Luxury Hotels - Banyan Tree or Four Seasons Seychelles

I'm in the midst of booking a 5 night Seychelles stay in November. The pricing at Banyan Tree is compelling, however the reviews are worrisome. I'm looking for insight as to what the better option would be. Here are the details:

FS: 5 nights Bed & Breakfast plan in garden villa $6,120 (3,786 GBP)

BT: 5 nights Bed & Breakfast plan in
Hillside Pool Villa= $3,827 (2,368 GBP)
Pool Villa by the Rocks= $3,973 (2,458 GBP)
Beachfront Spa Pool Villa= $4,720 (2,920 GBP)

I am traveling with my wife and we'd like to incorporate day trips to Praslin and La Digue as well. Therefore, I'm leaning towards the BT cheaper option as we'll likely be out of the resort a few days. Location seems suitable at each place. Any insight from previous patrons is much appreciated. Also open to alternative options though I'm not inclined to spend much over $1,000 for bed/breakfast only.

We've considered something similar and while I can't comment on the resorts themselves, I wanted to make sure you were aware that FS has 4th night and 6th/7th night free offers starting September 1. (I believe that is the start of rainy season....so also check your weather). A FS preferred provider will also get you free breakfast and the possibility of an upgrade.

Oh, and I think Praslin and La Digue are close together so that you can do both in one day trip.

We've considered something similar and while I can't comment on the resorts themselves, I wanted to make sure you were aware that FS has 4th night and 6th/7th night free offers starting September 1. (I believe that is the start of rainy season....so also check your weather). A FS preferred provider will also get you free breakfast and the possibility of an upgrade.

Oh, and I think Praslin and La Digue are close together so that you can do both in one day trip.

Thanks for the info. I will have to give FS a call as I cannot get the 4th night free promotion to register on their website. We are squeezing this trip in before a family obligation in the UK so we'll have to take our chances with the rain. Though as I understand it typically rains for a few intermittent moments each day which is bearable IMO.

Although I cannot comment on the FS, we did stay at the BT. In general we are fans of BT, mainly due to their spa which is always fantastic in every location we go to.

Unfortunately the one at the Seychelles is an old property and it is showing, the villa's are in urgent need of refurbishment and the service can be hit or miss while non existant at the beach. Food is acceptable for Seychelles standards where everything is extremely expensive to begin with, but was nothing out of the ordinary. Location is extremely good though and in general the gardens/nature are well kept.

Heard the owners are looking to sell the property as they are not interested in investing to refurbish, seems a hard job for their new GM Frank who used to work for MO and Six Senses.

I would recommend the Four Seasons. The rooms are nice, the beach is great and the spa very nice. I have not stayed at Banyon Tree but went to visit and it was looking a little tired and this was a couple of years ago. Four Seasons is not my favorite resort in the Seychelles but we certainly really enjoyed it. My favorites are North Island and Fregate Island, but Four Seasons seems to be the best on Mahe. I am sure you will enjoy.

I would recommend the Four Seasons. The rooms are nice, the beach is great and the spa very nice. I have not stayed at Banyon Tree but went to visit and it was looking a little tired and this was a couple of years ago. Four Seasons is not my favorite resort in the Seychelles but we certainly really enjoyed it. My favorites are North Island and Fregate Island, but Four Seasons seems to be the best on Mahe. I am sure you will enjoy.

Larkin,

Thanks for your views on this. Can you describe the Mahe experience a bit? ...esp FS.

Is it as active a trip as Bali- with always something to see and do to get you out of the villa?

Or is it more laid back like the Maldives?

And then as far as North Island and Fregate go. I assume you're sequestered there and that's not a bad thing necessarily. Is that correct?

Is it as active a trip as Bali- with always something to see and do to get you out of the villa?

Or is it more laid back like the Maldives?

And then as far as North Island and Fregate go. I assume you're sequestered there and that's not a bad thing necessarily. Is that correct?

I have been doing a lot of research on the Seychelles, and while I haven't been there yet, I'll take a stab at answering this question. It seems to me that there are many islands to see in the Seychelles with different scenery and experiences....like hiking, the giant tortoises, etc. Whereas one island in the Maldives is pretty much like another unless you want to compare dive sites.

I've been thinking that staying on Mahe is a good thing because it is the main island with many different options for day trips...many private boats, or group tours using the ferry system, or private tours using the ferry system, or helicopter companies....all based on Mahe. Which is still a very pretty island that happens to be accessible to everything. Including the airport.

If money was no object, we would stay at North Island and just have the helicopters come from Mahe to take us wherever we wanted to go. All private charter, of course. :-)

Larkin,

Thanks for your views on this. Can you describe the Mahe experience a bit? ...esp FS.

Is it as active a trip as Bali- with always something to see and do to get you out of the villa?

Or is it more laid back like the Maldives?

And then as far as North Island and Fregate go. I assume you're sequestered there and that's not a bad thing necessarily. Is that correct?

I was in Seychelles last month and been to Maldives & Bali

I'd say Seychelles have more to offer than Maldives. There are different islands to go "island-hopping" and they all differ from each other.
The islands of Maldives are pristine and gorgeous, but even if you go to different island/resort in Maldives, they're somewhat the same, not much to see or do other than water sports & relax.

I''d recommend Maldives for those seeking couples-only vacation, but if you wanna be more active, go to Seychelles.

There are lots of to do and see on Bali as well, but personally I prefer Seychelles a lot better, better beach, locals on Seychelles friendlier and more genuine than the Balinese I've encountered in the past.

As for the original poster, I'd definitely go for Four Seasons over Banyan Tree. FS is a much newer property, for something better than FS, go for North or Fregate mentioned in this post, or try Desroches which was truly truly wonderful, I find it very Aman!

Desroches which was truly truly wonderful, I find it very Aman!

fregate (17) and north (11 - plunge)

desroches has gone residential villa style >
€1200+ 20-24 1BR
€3400+ 26 2BR, 1 3BR, 1 4BR
4 1BR beach retreats pair with 2 2BR dibwa retreats, no kids when booked separately


elsewhere >

laucala is same price as fregate, will be interesting to hear comments from Baghoarder
(necker island is also similar price, and another different experience)

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is introducing its Cercle Sportif, whereby guests are offered the opportunity to partner with one of the Resort’s staff - from the groundskeeper to the general manager - in their preferred sport.

Larkin,

Thanks for your views on this. Can you describe the Mahe experience a bit? ...esp FS.

Is it as active a trip as Bali- with always something to see and do to get you out of the villa?

Or is it more laid back like the Maldives?

And then as far as North Island and Fregate go. I assume you're sequestered there and that's not a bad thing necessarily. Is that correct?

Driving Rain,
Sorry for the delayed response.

Seychelles has much more to do than Maldives, but not the kind of culture you find in Bali. You can travel by boat to different islands and beaches which can be interesting and fun. La Digue for example is definately worth a visit.
Of course you can do these trips from Fregate and North Island, but you don't really need to leave them. Both have multiple beaches and golf carts for you to get around, as well as rooms that ou can hang out in for days at a time IMHO! Of course if it is your first time to Seychelles I highly recommend a days outing on a boat no matter where you stay. You can get to La Digue, Praslin, etc and just make it a day. Mahe itself is not much. For us not much to explore there. Four Seasons was a great resort to relax, go to beach (great beach), and of course they can arrange a boat trip for you. Snorkeling was quite good there and diving in the Seychelles is great as well. There is a cute low key restaurant around the corner from four seasons and you can go by boat as well.
For rooms I recommend on hill if adults. Ask or privacy and a view. When we were there the vegetation was not fully grown some of the rooms were not as private as should be and looked right onto road with golf carts going around. That may have changed by now, but I would request. I really loved the spa on top of the hill with gorgeous views!

Have you looked at Raffles on Praslin. I haven't been to any of those you mention (bar visiting BT which did look a bit tired), but I would suggest Praslin is a better base if you want to see the variety of the Seychelles and take a few day trips to Praslin itself, La Digue and the surrounding islands. However it doesn't seem from the reviews to be as great an operation as the FS, and it may depend how easily you can connect (by plane or boat) from SEZ to Praslin when you arrive/depart.

Or there's Domaine de l'Orangerie on La Digue which was great but not a par to the others - interesting and cool but not the same privacy/service/food.

Heard the owners are looking to sell the property as they are not interested in investing to refurbish, seems a hard job for their new GM Frank who used to work for MO and Six Senses.

Just learned that the BT group bought out the owners and now owns the hotel, they are planning to invest a couple of million US$ in the refurbishment starting near the end of the year.

Sounds good as the hotel is in a perfect location with an amazing beach.^

Or there's Domaine de l'Orangerie on La Digue which was great but not a par to the others - interesting and cool but not the same privacy/service/food.

interesting, thanks
only 55 villas, no online ratecard
http://www.orangeraie.sc/

also makes sense re BT because they have residences and destination club

Have you looked at Raffles on Praslin. I haven't been to any of those you mention (bar visiting BT which did look a bit tired), but I would suggest Praslin is a better base if you want to see the variety of the Seychelles and take a few day trips to Praslin itself, La Digue and the surrounding islands. However it doesn't seem from the reviews to be as great an operation as the FS, and it may depend how easily you can connect (by plane or boat) from SEZ to Praslin when you arrive/depart.

Or there's Domaine de l'Orangerie on La Digue which was great but not a par to the others - interesting and cool but not the same privacy/service/food.

I stayed at Raffles Praslin during my trip in April, and yes it is a good base to explore the surrounding smaller islands, in fact, it is facing Curieuse Island (a local attraction where you can find a lot of private beach and tortoise!) and only 10 minute away by boat.
However, I think it's still a new hotel, a lot of advertised facilities were closed or not available during my stay there, service a bit slow but all staffs very willing to help & friendly.
But the major problem is privacy, this hotel has no privacy at all, and they built too many units close to each other, I can see directly to the road and I believe they can see me on my balcony and my pool too. I can see multiple villa's sundeck & pool area too so vice versa.
Food can really use some improvement as well, I'd highly suggest renting a car and explore the island, & eating out.
Raffles Praslin does offer unblocked and amazing ocean view though, guess that's the plus side not having full vegetation on the site! I woke up in the morning and feel truly blessed seeing the beautiful view!
Note that the hotel is located on the sunrise side, but you won't be able to see the sunset in the room.

interesting, thanks
only 55 villas, no online ratecard
http://www.orangeraie.sc/

also makes sense re BT because they have residences and destination club

I visited & had lunch at Domaine de l'Orangerie on La Digue, did not stay there but it does seem like nice boutique hotel.
Personally, I find that La Digue has the best beach in Seychelles, and would consider staying for 2 nights or so on La Digue, and I believe l'Orangerie is the best choice on the island

interesting, thanks
only 55 villas, no online ratecard
http://www.orangeraie.sc/
Rates quoted for April were:
- Garden Villas are from 15th to 18th for 3 nights, nestled in the exotic garden of the Domaine. Feature a kitchenette and is on duplex (rate: 289 EUR per night for 2 guests on B&B basis, 363 EUR per night for 2 guests on half board basis). This villa can accommodate a maximum of 4 persons. Children below 12 years old stay free of charge on B&B basis in the garden villa.

- Villas de Charme, from 07th to 10th, are filled with serenity and exoticism, are situated on the hillside and offer views on the exotic surroundings. Each villa has an outdoor bathroom and is the perfect retreat for couples. (Rate: 440 EUR per night for 2 guests on B&B basis, 514 EUR per night for 2 guests on half board basis). This villa can accommodate a maximum of 3 persons.

- Villas de Charme “Elegance”, 11th to 17th, are larger and primarily positioned on the hillside with great seclusion, outdoor bathroom as well as an additional deck and Jacuzzi. (Rate: 590 EUR per night for 2 guests on B&B basis, 664 EUR per night for 2 guests on half board basis). This villa can accommodate a maximum of 3 persons.

- Presidential Villa, from 10th onwards, is positioned on the hilltop with a spectacular view on the Indian Ocean. This villa offers generous living space of 485 sqm, three separate bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, dedicated butler service, swimming pool, whirlpool, dining kiosk and one extra bungalow. Rates starting at 1750 EUR per entire chalet (to accommodate up to 6 clients on B&B). More information about the presidential villa is available enclosed.

Kindly note the rates are per night and are inclusive of the 5% service charge and 15% government taxes. A bike as well as the snorkeling equipment will be provided free of charge to each guest.
The villas de charme are stunning, if a little clumsy, perched on the hillside and reached by a steep buggy ride. It was great for a couple of nights but I wouldn't stretch to 5 there as:
- The food was a bit weak. HB only gets you the buffet which wasn't great, not the a la carte restaurant. I ended up wishing they charged 10% more, which would still be competitive, and offered a better buffet plus a la carte.
- There's no beach of note and the pool is stunning but busy so it's not the most peaceful place. You can rent bikes and la Digue has great beaches, but it's not quite the same away from the resort's facilities.

The presidential villa actually seems great value for a larger group, and solves some of the privacy issues.

I have been doing a lot of research on the Seychelles, and while I haven't been there yet, I'll take a stab at answering this question. It seems to me that there are many islands to see in the Seychelles with different scenery and experiences....like hiking, the giant tortoises, etc. Whereas one island in the Maldives is pretty much like another unless you want to compare dive sites.

I've been thinking that staying on Mahe is a good thing because it is the main island with many different options for day trips...many private boats, or group tours using the ferry system, or private tours using the ferry system, or helicopter companies....all based on Mahe. Which is still a very pretty island that happens to be accessible to everything. Including the airport.

If money was no object, we would stay at North Island and just have the helicopters come from Mahe to take us wherever we wanted to go. All private charter, of course. :-)

Thanks...it looks like we're drawing the same conclusion. Money is usually an object, but I dont think I'll have much to complain about if I wind up in a villa at the FS. : )

I was in Seychelles last month and been to Maldives & Bali

I'd say Seychelles have more to offer than Maldives. There are different islands to go "island-hopping" and they all differ from each other.
The islands of Maldives are pristine and gorgeous, but even if you go to different island/resort in Maldives, they're somewhat the same, not much to see or do other than water sports & relax.

I''d recommend Maldives for those seeking couples-only vacation, but if you wanna be more active, go to Seychelles.

There are lots of to do and see on Bali as well, but personally I prefer Seychelles a lot better, better beach, locals on Seychelles friendlier and more genuine than the Balinese I've encountered in the past.

As for the original poster, I'd definitely go for Four Seasons over Banyan Tree. FS is a much newer property, for something better than FS, go for North or Fregate mentioned in this post, or try Desroches which was truly truly wonderful, I find it very Aman!


I've been to Bali a couple times but never Maldives or Seychelles. This is a get away for two, so it sounds like either will work. Which one we go for will depend on where I can find an F award for the flights. It looks like SEZ, but then we'd need to settle for Ethiopian in J over ADD.

Driving Rain,
Sorry for the delayed response.

Seychelles has much more to do than Maldives, but not the kind of culture you find in Bali. You can travel by boat to different islands and beaches which can be interesting and fun. La Digue for example is definately worth a visit.
Of course you can do these trips from Fregate and North Island, but you don't really need to leave them. Both have multiple beaches and golf carts for you to get around, as well as rooms that ou can hang out in for days at a time IMHO! Of course if it is your first time to Seychelles I highly recommend a days outing on a boat no matter where you stay. You can get to La Digue, Praslin, etc and just make it a day. Mahe itself is not much. For us not much to explore there. Four Seasons was a great resort to relax, go to beach (great beach), and of course they can arrange a boat trip for you. Snorkeling was quite good there and diving in the Seychelles is great as well. There is a cute low key restaurant around the corner from four seasons and you can go by boat as well.
For rooms I recommend on hill if adults. Ask or privacy and a view. When we were there the vegetation was not fully grown some of the rooms were not as private as should be and looked right onto road with golf carts going around. That may have changed by now, but I would request. I really loved the spa on top of the hill with gorgeous views!

Thanks Larkin. When villa-shopping no matter the locale, there always seems to be a trade-off between sun/view and privacy....unless you go up to the largest villas which are unecessary for a couple.

Do you see any way around this dichotomy at FS SEZ? Might there be some standard villas with sun and privacy?

Thanks Larkin. When villa-shopping no matter the locale, there always seems to be a trade-off between sun/view and privacy....unless you go up to the largest villas which are unecessary for a couple.

Do you see any way around this dichotomy at FS SEZ? Might there be some standard villas with sun and privacy?

I would definately go with the hillside ocean view, but do specify both sunny and private. You can get both, but definately ask or sunny as some were very shaded and that was before the vegetation was grown. Maybe if they are not full you can be upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite which are great.

We found at four Seasons Seychelles the beach itself was really nice so we did not end up spending loads of time by the pool in our villa like we sometimes do. If you change your mind and go to Fregate or north island all the villas are quite private and offer sun and great views! ( although I do recall 1-2 did not at Fregate). I tried to find our old bill from FS Seychelles to give you our villa no as it was private and sunny, but could not find it or the property map. If you are facing the ocean we were on the left hand side of the resort at the end of one of the golf buggy paths. I am sure if you request quiet, private, and sunny they will accommodate, just email the general manager!

Have a great time! We love the Seychelles and have been several times now! We have not stayed on Praslin but have been by boat, as well as visited La Digue by boat as mentioned. They can both be visited in one day if you want but it depends on how long you want to stay on each island! Time of year for visit is important. The seas can be very rough in the summer months and it can rain a lot in the dec/ jan time but with climate change who knows!

I would definately go with the hillside ocean view, but do specify both sunny and private. You can get both, but definately ask or sunny as some were very shaded and that was before the vegetation was grown. Maybe if they are not full you can be upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite which are great.

We found at four Seasons Seychelles the beach itself was really nice so we did not end up spending loads of time by the pool in our villa like we sometimes do. If you change your mind and go to Fregate or north island all the villas are quite private and offer sun and great views! ( although I do recall 1-2 did not at Fregate). I tried to find our old bill from FS Seychelles to give you our villa no as it was private and sunny, but could not find it or the property map. If you are facing the ocean we were on the left hand side of the resort at the end of one of the golf buggy paths. I am sure if you request quiet, private, and sunny they will accommodate, just email the general manager!

Have a great time! We love the Seychelles and have been several times now! We have not stayed on Praslin but have been by boat, as well as visited La Digue by boat as mentioned. They can both be visited in one day if you want but it depends on how long you want to stay on each island! Time of year for visit is important. The seas can be very rough in the summer months and it can rain a lot in the dec/ jan time but with climate change who knows!

Thanks again for recommendation. I havent checked FHR, but FS is showing $725 for garden, $925 for ocean and $975 for hilltop ocean. $200/night for the right room seems like a reasonable supplement. And if we book into it, there's a chance the upgrade could put us into a suite; though I assume it's a disallowed upgrade per the T&Cs as the rate jump is $2k+.

With MLE eliminated due to zero J class awards SIN-MLE...it looks like it's down to SEZ versus the Amans in Sri Lanka as we love the idea of the town/beach trade-off of their two properties there. We've wanted to go to Sri Lanka for years...but since we'll be traveling in July again, it gets hurt with its weather so we're likely to happily head to SEZ. Then again, how do the FS' beaches fare in July in SEZ?

Also...does anyone have a suggestion for a city stopover on the way? Our gateway from the US will be IAD headed to ADD (Addis Abba). Perhaps a town in Eritrea?

Thanks again for recommendation. I havent checked FHR, but FS is showing $725 for garden, $925 for ocean and $975 for hilltop ocean. $200/night for the right room seems like a reasonable supplement. And if we book into it, there's a chance the upgrade could put us into a suite; though I assume it's a disallowed upgrade per the T&Cs as the rate jump is $2k+.

With MLE eliminated due to zero J class awards SIN-MLE...it looks like it's down to SEZ versus the Amans in Sri Lanka as we love the idea of the town/beach trade-off of their two properties there. We've wanted to go to Sri Lanka for years...but since we'll be traveling in July again, it gets hurt with its weather so we're likely to happily head to SEZ. Then again, how do the FS' beaches fare in July in SEZ?

Also...does anyone have a suggestion for a city stopover on the way? Our gateway from the US will be IAD headed to ADD (Addis Abba). Perhaps a town in Eritrea?

As the original poster, thank you for all the useful insight. DrivingRain - it sounds like we are in the same boat as to decisions (FS or other). Please do post your experience whatever option you decide. My wife and I are traveling in November so we have some time to decide where to stay. From the insight on these pages we'll likely go for the FS on Mahe and day trip to surrounding islands.
We're traveling EY with an overnight in AUH so I can't add any ADD stopover suggestions.

We went to the four Seasons in April and had great weather. The seas were calm and the sun shined every day but one when we had a bit of rain.

We went to Fregate Island in August. We had beautiful sunny weather, but It was windy and the sea was very rough most days. It was not snorkling conditions, but we did dive one day. Not sure what to expect at four seasons in July, but the beach seemed to be more protected than Fregate. I would check however on your timing.

ill be going to Maia in august and can provide a review of that. We were between FS and Maia and ultimately chose Maia bc its smaller and more private and its our honeymoon