Review: Denis Island, Seychelles
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With so many beach resorts out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by endless listings and glowing descriptions. At Love of Beaches, we take a more considered approach. These reviews aren’t exhaustive; they’re curated.
Each property featured on here is one we’ve either experienced first-hand or comes highly recommended through consistent, honest feedback from trusted clients, well-travelled friends, and family. These are the places we genuinely rate, recommend and return to.
You won’t find long-winded overviews or vague marketing copy. Instead, you’ll get clear, editorial-style insights that cut through the noise, covering only what truly matters: location, service, comfort, and of course, beach quality.
All properties are 4- or 5-star, and all are based on or near a beautiful beach.
Whether you're planning a luxurious escape or a peaceful retreat, consider this your streamlined, expert-backed guide to finding your perfect beach stay.
Denis Private Island, Seychelles, epitomises the essence of a castaway experience, one that feels straight out of a dream.
With its pristine white-sand beaches, lush coconut groves, and turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye can see, Denis is the embodiment of secluded luxury. Few places on earth can rival the secluded tranquillity of this island, where the absence of in-room internet or TVs invites guests to disconnect entirely from the modern world.
Fully remote yet remarkably accessible, Denis Island offers an exclusive escape just a scenic 30-minute flight from Mahé in a small aircraft or helicopter.
Here, luxury is defined by simplicity, with beachside indulgence provided alongside fantastic yet non-intrusive service, all set against a backdrop of unspoilt natural beauty.
Powdery white sands fringe the island’s tropical landscape, while crystal-clear waters stretch endlessly into the horizon, creating a sanctuary of serenity and a true return to nature.
Packing for Denis? Ditch the Shoes!
(for the most part)
Barefoot living is the island way on Denis, think soft sand, warm earth, and total freedom underfoot. There’s really no need to pack a wardrobe full of shoes. That said, do bring a comfy pair of trainers or walking sandals, you’ll thank yourself when you're cycling round the island, strolling the nature trails, or exploring the far corners of this paradise to discover exotic flora and fauna.
You’ll find yourself encountering baby and ancient tortoises, wandering through a charming farm teeming with rabbits, goats, pigs, and chickens, or marvelling at rare and endemic bird species that make this island a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Accommodation is as unique as its setting. The 25 cottages are quaint yet well-equipped, designed to harmonise with their surroundings. Crafted with natural materials, much of it shaped in the island’s own carpentry workshop, each cottage features open-air bathrooms and a seamless indoor-outdoor aesthetic.
“Forget room keys; they don’t exist on Denis Island. This is a place where doors are left unlocked, reinforcing the island’s ethos of trust and simplicity.”
For culinary enthusiasts, Denis is a gastronomic haven. From leisurely breakfasts to candlelit dinners under star-filled skies, every meal is a celebration of nature’s bounty.
Dining here revolves around a farm-to-table philosophy, with meals crafted from the freshest local ingredients. Think creamy milk, fruits, herbs, and vegetables straight from the island’s farm, paired with freshly caught seafood and presented with meticulous attention to detail.
For adventure seekers, the island does not disappoint. The surrounding waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, and fishing. The vibrant coral reefs teem with tropical fish, turtles, and a variety of marine life. Scuba diving enthusiasts will appreciate the on-site PADI dive centre, which caters to all skill levels with various dive sites and certification courses.
Even the spa experience on Denis is unlike any other. Rather than visiting a spa building, treatments are brought to you. Indulge in massages and therapies featuring natural, locally sourced ingredients, enjoyed in the privacy of your cottage or alfresco, with the gentle lull of the ocean as your soundtrack.
Scheduled Daily Flights
Air Seychelles operates scheduled daily flights which connect Mahé and Denis Island.
Departing Mahé Island to Denis Island at: 11h30
Departing Denis Island to Mahé Island at: 12h15
A Quick Note on Luggage Allowance
Due to space limitations on the aircraft, guests are permitted one piece of checked baggage not exceeding 15 kg (33.1 lb). You're also welcome to bring a small piece of hand luggage, weighing no more than 7 kg. However, please note that trolley bags are not permitted as hand luggage on the Denis Private Island scheduled flights.
Now, don’t be alarmed (or offended) if you are asked how much you weigh (we promise it's not personal!). Denis Private Island requires the body weight (in kilograms) of all guests before they can confirm a booking. This is essential for safe flight planning and load management, not for judging how many croissants you've had at breakfast.
Denis Island isn’t just a destination; it’s a state of mind, a rare opportunity to reconnect with nature, indulge in simplicity, and revel in the extraordinary. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to escape the ordinary, Denis delivers an experience you’ll carry with you long after you leave its sandy shores.
Editor’s Note
Oh Denis, Denis, beautiful Denis, what a phenomenon you are!
A magical island blessed with natural splendour and authenticity with a laid-back vibe that encourages a slower pace. If you need to recharge, then this is the private island paradise for you. I loved every second of my stay. The forced social media detox, due to the almost non-existent of WiFi, was actually what I needed at the time. And the farm-to-table approach made everything feel wholesome and authentic. Denis is the perfect place for a special occasion, or a 'just because' escape to paradise.
Happy Travelling, Amanda
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Private Island Resort
Coral islet of 375 acres
95km north of Mahe
30-minutes from Mahe Domestic Airport, either by shared or private charter (plane or helicopter)
25 freestanding beach cottages and villas
No TV, Wifi or technology in cottages, very limited Wifi
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1 x Restaurant and 1 x Bar and lounge
Padi Dive Centre
Big Game Fishing Activities Schedule
In-room Spa Menu
Wedding and Honeymoon Packages
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