What truly differentiates the Seychelles from other five-star destinations is not just its sheer beauty, but a strategic, nation-wide commitment to the Blue Economy. For the discerning luxury traveler, this framework is the ultimate guarantee: that the turquoise waters and pristine beaches you see today will remain untouched for generations to come. In the Seychelles, sustainability is not a compromise—it is the very architecture of their world-class luxury offering.
The Seychelles proudly adopted the blue economy framework in 2018, a concept created by economist Gunter Pauli that is now widely recognized and being adopted by many small island states around the globe. Rather than see the ocean as a resource only to extract from, a state and its people prioritize co-existing sustainably with the ocean. Seychellois people understand that protecting their storied beaches, diverse marine life and unique flora and fauna, including species found only on this ancient, isolated archipelago, is vital to the nation's current and future success.
Our journey began on North Island, a sanctuary that exemplifies how to run a private island retreat where conservation is the primary guest amenity. With only 11 exquisitely designed villas and a staff of over 100, the truly personalized service, elevated design and cuisine are exceptional. Yet, as much as you experience immediately why so many celebrities and royals choose North Island for their Honeymoons, you can feel that the island’s most profound feature is its dedication to ecosystem rehabilitation.
A significant, highly trained team of Nature Conservationists works daily to eliminate invasive species, replant native trees that attract local seabirds, protect sea turtle nesting grounds and watch over the over 150 resident Giant Aldabra Tortoises, ancient, gentle symbols of the islands’ legacy. They even maintain a precious grove of young Coco de Mer saplings, actively contributing to the robust conservation efforts that have helped bring this formerly endangered species back from the brink.
Witnessing the highly protected sea turtle hatchlings make their brave dash to the ocean was a truly moving, once-in-a-lifetime experience - an unforgettable memory showcasing nature’s promise - this is true luxury. This commitment means that guests are not merely enjoying a destination; they are actively supporting a thriving, protected ecosystem. North Island
This ethos carries throughout the archipelago, proving that ecological care can be seamlessly integrated with high-end hospitality.
On the main island of Mahé, our first base was the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa. Perched elegantly on a hillside, this resort offers stunning ocean-view villas and private infinity pools. Crucially, it embraces its natural setting, providing easy access to a protected cove perfect for snorkeling over vibrant, cared-for coral reefs—a tangible benefit of the Blue Economy in action.
As the Seychelles largest island, Mahe is home to the picturesque capital Victoria, which boasts Victorian era architecture and spice trade history alongside famous markets where we got to purchase locally grown cinnamon and vanilla. The Seychelles commitment to the environment ensures that their vanilla, cinnamon bark and other locally grown spices are healthy and of outstanding quality.
On Praslin, a stay at the exquisite Raffles Resort offered contemporary luxury villas nestled into the hillside, giving every guest the distinct pleasure of true privacy and a sense of remoteness. It is no wonder 70% of guests are honeymooners; the island is designed for romance, from sunset champagne at Anse Lazio to the mythical backdrop of the Vallée de Mai.
The Seychelles offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience one of the most stunning, mythically beautiful, and fiercely protected places on earth. The Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a crowning jewel of Seychellois conservation. Walking through this primeval forest, home to the gigantic Coco de Mer palms, is a testament to the nation's efforts to protect its unique flora. These palms, which can live for centuries, thrive under stringent protection, making the Vallée a living, breathing laboratory of island gigantism. The Coco de Mer palms only grow naturally in the Seychelles, on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse. Visitors can respectfully explore and learn all about the beautiful palms via a guided tour with companies like Creole Travel Services.
For our final days, back on Mahé, the intimate, eco-luxury continued at the chic Mango House. This decidedly modern resort, converted from the private retreat of a celebrated Italian photographer, is consciously nestled next to the Baie Lazare nature reserve. Its secluded atmosphere and protected bay for snorkeling underscore the effortless harmony between sophisticated design and pristine nature.
The Coco de Mer Perfume Collection is a prime example of how private enterprise actively supports the national conservation goals. The suggestively shaped seeds of the giant Coco de Mer palms have long been sought after as natural art for the home, with the dense fruit inside embraced by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. The newer perfume collection is built on ethical luxury, using only the husks from naturally fallen Coco de Mer seeds—never harvesting from living palms. Whereas the husks used to be discarded, this innovative collection, by conservationist and entrepreneur Sharon Bonne, utilizes a patented process to extract this exquisite rare aroma and ensure that every part of the gigantic valuable seeds is used and appreciated. This sustainable practice is not only environmentally sound but is legally secured through a unique agreement with the National Parks Authority, ensuring that the precious, highly-prized seeds have the resources to be protected from poachers.
Furthermore, the Coco de Mer Fragrance Co. company proudly contributes 1% of all U.S. sales directly to Nature Seychelles, a leading environmental non-profit. This financial commitment helps fund vital island rehabilitation projects, such as the successful restoration of the Cousin Island Special Reserve. By purchasing a world-class perfume with a natural base, the consumer is directly contributing to the protection and rehabilitation of the very National Parks and ecosystems that make the Seychelles so memorable.
Many local businesses are part of the thriving ecosystem that embodies sustainable development. Consider the case of Takamaka, a small but increasingly prominent artisanal rum distiller. Unlike mass-market producers, Takamaka has deeply integrated itself into the local agricultural landscape, sourcing its sugar cane exclusively from Seychellois family farms—some of which have been cultivating the crop for generations. This practice ensures an authentic, naturally organic product and, critically, keeps profits within the country, directly benefiting the local community and supporting traditional livelihoods.
This spirit of conscious enterprise extends to the realm of high-end design. Oushnajohn Zoe, the Seychellois designer behind the brand OJZ Seychelles, is a prime example of fusing local heritage with global fashion sensibility. Having showcased her work at prestigious events like New York Fashion Week, Oushnajohn champions sustainability by meticulously crafting jewelry, accessories, and resortwear from eco-friendly materials. Most notably, she achieved a significant milestone with the creation of the first limited-edition handbag made from the husk of the Coco de Mer.
Our meetings with officials like the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Sherin Francis, and Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ian Madeleine, confirmed that the Blue Economy is not just policy, but a national identity. It is why the Seychelles has permanently banned environmentally destructive practices, such as offshore oil drilling and the construction of over-water bungalows that compromise the reefs.
The result for the luxury traveler is the ultimate guarantee: a landscape of unspoiled crystal-clear waters, reefs teeming with life, and uncrowded, pristine beaches framed by dramatic granite formations. The unhurried pace of life, known as Lavi Douce (Sweet Life), ensures that your time here is an investment in tranquility. The Seychelles proves that the highest form of modern luxury is not excess—it is the privilege of experiencing a world that is whole, fiercely protected, and utterly unique.
About the author:
Marcy Clark is a San Francisco-based tour guide and media professional who has led retreats and experiences in Capri, the Seychelles, Miami, New York and LA, and who has secured coverage in outlets including the New York Times, Vanity Fair, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveller and Afar.
