A secluded Indian Ocean escape that prioritises family fun and a back-to-nature approach.
The Seychelles is a bucket list destination for many travellers, and there are numerous reasons why this stunning archipelago in the Indian Ocean draws people from around the globe. While many gravitate towards the island of Mahé, home to one of the smallest capital cities in the world, the Seychelles offers several remote resorts that are well worth a detour if you're in after the allure of stunning beaches, Creole culture and a paradisal escape.
A 30-minute boat transfer from busy Beau Vallon brings you to Silhouette Island, the third largest in the Seychelles archipelago. Here, a cone-shaped land mass rises skywards from azure waters and sandy shores, clad in dense jungle. The now eroded and extinct volcano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to just 147 people, several giant tortoises and Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa.
Versatile villas
The all-villa property on the easternmost edge of the Island boasts 111 beach or garden abodes spread along a stretch of white sand beach under the imposing Mt Dauban. This sense of seclusion and tranquillity makes this tropical retreat a preferential choice over the main island of Mahé.
Our King Deluxe Beachfront Pool Villa boasts a rustic charm with dark wood furnishings and mosquito nets draped seductively over a four-poster bed dressed in 300-thread-count sheets. Located on a raised podium overlooking the living area, the room gives way to a comfortable seating area and glass doors that lead out to a deck.
The wooden deck, dappled by the shade of slender palm trees, features a fountain-fed plunge pool, beachfront hammock, and a delightful dining area. Perched above the tideline, the villa provides direct access to the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, an image from a picture-perfect postcard.
Back inside, the bathroom is anchored around a deep, circular tub ensconced in the natural stonework. Double vanities, a WC, and a rainfall shower separated by glass panels bring a touch of modernity to the otherwise distinctly Seychellois vibe.
Wine and dine
From fine dining to a casual family buffet, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa has seven dining destinations for diners to enjoy. Sakura offers Pan Asian flavours in a Japanese-style pagoda complete with flames from the open kitchen. A teppanyaki counter suspended above the lagoon lights up the night and wows a crowd who are there as much for the culinary show as they are for the waters teeming with stingrays.
Portobello is the resort's fine dining restaurant with a focus on Italian cuisine. Tuck into the bouncy lamb ragu or earthy mushroom risotto for a memorable meal served in a sophisticated setting and anchored by a friendly front of house brigade.
Cafe Dauban, named after the family who owned Silhouette Island in the early-1800s is where the bountiful breakfast buffet is served. The offering includes an abundance of tropical fruits, a selection of honey (the cardamom-infused option would be our recommendation) and live stations for eggs, pancakes and waffles. Set on a terrace overlooking the swimming pool, it's the ideal way to start the day.
Aria and Lo Brizan serve up a menu of poolside pizza and international favourites alongside creative cocktails, while Grann Kaz celebrates the island's local Creole heritage in a dining room inside the restored plantation house of the Dauban family. However, our favourite was The Four Degrees, a rum shack and beach bar that offers tables in the sand amidst scuttling crabs, where beachside BBQ favourites are served alongside stunning sunset views.
Rest and recreation
After picking up accolades at the FACT Spa and Wellness Awards in Abu Dhabi, this far-flung outpost of Hilton's eforea Spa is tucked away in a jungle enclave at the far reaches of the resort. This adults-only wellness haven offers a sauna, steam room, hammam, and a range of tropical treatments that utilise ELEMIS products. In a wooden pavilion above the tree-line canopy, massages, facials, and body treatments are administered by therapists who move with the pincer-like dexterity of a crab to work out the kinks and knots.
The main swimming pool, surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas, is large, inviting, and well-suited for young families. The beach is simply stunning, with soft white sand and clear blue waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. For those who enjoy staying active, the resort also has a well-equipped fitness centre, tennis courts, and a kids' club full of fun activities.
Island exploration
Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa offers plenty of opportunities for exploration, from the long stretch of sandy shoreline to the in-house art gallery. The main settlement is La Passe, which is home to a dive centre, traditional village homes and an opportunity to liaise with the few locals who still call Silhouette home. Further afield, hiking trails traverse the island, but a local guide is recommended, especially if you want to visit the settlement of Grand Barbe and see the rare Seychelles giant tortoises. Our guide traded in his job at McDonald's in Dubai Mall to traverse the black lava rocks, teaching tourists to eat the heart of the palm while educating the on the native flora and fauna.
The verdict
Having opened a decade ago, following the appointment of the island as a national park, this resort boasts a rustic castaway charm. Characterised by its granite peaks, dense jungles, and pristine white-sand beaches, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa integrates seamlessly into its surroundings, paying homage to the island's natural environment while offering a back-to-nature stay with a firm focus on family fun.
This remote resort is an ideal island escape that offers more seclusion than the adjacent Mahé.
GO: Visit www.hilton.com for reservations and more information.