While traveling continuously for a full year, we’ve had our fair share of surprises and last minute events that require us to change our plans at a moment’s notice and remain flexible. There is perhaps no happier example of this than when we received an invitation to visit the aptly named Maia Luxury Resort in the Seychelles. When the Seychelles call, you answer!
So after 6 weeks spent exploring southern Africa, we hopped on a 4 hour flight departing from Johannesburg to Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles. The island is quite small and it was only a thirty minute ride through the topical jungles, mountains, and snaking coast to the west side of the island. Turquoise waters lapped white sand beaches and beautiful blue fishing boats awaited captains from their moorings in the shallows. Our destination was on Anse Louis, a secluded beach joining a mountainous peninsula on top of which Maia Luxury has 30 private villas, many with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Escorted to our room by our dedicated butler, Lutfi, we oohed and ahhed as we discovered the villa room by room. Each villa has an outdoor bath, private plunge pool, multiple lounge areas and a small kitchen where your butler prepares meals. Maia offers guests the freedom to dine wherever, whenever and on whatever during their stay, from a menu that includes fresh favorites from Japanese, Indian, Creole and Thai cuisine.
Every room of our villa is designed to make the most of the panoramic views of Anse Louis beach and the Indian Ocean. Whether waking up to views of the water, taking breakfast on our terrace or spending the afternoon in our plunge pool, we couldn’t get enough of the stunning coastline that sprawled before us. Because each villa is so well appointed, most guests barely leave, which means if you do venture out into the common areas such as Maia’s restaurant or main pool you’ll feel as if you have that space all to yourself. Whatever the day’s adventures held, we made a point of being back in our room for sunset each night to watch the sky burst with color.
I love this ruffled silk beach coverup from Palmona Blue and have been wearing it in beachy destinations around the world. (See it in Greece here and Vietnam here.) The tie waist is so flattering and works well thrown over a bathing suit. I found an original bamboo ark bag from the 1970s while in Provence last summer and enjoyed toting it around while we were in the Seychelles – it’s roomy enough for sunscreen, a magazine and bottle of water!
Maia’s Balinese-style spa is one of the most beautiful spas we’ve experienced in the past year as treatments are done in private, open air-pavilions surrounded by perfumed gardens filled with hibiscus, lemongrass and cinnamon. Feeling completely relaxed after our couples massage I didn’t want to leave the spa – just look at this tub!
Unlimited scuba diving is another perk of a stay at Maia, and on our last day David and I decided to try it out. After a brief training and safety demonstration, we were on the boat cruising the coast in search of the perfect spot to jump in. It was David’s first time and my second (my first time was on Maui during high school) and we both took to the sport like fish to water. As beautiful as the Indian Ocean is from above, it’s even more spectacular while scuba diving and we were thrilled to swim alongside clownfish, parrot fish and even one leisurely sea turtle.
I received so many messages from readers who are considering Maia Luxury Resort for their honeymoons, and I cannot recommend this place highly enough! From the unparalleled views, incredible food and smiling staff Maia is the perfect place to unwind after your big day. Maia is also a member of Leading Hotels of the World, a collection of the world’s most distinguished five-star properties which embody the essence of their destination. From our own honeymoon at Le Sirenuse on the Amalfi Coast to more recent visits to Llao Llao in Patagonia and The Alvear Palace in Buenos Aires, each property in LHW’s portfolio has been the starting point for our most cherished and spectacular travel memories.
Thank you to Maia Luxury Resort for an incredible introduction to the Seychelles, and for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
xx SF
All photos by David and Stacie Flinner for stacieflinner.com
