We don’t like to make blanket statements, and there are a lot of amazing resorts in the Indian Ocean. But for honeymoons, it’s hard to beat this one. First of all, there’s the setting. MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa sits on its own peninsula in a marine preserve, so the views are second to none.
The digs are pretty sweet, too. The resort has 30 standalone villas, each with its own plunge pool. They’re centered around a main pool area with pool bar and pristine white-sand beach.
There are only two room categories: Signature Villa and Ocean Panoramic Villa. The main diference is where they are on the island. The higher up, the more privacy and thus the more prized (and pricey).
Interiors were done by acclaimed designer Bill Bensley (who also did this amazing hotel in Thailand). The vibe is clean, sharp and airy, with inspiration drawn from Africa (as is the resort’s thatched-roof, conical architecture).
Come evening, the open-air Sunset Bar is the preferred hangout spot. The guest mix is very international; the resort has won awards in major British, Italian and Russian magazines, although it’s still a bit of a secret to American travelers.
The main restaurant, Tec Tec, features fusion cuisine focusing on fresh seafood and produce grown on island, served in the open air overlooking the pool and ocean beyond.
There’s also a stellar wine cellar, with vintages from all over the world. They do private tastings on request, which is a great chance to discover things you might not find at home.
That said, most guests come here to enjoy being alone. Each villa comes with a butler who can arrange private meals in your room, or on the beach…
…or by the pool, decked with candlelight.
The onsite spa offers classes in yoga and Qi Gong as well as massage services. How sexy is this open-air couples treatment room?!
Most people come here to hide out and relax, but there’s also a lot to do in Seychelles. The republic is made up of 150 islets. MAIA sits on the capital island, Mahe. You can rent a car and go into the sleepy capital town, hike the trails around the resort, take a boat to a bird sanctuary or secluded beach, or better yet, island hop via helicopter. How fun is this?!
Seychelles is known for its beaches, and MAIA sits on one of the best, Anse Louis Beach. The waters surrounding the resort are protected and off limits to motor boats, so it’s great for snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. If you want to jet-ski, parasail or charter a motor boat, just taxi over to Beau Vallon Aquatics Sport and they’ll set you up.
Best of all, MAIA is all inclusive, so most of what you do is included in the upfront rate. Sunset cocktails, anyone?
