Review: Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort & Spa, La Digue, Seychelles
A four-star rustic beach retreat offering Creole-inspired style, warm hospitality, and easy access to the Seychelles’ most celebrated beaches.
Nestled between lush tropical forest and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie captures the easy-going spirit of La Digue, the most laid-back of the Seychelles islands.
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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.
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Whether you're planning a luxurious escape or a peaceful retreat, consider this your streamlined, expert-backed guide to finding your perfect beach stay.
With its laidback-style accommodation, Creole-inspired design, and charmingly rustic character, this is a place that values authenticity over polished perfection. It is officially a four-star property, and its “shabby chic” aesthetic blends seamlessly with the island’s liberal, bohemian feel.
“For couples or small families seeking a relaxed yet refined base from which to explore La Digue’s world-famous beaches, it offers the most comprehensive hotel experience on the island.”
La Digue is the sleepier sibling to Mahé and Praslin, where time moves to the rhythm of the tide and life unfolds at a leisurely pace. Here, Creole houses tuck themselves beneath papaya trees, their gardens overflowing with bright tropical flowers. Fishermen stroll barefoot along sandy paths, carrying the day’s catch strung on sticks, while wooden pirogues drift lazily across the lagoon. The island is (almost) entirely free of cars, with bicycles the favoured mode of transport. Locals, however, are equally happy to walk (albeit slowly) enjoying the unhurried charm that defines this community.
With just 63 villas, some featuring private plunge pools and sweeping views of the ocean, Le Domaine offers an intimate and tranquil stay. Interiors are spacious, airy, and naturally styled, with timber shutters, muted tones, and tactile materials that echo the island’s unpretentious elegance.
The resort is spread across both sides of a quiet lane (more a pathway than a road) with the accommodation, reception and spa on one side, and the restaurants, pool, and beach access on the other. Villas are set on a hillside, which does mean some uphill walking; those with mobility challenges may find this worth considering. Service is warm, personal, and instinctively attuned to guests’ needs, managing to feel attentive without ever being intrusive.
Santosha Restaurant caters to every stage of dining throughout the day, from a generous buffet breakfast to relaxed lunches and an abundant dinner, complete with live cooking stations showcasing both international favourites and fresh Creole flavours.
For a more refined experience, Combava offers à la carte dining at lunch and dinner, with an extensive menu covering meat, fish, and vegetarian options. Dishes include local snapper carpaccio, pan-fried duck breast, and a comforting vegetarian lasagne.
On selected evenings, the resort hosts beach barbecues and themed dinners, infusing the air with a celebratory island spirit.
Insider’s Tip: While the variety of on-site dining is considerable, many guests relish the opportunity to explore La Digue’s independent eateries for an authentic taste of the island, making a bed-and-breakfast plan an appealing choice for those wishing to enjoy the option of dining in and out.
For moments of indulgence, the Eden Rock Spa, perched high above Anse Sévère, offers Asian-inspired treatments in a serene open-air setting, with panoramic ocean views adding to the sense of escape.
Guests can also enjoy the communal pool, complimentary kayaks, snorkelling trips, and easy bike access to nearby beaches, including the iconic Anse Source d’Argent.
Editor’s Note
Most accommodation on La Digue consists of small guesthouses or self-catering villas, so for those seeking a full-service hotel experience, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie remains the leading choice. It is important, however, to set expectations: this is a four-star property with a rustic elegance rather than a polished, ultra-luxury finish. That very character, however, is what allows it to blend so beautifully with the island’s unspoilt, free-spirited charm.
Happy Travelling, Amanda
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4-Star boutique beach retreat
Waking distance from/to La Digue jetty
1 -hr boat transfer with Cat Cocos ferries from/to Seychelles International Airport via Praslin.
63 Villa style rooms/suites
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Free Wifi
2 x Dining Outlets
Complimentary aluminium water bottles in all guest rooms, with 24/7 refill stations
Spa
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