO/ Maldives is ideal for guests looking for a contemporary alternative to the classic Maldivian resort experience. The convenient speedboat transfer, vibrant atmosphere and modern design appeal particularly to younger couples, groups of friends and travellers who enjoy combining relaxation with social experiences.
LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius
One of Mauritius’ Most Elegant Beachfront Retreats
Following its extensive redesign, LUX* Belle Mare has firmly established itself as one of Mauritius’ leading luxury resorts. Set along the island’s renowned east coast, the resort occupies one of the longest stretches of white sand beach, overlooking a protected lagoon known for calm swimming conditions.
The resort offers 174 suites and 12 private villas, all redesigned by internationally acclaimed interior designer Kelly Hoppen CBE. The refreshed aesthetic combines natural textures, contemporary elegance and generous indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Families are particularly well catered for through the award-winning PLAY Kids Club, dedicated teen programmes and a wide range of land and water activities.
Meanwhile, couples can enjoy the tranquil LUX Me Spa*, private dining experiences and beachfront relaxation.
Dining remains one of the resort’s strongest features, with multiple restaurants showcasing Mediterranean, Asian, South-East Asian and Mauritian influences, alongside the celebrated Maison LUX* café concept.
Beyond the resort, guests have easy access to golf, catamaran cruises, waterfall excursions, hiking in Black River Gorges National Park and cultural experiences across Mauritius.
SEANSES Perspective: LUX* Belle Mare delivers an excellent balance between sophisticated luxury and family-friendly facilities. Its beautiful beach, spacious accommodation and varied dining make it one of the strongest all-round luxury options in Mauritius for both couples and multi-generational families.
