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One of The Seychelles' newly opened private island resorts is an incredible oasis of peace, calm, and sheer luxury - The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is a shining example of what every private island experience should look like. A mere 20-minute flight from the country’s main island of Mahé, The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is easy to reach, but a world away. Here you can truly let go and sink into the simplicity of desolate beach walks, colorful sunsets, and floating breakfasts, without ever leaving your private villa. This is a place for those who enjoy discretion and privacy, with the option of joining the larger resort community for meals and entertainment. I spent three nights on Platte and found myself utterly stuck on the energy that permeates throughout the nature surrounding the glimmering pools and modern, stunningly decorated common spaces. I’ve never slept better or felt more rested in my life, and that alone was enough to make me want to book a trip back.
The quick 20-minute flight from Mahé leaves you on a private runway with welcoming hand waves in the distance by the island’s friendly staff. Many of the people working here come from various countries around the world and offer something unique to the general service approach of this particular Waldorf Astoria. I met staff members from Serbia, Madagascar, Ukraine, and The United States. Somehow, that diversity makes the experience better and is always a good conversation starter when you’re being shuttled around in golf carts or passing a friendly face along a palm-fringed path while riding your bike. I was welcomed on the runway by the general manager of the hotel and my villa’s butler, who made it clear to me that her job was to be sure my stay was enjoyable. She promptly took my passport, gave me her Whatsapp number in case I needed anything, day or night, and helped me into a golf cart to give me an island orientation and usher me to my home away from home for the next few days.
Platte means flat in French, and flat this island is. It’s covered in palm groves and rich vegetation, and whichever direction you go, you’re bound to hit a white sand beach juxtaposed against some of the most azure, crystalline blue waters. As I made my way down the path and to my villa I saw not one other guest, really giving the sense that this place is totally private and can be your little playground if you wish. As I entered my villa I was immediately in awe. Somehow, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, in this secluded spot, Hilton Worldwide (the parent company to Waldorf Astoria) managed to create the most luxurious refuge for those who really pay attention to the details. The resort offers 50 sea-facing villas with private beach access, some branded as a “King Deluxe” and some that can accommodate large families or groups, such as the 3-bedroom villa masterpiece. I was in a “Deluxe King” and, let me tell you, it was huge. The villa offered a stunning open floor plan with a large living area with a massive flatscreen television, a built-in coffee bar, a beverage center, and private deck access. Passing through into the bedroom I found the most comfortable king-sized bed with a gorgeous canopy hanging over it. Swaths of linens hung on the sides which can be used elegantly as a barrier for mosquitos. Entering the bathroom there was one of the deepest bathtubs I’ve ever seen in a private hotel room anchoring the space with three vanity areas. There’s ample room for a couple to embark on their own bathroom routines without interfering with each other. The rain shower was a true walk-in that could fit an entire army in need of a scrub down, and everything from the lighting, mirrors, and even full-sized bathroom amenities was perfect.
After settling in a bit with a glass of champagne from my lovely welcome, I unpacked in the massive dressing area. My butler offered unpacking and pressing services, which is an amazing option for those who truly want to avoid "everyday" experiences while in this dream place. I unpacked myself (I’m particular), but sent a couple of dinner shirts to be pressed. They came back perfectly wrinkle-free.
Outside of my villa I had what can only be described as an expansive deck leading down to my own private infinity pool and front yard which was at least .25 acres in size. At the end of my landscaped yard was a private entry to the beach. It was all so perfect. I took a dip in my pool to freshen up as it was warm and humid, and returned inside to shower and prepare for dinner. The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island offers 2 bars and 3 restaurants, all with different concepts. When you’re this isolated, it’s critical for a property to have various culinary offerings to keep guests interested over the duration of their stay. I tried all the restaurants while on the island which included: Maison des Epices (Creole-Latin), Moulin (a mainly vegan spot that utilizes harvests from the on-island gardens in all the dishes), and La Perle (Mediterranean with a poolside terrace). Each spot has its own look, personality, and literal flavor - and they’re all worth a visit. I personally loved Maison des Epices where I embarked on a rum tasting throughout dinner, including the rum created by the island in partnership with local Seychelles rum manufacturing icon - Takamaka. The food on the island is superb and the chefs are willing and able to customize most anything for each guest’s wishes.
The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island being located in a very remote and fragile part of the world stresses the concept of being eco-conscious. This includes heightened awareness and protection of the nesting turtles that call the island home, bird population, reef creatures, and flora and fauna. They have invested a great deal in staff and programs to help preserve and protect these things, as well as to help encourage the growth of new plants, coral, etc. While visiting the island you can take advantage of learning about all of these interesting programs by speaking with the on-site marine biologist, or even taking a private boat ride out into the reef to snorkel with a guide. I learned more than I expected to on this trip and came away feeling fairly educated on what’s happening, nature-wise, on some of these remote Indian Ocean islands.
Days on Platte can be spent lounging, swimming, boating, playing tennis, working out, or all of the above. I did a bit of everything over my 3 days there and spread my activities out throughout the day. Interestingly, I thought I was going to be sleeping in every day because, well, it was kind of a vacation for me but, instead, I was waking up at 5:00 am.
I would quite literally naturally want to go to bed around 9 pm and slept like a rock until 5:00 am - waking up with a kind of freshness and rejuvenation I haven’t felt since I was a child. I loved this schedule and leaned into it over my time in The Seychelles. In the afternoons, I would stop at the fabulous coffee bar on the pool deck right outside La Perle and let the coffee master make me a delicious coffee concoction from coffee beans sourced from different African nations.
At this property, everything just flowed - the cocktails were always expertly crafted, wine poured freely, and snacks from the pool menu were put together with the freshest of ingredients.
Whether in your villa, by the pool, or at one of the many restaurants, service here at The Waldorf was phenomenal, which demonstrates Hilton’s commitment to leveling up the experience of guests staying at one of the properties under their most luxurious hotel label. Every T was crossed and every I, dotted. As my 3-night stay came to a close I spent time asking other guests how their stay was and they were all very relaxed, very pleased, and eager to come again. That says a lot.
I know I’m looking forward to my next rendezvous with Platte Island and The Waldorf Astoria.
