A paradisiacal eco oasis can be found in the Seychelles. Even running a premium resort can have virtually zero environmental impact
A paradise experience
Combining a new level of travel luxury with a sustainable approach, this high-end resort offers a respite from the fast-paced world in a breathtaking paradisiacal atmosphere. The 0.578 square kilometre Platte Island is located 130 kilometres from Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles - but can be reached by seaplane in just twenty minutes. Then you'll find one of fifty designer villas surrounded by a fourteen-kilometre-long coral lagoon.
The architects behind the resort's overall look are Singapore-based studio eco.id, who were conscious of the sustainable focus of the entire project and worked with natural materials with ethically traceable origins. In fact, Waldorf Astoria has set a goal of becoming a zero-impact resort, which is one of the reasons why it is 100% solar-powered.
Platte Island brings private villas of one to five bedrooms, each of which also features a private garden with a pool, a stylish outdoor shower, a comfortable king-size bed, a separate living area, and should you have any additional requests, you'll be looked after 24 hours a day by your personal butler. However, with harmonious interiors in natural earth tones that subtly blend into the turquoise blue of the ocean and lush surrounding greenery, it's hard to imagine needing anything else.
Tennis lessons with Berdych and a heavenly holistic SPA
A personalised concierge service is also on hand to book you holistic rituals at the island's Waldorf Astoria Spa, where you can also book a manicure or yoga session. The treatment menu includes anti-aging treatments, as well as several types of massages and body exfoliations and wraps. Then just head to the private pool or the perfectly exotic beach for absolute relaxation.
More active natures will be impressed by the generous sports facilities, the imaginary highlight of which are the tennis courts inaugurated by Tomas Berdych himself, who was on hand for a week at the resort for private lessons and advice on how to learn the perfect tennis shots. Naturally, however, the resort specialises in a variety of water activities in addition to the basics in the form of cycling, trekking and guided walks. You can go out on a boat, sailboat, canoe or kayak, and other attractions include fly fishing, kite surfing or classic surfing. The resort also provides babysitting services so that you can enjoy the spa and adrenaline activities undisturbed.
Blend in with the marine ecosystem
The biggest highlight of Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, however, is the marine life itself, which the resort is committed to protecting and is constantly educating in collaboration with top universities on how to treat the pristine ecosystem with care. Indeed, the local seagrass meadows are among the best preserved in the Indian Ocean, as is the entire ecosystem of the island. The experience of snorkelling and diving is one you will remember in your dreams for a lifetime. In the ocean safari, you'll spot karets, which can also be seen on the beach, stingrays and small, harmless sharks. Around the island you will also see whales, two species of dolphins and turtles. Platte is also a paradise for bird lovers who regularly migrate here.
The pinnacle of vegan gastronomy and 33 types of champagne
The luxury resort offers a total of six restaurants and bars where you can indulge in an unforgettable gourmet experience. This is guaranteed by the minimalist Moulin restaurant with a completely unique concept. For lunch, the chef will take you to the island gardens with vegetables, fruits and herbs and let you pick and choose whatever you want. You will then build your own menu with your own ingredients and enjoy your lunch in the restaurant or in the harmonious cabanas right in the middle of the gardens. For dinner, the concept then changes slightly - at the table and you'll find a selection of vegetables, either fresh or fermented, which they themselves leave on the island for at least six months to "ripen". This selection then forms the evening menu. If you are interested in vegan gastronomy and would like to bring it home, you can also take cooking classes here.
La Perle is then the resort's main à la carte restaurant, where you can go throughout the day for international food for breakfast, while delicate Mediterranean influences await you at lunch and later times. The focus of the island's other statement restaurant, Maison Des Epices, has become spice - the name of the gourmet spot hints at this too. Here, spices work their magic in Creole recipes that give rise to the popular soul food. This is where all meat lovers, but also rum lovers, should head. The restaurant also boasts an Argentinian sommelier who pairs each menu perfectly with wine. But the specialty here is also pairing with Takamaka rum, which has a distillery on Mahé that also creates a special rum blend just for Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island. This can be found in a cask right in the restaurant, where the focus of the place is also made visually apparent by the wide selection of spices. By the way, you can also go on a tour of the Takamaka distillery, the butler will be happy to arrange the trip for you.
Then for a light snack at daytime, head to the Torti Pool Bar, where exotic ice cream or sushi and seafood will impress. Coffee, signature drinks and tapas lovers will then find themselves at the Peacock Terrace, which also beckons for the perfect ocean view. For sunset, though, you'll have to head to the Lalin Bar, where you'll toast (at least) one of the 33 champagnes they pour by the glass, so you can sample as many as possible. Cheers!
