The waters of the world’s third-largest ocean lap against the beaches of over 30 countries and, beneath the surface, there is marine life that boggles the mind. Welcome to the Indian Ocean, an azure paradise and home to thousands of tiny (and not so tiny) isles and a good sprinkling of luxury resorts that are more than a little dreamy. Whether you would like an over-the-water villa on a private island, or a family-friendly spot with adventure for days, it’s all on offer here. If you can already smell the sea air and coconut oil, read on for our picks of the best-of-the-best Indian Ocean lodges.
Gili Lankanfushi
Making its home on a wave-washed coral island in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi is the epitome of a beach-perfect escape. Built from eco-friendly materials that conceal swishy interiors, a private infinity pool and dining pavilion, the over-the-water villas are more like mansions – and all come complete with a personal host, cleverly named Mr Friday. Ladders lead straight into the water for snorkelling whenever the mood takes you, and the house reef boasts a 15-metre drop-off zone where you’ll spy rays, sea turtles and a menagerie of tropical fish. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, go island-hopping and dive nearby sites, or end the day with a sunset dhoni cruise. Back on land, enjoy homemade ice cream by the pool, unique dining experiences and wine tastings in the underground cellar, or head to the stellar spa for treatments whilst gazing through a glass peephole at the marine life flittering below.
Four Seasons Resort
It wouldn’t be a list of the best Indian Ocean lodges without mentioning the Seychelles’ own Four Seasons. Nestled along the forested, craggy cliffs of Mahe Island, the villas are beyond private and leaving your panoramic plunge pool is a real challenge. Every space takes advantage of the stunning vistas, which happens to include Petite Anse – one of the best swimming beaches on the island. Gaze out at this oceanic paradise over drinks at the bar, fabulous seafood served on your private terrace, or the hilltop spa (you won’t regret spending a few hours there). Get acquainted with the marine life on a snorkelling adventure (eyes peeled for teasing octopus tentacles and reef sharks) or learn to surf in the turquoise bay. The evenings are pretty special too, whether you enjoy a starlit dinner at the Foumba ruins or sit with your toes in the sand as traditional music plays in the background.
Paradise Cove Hotel & Spa
Gently cradled by the island’s shaggy shores, the beauty of Paradise Cove lies in its name – a tiny, secluded bay where you can splash in the water and sip cocktails from a lounger. The adults-only resort is as stylish as they come: the suites, scattered along the cove, showcase island-chic interiors and traditional architecture and the sepia jungle scenes will ensure everyday life is a distant memory. Enjoy fine wine-ing and dining at the bar, where greenery and crystal bottle-lights hang overhead, or in the restaurant overlooking the lagoon. In pride of place is the infinity pool, a teardrop of blue at the very end of the peninsula with views that go on forever. When you finally tear yourself away, explore the shoreline on a stand-up paddleboard, canoe, kite surfer or boat trip – sunset is the very best time to do so.
Le Boucan Canot
Beautiful Le Boucan Canot is a summer holiday personified and the hotel practically melds into the beach, mere steps away from each island-inspired room. Set in a shuttered hut on the lawns, the spa promises idyllic treatments to the sound of lapping waves and there’s a delightful tidal pool built into shimmering volcanic rock too. But there’s also an adventurous side to the resort; the Indian Ocean stretches out before you, calling for a paragliding excursion over the reef-lined coast or an afternoon of snorkelling amidst the shoals of radiant fish. In the other direction, the town of Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains is ripe for a wander and a taste of its heady blend of French, Creole and Indian cuisine, and beyond that, Reunion Island’s forests and volcanoes are as epic as they are scenic. Sound dreamy enough?
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
On a crescent-shaped isle in the Baa Atoll (that also forms part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve), the Coco Palm has perfected the art of curating ‘magic moments’. Perhaps it’s snorkelling with the in-house marine biologist? Or maybe a sunset dhoni cruise in the wake of spinner dolphins, followed by a night spent in a beach hut on uninhabited Embudhoo Island? Then there are the spa treatments; each and every one is to die for (they even use seashells soaked in coconut oil), the wonderfully private villas, and a location where every possible moment should be spent soaking up the view, whether it’s with picnics or sundowners, barbecues or movie nights on the beach. The resort also offers watersports galore, including parasailing, jet skiing and wakeboarding across the crystalline lagoon. On top of it all, the Coco Palm understands how precious these islands are and there are opportunities to join in with coral replanting, manta ray monitoring (the Maldivian population is the largest in the world), and green sea turtle conservation projects.
Constance Ephelia
Built along lush headlands within 120 hectares of private jungle, Constance Ephelia is one of Mahe Island’s most established resorts and it certainly shows. Whether you stay in a suite or villa, all are perfectly modern yet still at ease with the surroundings, and importantly, there’s enough space between every one to feel like the island is yours and yours alone. Dining options include five restaurants that range from casual dining on the beach to indulgent buffets served in a bedouin tent and when it comes to activities, no day has to be the same. Explore the azure waters with a snorkelling or scuba diving excursion, catamaran ride, or a spot of kayaking, then head into the forest for hiking, ziplining and rock climbing up the granite crags. If you’re visiting between October and April, you may also have the chance to help baby sea turtles reach the ocean – although, we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to spend all your time at the world-class spa or soaking in an infinity pool…
One&Only Le Saint Geran Hotel
Sitting pretty on a secluded peninsula where the quantity of palms match the number of frond-shaded loungers dotted along the silvery sand, ‘One&Only’ describes Le Saint Geran perfectly. Tropical, fresh and uber-stylish, the hotel boasts a bevy of restaurants steered by Michelin-star chefs, an award-winning spa, and lavish suites tucked amongst the sunny gardens where hammocks lilt in the breeze. The lagoon is heavenly and you can enjoy a splash in the shallows, paddleboarding along the shore, or get a little more adventurous with a variety of water sports. It’s also an excellent choice for families with a dedicated kids’ pool and club, and plenty of activities for kids of all ages to enjoy together. Otherwise, take in a round of golf or tennis match, cycle down beautiful island tracks, and learn to scuba dive along the island’s sheltered coral reefs. If you’d prefer to see no one but your private chef, book the two-bedroom villa with its own pool and kitchen.
Milaidhoo Island
We take our collective hat off to the designers of Milaidhoo. The sun-bleached wooden villas, strung along a sail-shaped boardwalk, are understated yet tantalisingly luxurious, the views are 180-degrees worth of dazzling, and even the restaurant doesn’t miss out on the action. Cleverly built across three ‘boats’ with glass floors, you’ll watch schools of fish shimmer and swim as you dine on dishes inspired by the Maldivian Spice Route. During the day, it’s more than tempting to spend every hour in your private pool (you’ll scarcely know where it ends and the ocean begins) or in the botanical spa. However, Milaidhoo’s private island is in the heart of the Baa Atoll reserve, a watery wonderland where snorkelling amongst whale sharks or embarking on moonlit dives to see the famous bioluminescent plankton is pretty special. If you prefer to stay dry, kayak or SUP just off the beach, or take a catamaran for a spin.
North Island
This beautifully-designed, secluded resort occupies its own private island and is a haven for adventure-lovers, water babies, and anyone looking for a slice of ivory beach to laze upon. Adorned with coral, blown glass and rope detailing, the suites have a natural aesthetic that mirrors their surroundings, whilst the lavish villas are nestled amongst the palms and feature private plunge pools, giant marble bathtubs and their own golf cart to whiz around in. Along the East Beach, you’ll find the characterful Piazza, a group of aged stone buildings that house a fantastic restaurant, Ayurvedic spa and dive centre. On that note, slip into the sky-blue waters for a snorkel, dive, kayak or stand-up paddleboard excursion, then return to land for a sip of the famous passion fruit margaritas. Or leave everyone else behind and set off for a picnic on one of the island’s clandestine beaches.
Lux Saint Gilles Resort
The result of volcanic activity and the still-active ‘Pit of the Furnace’, Reunion Island is mythic in its landscapes and sense of adventure, which is never-ending despite its diminutive size. Set along a portion of the island’s 17 miles of palm-fringed beach, Lux Saint Gilles is a French-inspired resort with charming, shuttered exteriors and balconies to enjoy views of the pretty garden and shoreline beyond. The refined suites borrow shades of blue from the sea, and the dining areas and bar are all open-sided so you never feel far from the ocean. Let the gentle waves tempt you in for a snorkelling, diving or kayaking adventure, or simply watch the water from the terrace, ice cream in hand. Otherwise, head inland for intrepid hikes to ancient craters and lava tunnels, paragliding, or heli-flips above the rumbling Piton de la Fournaise volcano. This is Reunion Island, after all.
