The Seychelles is made up of a diverse collection of islands, tiny dots on a map spread over some 1,300 kilometres of the Indian Ocean, a mix of mountainous granite islands and smaller low-lying coral atolls. All are incredibly photogenic and have amazing nature and wildlife, but there is one particular island that offers an incredible mix of all the best bits that Seychelles has to offer – Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Felicite island. As far as Seychelles hotels go, this is one of the most luxurious.
There are many unique things to do in the Seychelles and with many islands to choose from, all brimming with diverse beauty. If you are only able to visit one island, we suggest considering Felicite Island Seychelles for your holiday. Here are our Top 10 reasons to visit Felicite Island for your Seychelles holiday.
1. Location, location, location!
Six Senses Zil Pasyon is the only resort on beautiful Felicite island, occupying a third of the area, with the rest embracing nature and environmental conservation. The Six Senses Zil Pasyon resort is located within the ‘inner islands of Seychelles and surrounded by an mesmerising blue ocean. Its superb location is a short speedboat ride from neighbouring Praslin and La Digue islands – perfect for day excursions, as well as an easy transfer from the main international airport on Mahe – just 20 minutes by helicopter. A stay at Six Senses Zil Pasyon is very much about releasing the stresses of everyday life and ‘letting go' – where you can be as active, or inactive, as you want! Read through our expert guide on the best time to vacation to Seychelles.
2. Luxury Villas with Pools
This is an all-villa resort with a selection of well-appointed, private luxury villas of various sizes, all with private pools. There are also three amazing 3 & 4-bedroom residences for rental too. In addition to the sublime ocean views, all luxury villas offer privacy and seclusion, in the form of naturally occurring tropical vegetation. The interiors are extremely spacious and beautifully compliment the island environment while benefitting from all modern amenities. Read up about what to pack on an island holiday with our comprehensive packing list.
Expert tip: "Some villas face west, while others are east-facing, so if your preference is for sunset vistas, be sure to mention this to your Mahlatini Travel Expert when you book and well do our very best to request a west-facing villa."
3. Stunning Spa – one of the best in the Indian Ocean
A major highlight, and one of our favourite Seychelles activities, is a visit to the resort's amazing spa; which really has the full wow factor. Positioned in a spectacular setting, directly above the crashing ocean waves, the treatment pavilions are built into and around, giant granite boulders. Enjoy an array of rejuvenating treatments integrally linked to the island's ecosystem, or indulge in a yoga session. After your treatment, relax in the infinity pool atop a huge granite boulder with panoramic vistas over the ocean to distant islands – simply breathtaking.
4. Eco-luxury resort
As with all Six Senses properties, there's a huge emphasis on environmental sustainability at Zil Pasyon and guests are encouraged to get involved. No exotic flowers have been imported to Felicite and the landscaping of the resort includes only indigenous species to help nurture the delicate habitat found on the island and encourage the re-introduction of endemic bird species. The resort has a total commitment to waste management and recycling, including the ongoing elimination of all unnecessary packaging, particularly plastics. Be sure to see the resort's huge organic garden as well as its own water-bottling plant in action! There's also turtle conservation and a coral reef restoration project off the shore at Anse Peniche.
5. Outstanding facilities, relaxed friendly service
In addition to the sumptuous villas, what really helps to make a stay at Six Senses Zil Pasyon so special is the wonderfully relaxed, friendly service. All villas have a Guest Experience Maker who is dedicated to tailor activities to your personal preference – whether it's organising a kayaking trip or arranging a trek with the islands ecologist to discover Felicite's unique nature. At the resort's main hub, staff at the Chefs Kitchen and Island Café are on hand to create fascinating culinary delights using the freshest ingredients from the organic garden. Chefs will help fashion memorable moments, especially if you're celebrating a special occasion, while bar staff are on hand to craft your perfect sundowner cocktail.
6. Unique memorable moments & experiences
If you can pull yourself away from your luxurious villa, there's a seemingly endless array of experiences to enjoy. A real highlight is to witness a magical sunset from the mountain top, relaxing on a beanbag with your favourite drink! Don't worry, all you need to do is arrive and the staff will do the rest! Perhaps you'll want to surprise your partner with this most romantic of experiences – ideal as part of a honeymoon or anniversary stay. You can learn to paddle board, catch a movie under the stars, enjoy some of the best snorkelling in Seychelles at nearby Coco and Sister islands, take a day-trip to neighbouring La Digue island, indulge in a spot of rum tasting, learn the art of local Creole cuisine with the island's chefs or simply enjoy sampling the unqiue daily ice cream flavour at the main pool!
7. Nature & wildlife
Take time to discover the island's ecology while also learning about Six Senses highly-regarded sustainability ethos. Guided walking trails of 3 to 6 kilometres provide a fascinating insight into the endemic fauna and flora and the various ongoing ecology projects. You catch a glimpse of some of the island's bird species as well as some of the unique Coco de Mer Palms for which Seychelles is famous. If you're really lucky (depending on the time of year) you may have the privilege of witnessing turtle hatchlings – a reason in and of itself to travel to Seychelles!
8. Superb water sports
Water sports are plentiful at Six Senses Zil Pasyon, with many activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and paddle-boarding offered to guests on a complimentary basis. Fishing trips and diving with a PADI expert can be arranged and are payable locally in the resort. Some of Seychelles finest snorkelling can be found less than a 10 minute boat ride away, in the stunning turquoise waters around Coco Island and the Sister Islands. These waters are home to a vast array of beautiful marine life and coral.
9. Pristine white sand beaches & giant granite boulders
Being one of the inner group of islands, Felicite benefits from a forested, hilly interior together with stunning white sand beaches punctuated by giant granite boulders for which Seychelles is renowned. Snorkel from the beach, kayak or learn to paddle board, or simply laze in a beachside hammock with the sound of the ocean waves as your therapeutic melody. There are no shortage of activities in Seychelles but for more inspiration, head to our unique list of things to do in Seychelles blog post.
10. Suitable for couples and families alike
Whether it's a Seychelles family holiday, honeymoon or celebrating a special anniversary, Six Senses Zil Pasyon ticks all the boxes. There's a great deal of seclusion and a wonderful tropical island feel – perfect for a romantic sojourn. Villas are opulent, while the superb choice of activities are there to tempt the more active. For families, the island offers a real natural holiday experience. The Trouloulou (Kids) Club aims to create memories for younger guests that will live long after their visit through a tailored programme of engaging and educational activities – perfect for nurturing inquisitive, creative minds.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon has a wonderfully relaxed feel. Felicite Island will make you'll feel that time has slowed down… or even stopped altogether! The perfect place to relax and recharge one's batteries, while also discovering the fascinating nature and wildlife that is so unique to Seychelles. Whatever time of year you choose to holiday, whether as a Seychelles single-centre, or perhaps as part of a twin-centre Africa safari & beach combo itinerary, let our Mahlatini Travel Experts plan your perfect island adventure; we're sure you won't be disappointed.