Desroche Island Resort
Part 2

"A unique private island resort in the Seychelles
Especially good for diving and fishing holidays"

...Continued from part 1

Once you've found Desroche Island, most likely you'll go back again and again, even if only in your dreams. "This is truly paradise," one visitor says. But it's certainly not for you if you're pinching pennies, although I hasten to add, it's not  the most expensive hotel in Seychelles either.

You should also know that this luxury island resort is quite unique, even when considering other Seychelles islands. Read on... You'll find many gems on this page. And you'll have an exceptional holiday on Desroches. Both the young and the young-at-heart will enjoy many activities here. But it's also the perfect place to do absolutely nothing. Just relax and enjoy the serenity...

The accommodation on Deroches Island is lovely and the food is superb. The main restaurant is a-la-carte and there's a wide choice, but you should try some of the local fish. Each one is very distinct from the next and done to perfection by the talented chef of Desroche Island resort.

Note that other than seafood, everything else on the menu is imported. So it's a good reason to try the large selection of fish they have. If you go fishing here, the chef may even offer to do something special for you with your catch. If this happens, you should jump at the opportunity. You'll love it.

If you eat in the main restaurant, they also have nights when you can sample many local delicacies, albeit adapted for fine dining and the less exotic palate. :). This adapted cooking is absolutely necessary since typical Creole cuisine is very, very, very spicy - probably the hottest you'll find anywhere, bar none.

So you must be very adventurous to try authentic Creole fare. Now that you've been warned you can enjoy its less harsh cousins on Desroche Island. Otherwise, your taste buds will be tested to the limit even if you're from South India or central China.

Desroches is an all-inclusive private island resort

It's all included in the rates whether it's your beers, local spirit or house wine. You'll pay extra only for such things as premium imported liquor, cocktails and fine wines, spa treatment, telephone calls, offshore blue-water fishing, scuba diving and boat excursions to other islands of the Amirantes. Also...

Note that transfer to the resort island costs additional, and in 2011, it's 555 Euros per person for the round-trip airfare from Mahe on the scheduled daily flight while special charters can also be arranged on either an 8-seater Caravan or 18-seater Beechcraft.

The lodgings of Desroche Island Resort are well spread out along the beach in the west and north. So although there are some 40 units of accommodation, you don't trip over other guests here. With much of the 800 acres available for your enjoyment and 9 miles of deserted beach, there's plenty of elbow room for everyone on this private island...

Life on the remote Desroche Island. Riding your bike to your own private island villa

You hardly see anyone except in the restaurant if that's where you choose to dine. But to further enhance your experience on the island, Desroches hotel offers in-room dining on your patio, while private, romantic dinners on the beach can also be arranged. So go ahead...

Spoil yourself. Remember, you are on an exclusive island. Your suite is only a few paces to a superb beach of fine, pearl-white coral sand. Have you ever dreamt of a honeymoon or an anniversary in heaven? Well, that's as close as it gets. So why not? Pamper yourselves. Get all the bells and whistles.

Desroche Island Resort is a 5-star, 20-suite luxury beach hotel plus beach villas. The main accommodation, Desroches hotel, is made up of 10 bungalows each with two adjoining luxury suites by the beach. These are positioned half either side of the main hotel buildings at the western end of the island.

Each suite has its own beachfront garden. And from your private covered patio you'll enjoy spectacular uninterrupted view of the shimmering blue sea and magnificent fiery sunsets too, unless you prefer the hotel bar, of course.

If you want even more privacy with more space, in addition, Desroche Island Resort also rents out 26 luxury villas of various sizes. These are set on the northern side of the island along the best beach. They are relatively distant and separated from the hotel by the airport's runway.

There are 23 four-bedroom villas which are ideal for families, plus one super-deluxe 5-bedroom presidential villa. For couples seeking the perfect honeymoon on a private island there are 2 one-bedroom villas towards the northwest. Each villa has a covered patio with magnificent views on the ocean.

They are all located on the beachfront, each in a pleasant private garden, with private swimming pool or plunge pool for the smaller ones. In-villa dinning with a private chef is also available. And each of the larger villas comes with a personal butler. What more can you possibly want?

A question I get asked frequently is...

"What is the best time of the year for a vacation on Desroches Island?" Well... Any time of year is a good time for a holiday on this amazing private island although the best time for fishing and diving is from October to May. And the sea is at its clearest in October and March.

The eastern end of Desroche Island with the lighthouse and a small part of an amazing 14-km-long beach - great for snorkelling

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So these would be the best times for diving. The weather is superb the whole year although before you make up your mind perhaps you should also read about the Seychelles weather in December. And also know that it rains much less than on Mahe and with less cloud cover it's a little warmer too.

As the Amirantes is a fantastic place for fishing, you should come fully prepared. If you are an avid angler, pack some heavy tackle before you leave home. You'll be meeting some real bruisers in the Amirantes and around Desroches. And you'll no doubt have many tales to tell of "the one that got away" when you get back home.

Before we close, know that heaven also comes with its attendant bugs, most notably mosquitoes. So, bring along your personal insect repellent - your preferred brand. Although there are no communicable diseases to worry about and no venomous creatures on Desroche Island, or anywhere else in Seychelles, these bugs can be a nuisance especially in the evenings.

So I would say, come fully armed as an additional precaution, although I hasten to add, the hotel does provide insect repellent and mosquito nets in the rooms. But what if you're like me? Are you the outdoor type? Do you enjoy star gazing? You could also take a moonlight stroll on the beach after dinner. By the way, you'll enjoy this best at the full moon or a day or two before.

A delightful sunset to close an amazing day on Desroche Island while sipping cocktails

Also since there are no streets and so no street lighting, bring a flashlight torch if you want to ride your push bike at night. You probably will after dinner. And pack light...

Ladies, you'll be walking on sand mostly here, so no place for heels. Flip-flops (thongs) or sandals are just fine for bike riding and exploring the island. And don't forget your sunscreen, hat and shades.

Oh! I've kept the best for last...

While you can enjoy Desroches hotel just like any other luxury island resort and beach hotel, you can also purchase your own fully serviced luxury villa on Desroches if you have USD 3 million that's looking for an investment opportunity. That makes it, indeed, unique.

Or you can simply rent one of those luxury homes (4-bedroom villas with private swimming pool) for a week to get a foretaste of what's in store for you as a future owner of your own little corner of paradise.

You'll be buying your own idyllic island retreat, one of only a handful of private island villas on Desroche Island. While you could purchase an apartment or a villa elsewhere in Seychelles, for example on Eden Island, and for much less, frankly the two don't compare. They are as different as night and day.

 

The last time I checked there were still one or two villas available for sale and if I may add, this is one of the best investments in the Seychelles. You can stay in your private retreat or rent it out through the hotel while you watch your investment grow. Whatever you choose - hotel suite or villa, buy or rent - enjoy the peace and serenity of Desroche Island.

While it ain't cheap you'll certainly be getting more value than what you pay. Desroche Island Resort and its upkeep come at a relatively steep cost and can be made available only to a very select few. It is a symbol of wealth and the exclusivity, which is part of its appeal, has made it a playground for a future monarch.

Prices vary and start at Euro 1100 per night for a suite. But you should really expect to shell out much more... Desroches is a bargain for what you get. You can check out the best available hotel rates here for your intended stay. And compare prices on offer. Then, add in the cost of air transfer from Mahe which is Euro 555 for the round trip per person.

5-star luxury Desroche Island Resort - rustic blending well with its environment

Note that at certain times of the year there is a minimum stay of 3 days at Desroche Island Resort but you really need a week anyway to really appreciate all that's on offer.

It's a place to relax and totally unwind, so plan accordingly for some quality time away from it all.

If you are in a hurry, then Desroches may not be the right place for you. Perhaps Bird Island or Denis Island would be more suitable alternatives then. These two are smaller and much less remote but similar in many ways.

Lastly, here is some additional interesting background info... The island's name is derived from the two French words "des roches" meaning "of the rocks" or just "rocks", probably because of the hazard it must have posed to shipping in the days of the sailing ships.

In Creole, it's called Deros, which may be a bit confusing for some, with the other island Daros (D'Arros), especially since they are both islands of the Amirantes group. As in many other islands of Seychelles there is a lighthouse on Desroche Island. It is at the eastern end of the island and you can get there easily by bike. If you visit...

Have fun! And enjoy the beaches. And I say... If the great garden in the sky is only half as nice then it's a great destination. :) .

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