Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

Desroches is a flat coral island in the Amirantes group, about 230 km southwest of Mahé. It is roughly 6 km long, ringed by about 14 km of beach, and the Four Seasons is the only resort on it. The beach villas, suites and larger residences each have a private pool, and the island is small enough that most guests get around by bicycle.

The water is the reason to come. Desroches has walls, caves and tunnels for diving, and snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and fly-fishing on the flats are all easy from the beach. A tortoise sanctuary looks after Aldabra giant tortoises, and the resort's Discovery Centre runs reef and island programs that work well for children.

Desroches suits families and anyone who wants the outer islands without giving up a full resort, with a kids' club, a spa and several restaurants. It is a larger operation than the private islands, and there is little to do beyond the resort and the sea. The domestic flight from Mahé runs on a set schedule, so plan international connections with care.