WALDORF ASTORIA SEYCHELLES REVIEW: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS PRIVATE ISLAND GETAWAY

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Seychelles has always been high on our travel list, and when the Waldorf Astoria recently opened its doors on Platte Island, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to experience a luxury private island getaway.

But with nightly rates over $2,000 USD or ~130,000 Hilton points, the real question is: Is it worth your hard-earned points or cash?

Whether you’re dreaming of a secluded, all-out luxury vacation or wondering if a private island might be a little too quiet, we’re here to answer your questions.

What’s it really like to have a personal concierge at your service? Are the spa and dining options worth the extra cost? And will this resort live up to your expectations of a dream vacation?

Cost: 520,000 Hilton points for 4 nights (we got the 5th night free by booking with points) How did we earn 520,000 Hilton points? Get the step-by-step guide inside our Explore Seychelles Travel Guide.

Keep reading to find out what you can expect from this private island stay and whether it’s really worth it to add to your Seychelles itinerary.

How to Get There

Seychelles is made up of over 100 islands, but your journey will begin on Mahé, the largest island. 

Our flight from JFK to Mahé took about 18 hours and cost 38k points + $7 USD per person with Qatar Airways, including a stopover in Doha.

Once you arrive in Mahé, it’s time to make your way to the exclusive Platte Island. The only way to get there is by plane, and Waldorf Astoria handles all the details of your domestic flight from Mahé to Platte Island. 

We just had to provide our international travel info and passport details, and they took care of the rest.

At Mahé airport, we were greeted by our personal concierge, who escorted us to a private airport lounge. 

The lounge had complimentary meals and non-alcoholic drinks, with alcoholic options available for purchase. 

The floor-to-ceiling windows offered great views of the runway, where we could watch planes land and take off. 

My husband ordered the fish with mashed potatoes, and I had a flavorful vegetable curry.

After relaxing in the lounge, we went through security and boarded a small plane with about 20 passengers. Everyone has a window seat. 

The flight itself was only 20 minutes and cost $700 USD per person for the round trip. Steep, I know. But, keep reading to see if this resort is worth it to you. 

Spoiler alert: It was definitely worth it for us as one of the few out of pocket costs we had for this part of our trip since we used Hilton points to pay for our stay.

When we landed on Platte Island, a full welcome team greeted us, and we were introduced to our personal concierge, who would take care of us during our stay.

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Service

The staff at the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles truly goes above and beyond. Everyone is incredibly personable, calling you by name and making sure you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

One of the highlights of staying here is having your own personal concierge. Ours, Donia, was absolutely phenomenal. 

From the moment we set foot on the island until our departure, she made sure everything was taken care of. 

She showed us around the island in her golf cart, and handled all of our bookings—whether it was activities, meals, or spa appointments—making sure our time was seamless and stress-free.

For those times when we didn’t feel like walking or riding our bikes, Donia was always available to shuttle us around the island by golf cart, making everything feel effortlessly accessible.

She paid close attention to everything we mentioned, ensuring all of our preferences were noted.

Each night, we had turndown service where our shoes were neatly organized by the front door, slippers placed beside the bed, and water bottles with glasses set on the nightstands.

One of the most memorable moments was when Donia, knowing I enjoyed tequila, set up an entire tequila tasting in our room—an incredibly thoughtful gesture that left us feeling blown away by the level of personalized service.

Since we were celebrating our anniversary, Donia also went the extra mile by painting a personalized picture for us to commemorate the occasion. 

She even prepared a relaxing, hot bath in our villa with salts, face masks, and candles—a beautiful touch to end our day.

You can stay in constant contact with your personal concierge via WhatsApp, so make sure to connect to the Wi-Fi as soon as you arrive, as there’s no cell service anywhere on the island.

RELATED ARTICLE: Best Things to See and Do in Mahe

Villas

The villas at the Waldorf Astoria are spacious and beautifully designed, with a mix of luxury and island charm. Each villa has the same high-end features, though the size and layout vary. 

Regardless of the room category, you’ll find plenty of space and thoughtful design details. 

Think light, airy tones that reflect the blues of the ocean and natural elements like seashells incorporated into the décor.

The entryway welcomes you with elegant artwork and a complimentary beach hat and beach bags hanging up—both of which came in handy during our stay. 

The living area is open and comfortable, with cozy seating and a large flat-screen TV. There’s a personal coffee and tea bar stocked with glass water bottles, a variety of complimentary teas, and coffee pods. 

For those who like a stronger drink, there’s also a bar with bottles of liquor, including local Takamaka rum, available for purchase.

In our one-bedroom Hawksbill Villa, there was a sliding wall that could be opened or closed to separate the living room from the bedroom, and another separating the bedroom from the bathroom. 

The bedroom itself features a large king bed with luxe pillows—and yes, there’s a pillow menu where you can choose the type of pillow you prefer. 

Seashell accents hang around the bedding, adding a unique island touch, and another flat-screen TV is included in the bedroom for added entertainment.

There’s a walk-in closet with plush white robes, cozy slippers, and an ironing board.

The bathroom is its own retreat, with a large soaking tub, dual vanities, a separate sit-down vanity, a water closet, and a walk-in rainfall shower. 

There’s also an outdoor shower, accessible through the side door if you keep walking through the bathroom.

The back of the villa opens to a private patio deck with comfortable lounge chairs, a soft swing couch, and an outdoor dining area. 

The infinity pool overlooks a grassy backyard lined with palm trees and exotic plants, which leads down to a private entrance to the beach and the clear, calm waters. 

The villas are designed with privacy in mind, and you never feel disturbed.

Also, the villas are set back from the water to help protect the local wildlife, like turtles, that are sensitive to human activity. 

So no, you don’t have a clear beach view from your villa. But the beach is just a short walk through your private yard, while keeping endangered species and unique marine life protected by not building all the way to the shore, which is a top priority of this entire resort.

For families or larger groups, the Grand Hawksbill Villa offers even more space, with a study room (that can double as an extra bedroom with a pullout couch) and a full bathroom in addition to the main one.

There are also 2-bedroom Black Tip Villas, 3-bedroom Kingfish villas, and 5-bedroom Eagle Ray villa options, all of which include a nanny room with its own bathroom and separate entrance—perfect for family trips.

Each villa comes with personalized bikes, complete with name tags, making it easy to explore the island in style.

Where to Eat

Being that it’s a private island, you’re limited to the food that’s available on this island, but that’s not a bad thing, there are excellent options for you to enjoy throughout your stay.

While meals aren’t included in the room price, Diamond members enjoy complimentary breakfast. 

Let’s break down the main spots where you can eat and drink.

Maison des Epices – Creole Latin Fusion

This is where the magic happens. The ambiance is top-notch, and the food will take you on a culinary journey. 

We had Gino, a local Seychellois, as our waiter, and Chef Colvin added a personal touch by sharing stories behind each dish.

For a starter, we were served turmeric bread with fish spread and pesto dressing. 

We also had 3 types of smoked fish, including red snapper, and the octopus dish was cooked to perfection with turmeric and tomatoes. 

The Earth-element-inspired cocktails are a must-try. I went with the Fire cocktail, and it was a visual and taste sensation – smoky, spicy, and so flavorful! 

For dessert, we had cassava cake with vanilla ice cream, plus the soursop and four-spice ice creams were unforgettable. 

Dinner for two cost us around $150 USD at Maison des Epices.

Moulin – Vegetarian Experience

This restaurant is an absolute vibe. The decor is stunning, and they put great care into the small details. 

Everything here is on display, from ingredients in jars to beautiful show plates shaped like Platte Island (made by a local Seychellois artist, and there are only 100!).

The tasting experience includes seven courses, starting with a mushroom dish, a palate-cleansing tea, and a sensational root soup with aromatic flavors. 

We also had a bouquet salad, broccoli with coconut emulsion, and sweet potato with pickled beetroot and coconut curry. My husband added red snapper to his dish, which paired perfectly with the curry. 

For dessert, we had coconut passion fruit sorbet with chocolate and hardened sugar, along with a raspberry cake topped with gold flakes.

Each dish had its own story, with locally sourced ingredients, and we were in awe of how every bite was thoughtful and complex.

Dinner costs around $195 USD per person at Moulin.

La Perle – Most Budget-Friendly Option

This is where we ate every day, mainly because it’s the spot for breakfast (complimentary for Diamond members), lunch, and dinner. 

Breakfast is à la carte and made to order, with my favorite being the homemade coconut yogurt with granola. It takes 15 coconuts to make it, and I’m still thinking about it to this day.

We also ordered a fruit platter with rotating selections like melons, kiwi, dragon fruit, and passionfruit. 

The menu is so diverse that you can switch it up daily—scrambled eggs with pancetta, shakshuka, avocado toast, pancakes, and waffles with fruit and Nutella. 

The pool and ocean views make every meal even more special. For dinner, my husband had the Wagyu beef and loved the 12-hour braised beef pappardelle.

Meanwhile, I was completely obsessed with the pharmacy pizza—coconut tzatziki, mushrooms, and peppers all perfectly combined.

As a pharmacist, I couldn’t help but feel like this pizza was made just for me! It was hands down my all-time favorite pizza.

Dinner for two costs around $100 USD at La Perle. Chew Tip: Lunch has the same menu as dinner, but cheaper. Consider doing a late lunch to stay on track with your budget.

La Lin – Rooftop Bar

For drinks with a view, La Lin (which means “moon”) is the place to be. This elegant rooftop bar is perfect for watching the sunset and stargazing. 

They offer both cocktails and mocktails, with drinks tailored to your personal preferences. 

If you drink alcohol, I highly recommend something made with Takamaka rum which originates in the Seychelles. 

They even have a special edition of the Takamaka rum, exclusively available on Platte Island. It’s smooth and a great way to taste the island.

Budget ~$20 to $40 USD per drink at La Lin.

Coffee Bar on the Peacock Terrace

If you’re a Hilton Diamond member, you can enjoy complimentary coffee throughout the day from the coffee bar. 

For a deeper dive into the world of coffee, ask your concierge to set up a Coffee Experience with the master barista, Dennis. It was a dream come true for me as a coffee lover. 

I got to explore different coffee beans from Central America, Tanzania, and Seychelles, plus learned about the brewing process. 

Dennis even made me a customized coffee based on my preferences! 

My husband doesn’t drink coffee but raved about the coconut cold brew, which takes 6 hours to make. 

They also had a berry-infused cold brew and a range of teas to try if you’re more of a tea person.

Activities

Madi, the activity coordinator, made sure we enjoyed every moment of our stay, and the range of complimentary activities available on this private island was just incredible!

Water Biking

One of our favorite water sports! The tandem water bike is like a hybrid of a bike and a pedal boat, but you’re gliding on water. 

We saw so much marine life—turtles, sting rays, and even baby sharks—just casually swimming by in the clear waters. Definitely a highlight!

Kayak Snorkeling

You don’t even need a snorkel to enjoy the beauty of the crystal-clear waters here. From your kayak, you can already see stingrays close to shore.

We paddled out into the middle of the ocean with our guide, Rico, tied our kayak to a boat, and snorkeled for about an hour. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some sea turtles.

Beginner Padel

This is a fun sport that’s kind of like pickleball, but on a smaller court with walls. 

We had an awesome lesson with an Italian instructor who’s an expert in both tennis and padel. He made the lesson fun and gave us great tips to improve our game.

Movie Under the Stars

Picture a huge screen set up on the beach, watching a movie under the night sky, toes in the sand. 

It’s a weather-permitting activity, but when it happens, it’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring.

Sunset Painting

We each got a blank canvas, and as the sun was setting, we created our own little masterpiece inspired by the beautiful sky. Disclaimer: we aren’t professional painters, as you could probably tell.

They also have coconut painting sessions if you want a different type of creative outlet!

Sunset Yoga

There’s something incredibly calming about outdoor yoga, especially when you’re surrounded by the beauty of the island at sunset. 

The session was led by a professional instructor, and I left feeling completely relaxed and renewed.

Sunset Catamaran

We hopped on a Diamond member catamaran for a sunset cruise, and it was nothing short of magical. 

Sailing across the Indian Ocean as the sun dipped into the horizon, we enjoyed drinks and watched the sky change colors—it’s pure relaxation.

Turtle Patrol

This was one of the best morning walks we took!

The entire island can be walked in about an hour and 15 minutes, and while it wasn’t turtle season when we went, the patrol focused on conservation efforts. 

If you visit during Hawksbill (September-February) or Green Turtle season (March-August), you might have the chance to release some baby sea turtles into the ocean!

Customized Experiences

The personal concierge team is amazing! They can arrange pretty much any activity you can think of. Whether it’s a chef-led cooking class, a marine life tour, or something else entirely, just ask and they’ll make it happen!

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Public Pool

There’s a large, beautiful infinity pool near the reception area.

It’s lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas, but you’ll never feel crowded since most guests prefer to use their private villa pools. 

There are even in-pool lounge chairs for a relaxing soak. Right by the pool are fire pits and sunken sofas—perfect for a cozy evening under the stars after dinner. 

And if you’re in the mood for some friendly competition, there’s a ping pong table by the pool area too!

Dive Center

They have a pool that’s 3 meters deep, which is perfect for beginner diving lessons. 

If you’ve never dived before, this is the perfect spot to get a feel for it in a controlled environment before heading out to explore the ocean.

Library

This isn’t just any library—it’s thoughtfully curated with books from all around the world. 

It’s a perfect spot to relax in air-conditioned comfort, whether you’re flipping through a self-help book or diving into an exciting travel memoir. 

The selection is impressive, and it’s a wonderful escape from the sun if you need a quiet moment.

Boutique

The boutique offers a selection of local products that are perfect for souvenirs.

Whether you’re picking up something for yourself or a loved one, you’ll find unique, locally made items that capture the essence of the island and Seychelles.

Spa

The spa is a true sanctuary with five treatment rooms, a nail salon, and a hair salon area to pamper yourself. 

The outdoor space offers a serene experience with a dry heat sauna featuring Himalayan sea salt walls, which is not only beautiful but also cleansing. 

There’s also a steam room infused with eucalyptus, which works wonders in opening up your pores and helping you breathe deeply.

For extra relaxation, the Vitality Whirlpool with jets is a must-try, along with the infinity pool and the cold plunge pool for an invigorating contrast.

If you’re booking a treatment, I highly recommend the 60-minute massage, which you’ll need to budget ~$220 USD for. We used our $200 USD resort credit (a perk of our Hilton credit card) towards this.

This massage left me so relaxed that I actually started snoring in the treatment room!

They start you off with a refreshing welcome drink, and then you’re led to the changing area where you can store your belongings in a locker and slip into a super soft green robe. 

The facilities also include showers and restrooms. Plus, each treatment room has its own private changing area and shower, ensuring total privacy during your session.

Another unique feature of the spa was the 60-minute wellness screening session, where they use noninvasive technology to identify over 30 key biomarkers in your body to give an overall picture of your health for ~$200 USD per person.

Gym

The gym is located near the tennis courts and is fully equipped with everything you need for a great workout. 

You’ll find treadmills, dumbbells, rowers, pull-up bars, and Technogym machines. 

There’s also a mini-fridge stocked with cold water right by the entrance to keep you hydrated during your workout.

Kids Club

This resort can be great for families! The Kids Club has a fenced outdoor play area that’s designed for kids, with a pirate ship-shaped play structure where they can climb and slide. 

There are outdoor bean bag chairs for lounging and a covered deck with tables and chairs for arts and crafts. 

Inside, the fun continues with board games, a climbing wall, and electronic games like the PS5 (with parent permission). 

The space is well thought out and perfect for keeping the little ones entertained.

Eco-Friendly

The resort takes its eco-friendly initiatives seriously. A solar farm located on the front part of the island generates all the electricity, making this nearly a net-zero resort. 

In addition to harnessing solar power, they have a water recycling plant on-site and conduct daily plastic waste collection. It’s impressive that they’ve completely eliminated plastic products from the island!

On our Turtle Patrol, we were shocked to find plastic bottles from all over the world washed ashore, some from countries whose products aren’t even sold in Seychelles. 

It was eye-opening to see firsthand how global waste can affect even the most remote places. 

The resort is committed to reducing this impact by collecting and disposing of plastic waste, reinforcing how important it is to limit plastic use and recycle.

Additionally, there are no single-use plastics allowed on the island. They’ve also created a tortoise enclosure, home to several tortoises brought over from Mahé, contributing to local conservation efforts. 

These eco-friendly initiatives make the resort not just a luxury destination, but one that is mindful of its environmental footprint.

Pros and Cons of Staying at Waldorf Astoria Platte Island Seychelles

Here are some highlights of the best and more challenging aspects of this resort, to help you decide if it suits your travel style and budget.

Pros

• Extreme attention to detail: The resort curates a truly personalized experience for each guest. Every interaction feels thoughtful, and nothing is overlooked.
• Expert staff: From the Padel instructor to the yoga teacher, the chefs, and even the concierge, everyone is highly skilled in their field. It’s evident that they’ve had top-tier training and experience in luxury settings worldwide.
• Private pools: Each villa has its own private pool, which allows for complete relaxation and privacy. This is a highlight for those who want to unwind in their own space.
• No mosquitoes: A truly surprising perk! Despite being a tropical location, there are no mosquitoes on this island, which makes outdoor relaxation even more enjoyable.
• Exceptional dining: The food is a standout, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a culinary experience that’s both delicious and sustainable.
• Flexible pace: Whether you’re up for adventure or just want to chill, the resort offers plenty of options. You can fill your day with activities or simply relax by the beach or your private pool.

Cons

• Expensive access: The only way to get to the island is via a $700 USD roundtrip flight, which only lasts about 20 minutes. For budget travelers, this cost can feel steep, although it’s more manageable if you’ve used points for your stay.
• No cell service: While the island does offer WiFi, there is no cell phone service, which might be a drawback for those who rely heavily on staying connected or need phone access for work.
• AMEX acceptance issues: During our stay (April 2024), the resort didn’t accept AMEX, which was inconvenient, especially since Hilton’s credit card is AMEX-based. We had to provide our card information to a different Hilton property to ensure we earned the points from our stay. This is worth checking ahead of your trip.

FAQs

Explore Seychelles Travel Guide

In this article, we went over everything you can expect when staying at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Platte Island in Seychelles, from how to get there, what to do, where to eat, and the various villa options.

Now if you’re ready to plan your very own trip to the Seychelles, our Explore Seychelles Travel Guide is here to help you save time planning every detail with ease. 

From earning points for luxury stays (like we did with our Hilton credit card) to uncovering the best dining spots and must-see activities, this guide is packed with everything you need to make your trip unforgettable while sticking to your budget. 

We were able to save thousands on our stay by using points, enjoying complimentary upgrades, free breakfast, and more as Hilton Diamond members—benefits you can also achieve by simply maximizing your everyday spending. The Explore Seychelles Travel Guide shows you exactly step-by-step how we did it, and how you can, as well.

We go beyond just Platte Island. Whether you’re planning to visit La Digue, Praslin, or Mahe, we’ve got you covered with:

• Money-Saving Tips: Stretch your budget while enjoying a top-notch experience.
• Packing Guide: Our essentials list ensures you’re prepared for the journey.
• 20+ Dining Spots: Explore the local flavors with our recommendations.
• 20+ Accommodations: Find the perfect place to stay, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options.
• 30+ Activities: Discover the best things to do, from adventurous excursions to relaxing days by the water.
• Sample 9-Day Itinerary: A day-by-day plan to help you get the most out of your Seychelles adventure.

We’re here to show you that luxury travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Let us help you plan a stress-free, affordable vacation to one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. 

Download the Explore Seychelles Travel Guide today, and get all the insider tips to make your trip unforgettable!