Ever wondered where the rich and powerful carry out secret business deals? Those that cannot be held in public spaces, offices or homes. The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and the Four Seasons Desroches revealed that these establishments are some of the most in-demand destinations for high-profile meetings among the Middle East’s wealthy.
On the Island of Seychelles, social status blends seamlessly – no suits, no fancy cars, and a disconnect from the relentless pace of metropolitan life.
An ideal location for the wealthy to get away from societal hierarchies and the public eye– The Four Seasons has witnessed demand for its two island resorts as go-to destinations for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).
“Its untouched beauty, remote location, and intimate atmosphere allow guests to feel entirely removed from the world,” Nitin Abbi, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Seychelles said in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business.
The privacy offered across the resorts makes it “perfect” for high-profile executives and corporate retreats; offering personalised service, private villas, and bespoke event planning that allows for discreet meetings, deal-making, and strategic discussions away from the public eye.
Four Seasons Desroches
To meet the growing demand from ultra-high-net-worth individuals, the luxury hotel chain expanded into the secluded market of Seychelles. The Four Seasons Desroches Island, the only resort on the island, caters to the ultra-wealthy with its focus on privacy and exclusivity, offering exclusive villas with direct beach access.
The property also offers 11 private residences for those looking to invest in an island home, offering a dedicated team to manage the property while the owner is away.
Spanning 6km long and 4km wide, the island has its own landing strip and a mini airport complete with a departure lounge for those leaving on the island. Planes are operated by the Island Development Council (IDC) and can be chartered privately or shared by group arrivals to the resort.
“Desroches Island stands out as a one-of-a-kind destination, with Four Seasons being the only resort on the entire island—a factor that significantly enhances its appeal for corporate bookings. This exclusivity offers unparalleled privacy, allowing companies to host events, meetings, or retreats in a serene environment free from outside distractions,” said Budi Widodo, Resort Manager at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island.
Welcome to the island
As the plane approaches, a team of staff stands ready to welcome guests creating an immediate sense of personalised connection. Each guest is greeted by name, a subtle yet powerful touch that sets the tone for the entire stay. Cheerful waves and warm smiles replace the impersonal interactions of typical resorts.
Guests are then taken to the awaiting electric buggies, ready to escort visitors through the island’s meticulously maintained landscape. From several beaches, to restaurants, a spa and recreational spaces – the resort has plenty to offer amid its quiet and calm surroundings.
For the ultra-wealthy, the resort offers 11 private residences that redefines the concept of a vacation home, the properties serve more than a traditional stay, they stand as potential investments. Each residence comes with a dedicated management team that ensures the property remains in pristine condition, even while the owner is away.
The villas themselves are architectural statements that blend modern luxury with the island’s natural ecosystem. Floor-to-ceiling windows, private pools, and direct beach access are standard, but the attention to detail and highly personalised service is what sets these accommodations apart.
For those who prefer to indulge in the resort experience, the service is just as luxurious. There are 56 villas, each featuring a private pool and outdoor rain shower, with interiors inspired by Creole, French and European influences.
During their stay, guests can expect thoughtfully curated amenities, such as personalised bookmarks, microfiber cloths for sunglasses, bikes with custom initials, and nightly turndown service.
Each evening, guests will return from dinner to find a new book excerpt (typically a classic) on their bed, with the canopies drawn, lights dimmed, and pillows fluffed in time for bed.
A living, breathing ecosystem
Outside the ultra-luxury comfort of the private villas, Desroches is a living, breathing ecosystem. The island hosts a vast population of Aldabra tortoises, with “George” gaining popularity among guests, featured on several of the resort’s memorabilia.
The tortoises roam freely, offering guests an intimate wildlife experience. Part of the hotel’s vast activity list is a tortoise feeding expedition, open to all guests and residents.
A short buggy ride away from the resort on Desroches Island is a tortoise sanctuary where guests can interact with the tortoises, feed them, and even adopt one. Those who choose to adopt, will have the opportunity to name the tortoise and receive regular updates on its wellbeing.
Located around the turtle sanctuary are the island’s many villages, including a Punjabi and Gujarati village which are populated by the many migrants from the vast Indian community in Seychelles.
Several small structures are sprawled across the village which include a communal food hall, a provision shop, the island church, a barber shop and a TV room where the Island residents live, work and eat together. The village is looked over by an island manager who also lives and works on the island.
While the village residents enjoy meals at the communal food hall, back at the Four Seasons Desroches guests have several F&B offerings to choose from including Claudine which is the all-day poolside restaurant, AHI – a Japanese restaurant and The Lighthouse which is quite literally a restaurant located in a lighthouse. Guests can wander off to the tip of the lighthouse to get a 360-degree view of the island.
Desroches stands as a protected reserve for animals and birds, exclusive to the island are Shearwater birds, known for their unique cry, which the hotel staff liken to the sound of a crying baby. These birds mostly appear at night and share similar features with ducks.
“Do not be afraid if you hear a baby crying at night, it’s just the Shearwater birds,” the staff alerted.
True to its secluded nature, Desroches Island may not be the ideal spot for those who rely on high-speed Wi-Fi or cellular service. With no cellular coverage and limited Wi-Fi available in the rooms and select areas, the island offers an experience of being one with the nature.
Some might say that in an era of constant connectivity, Desroches offers something increasingly rare: absolute privacy which is why the resort has become a preferred destination for high-profile business meetings, corporate retreats, and strategic discussions that require discretion.
“The exclusivity of Desroches allows organisations to focus, connect, and create in an environment that is both inspiring and serene,” Widodo affirmed.
As night falls, the island transforms. The runway – typically a functional space becomes an astronomical platform. Professional stargazing sessions offer guests a chance to explore the celestial landscape with expert guidance. Stars sprawl across the sky endlessly amplified by the absence of light pollution. It is common to spot the sights of Venus, Jupiter or Saturn.
In fact, the skies are so clear that satellites are visible to the naked eye – it is not unusual to catch a glimpse of Elon Musk’s Starlink and many more – distinct from stars due to the nature of the satellite’s movement.
Among the serenity of nature, behind the scenes, the resort operates with military-like precision. The IDC’s involvement ensures that every aspect of the island’s management is strategic and controlled. From plane operations to property maintenance.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
On the other hand, the Four Seasons Seychelles, located in Mahe – the country’s main island spans a whopping 14km and is located at a 40-minute drive from the main international airport.
After passing through the secure entryway, guests are driven along a scenic route through the granite mountains, with ocean views on one side. The reception is just a few minutes away, and the resort is said to be situated on one of Seychelles’ “most beautiful beaches.”
Boasting endless ocean views, the resort offers a variety of villas, from single-room to five-bedroom options. Each villa features an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a plunge bathtub, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
With ultra-luxury residences on offer, the Four Seasons Seychelles currently has several ultra-wealthy individuals and celebrities who have invested in vacation homes on the property. Their identities remain confidential.
Abbi explained that it’s common for investors to purchase the four or five-bedroom villas and renovate them to suit their needs. Without disclosing specifics, he shared that one investor bought a five-bedroom villa and has since expanded it over the years into a 29-bedroom mansion.
“Four Seasons Resort Seychelles presents an exceptional investment opportunity for those seeking villa ownership in one of the world’s most exclusive destinations. With freehold land ownership, a rarity in the Seychelles, investors gain not only a luxurious private retreat but also a solid asset with long-term value,” he said.
“Currently, only six villas remain available for purchase, making this a rare chance to join an exclusive community while benefiting from the prestige and expertise of Four Seasons,” Abbi revealed.
The resort offers a variety of F&B options, including Asian Izakaya at ZEZ, Mediterranean and Creole cuisine at Kannel, Japanese dining at Koi, and ZEZ bar.
Setting the new standard for luxury travel
Seychelles’ location being between Asia, the Middle East and Africa plays a key role in attracting travellers from key global hubs including Dubai, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
“The Middle East market, particularly Dubai, has emerged as a key driver of demand for luxury experiences in Seychelles, with Four Seasons Resort Seychelles being a top choice for discerning travellers. High-net-worth clients from the region frequently visit not only for leisure but also for meetings, business retreats, and exclusive events,” Abbi said.
Guests and residents have access to the Le Syel spa, located at the highest point of the resort boasting the best views amid the serene natural beauty.
The ultra-luxury properties aim to attract not only vacationers seeking a getaway but also potential investors by offering rare freehold ownership opportunities in Seychelles. The Four Seasons highlights these properties as “a solid asset with long-term value,” complemented by natural beauty, personalised service, and luxury amenities that the resorts provide.
“Four Seasons Resort Seychelles & Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island continue have continually evolved its luxury offerings to meet the growing demand for exceptional experiences,” a spokesperson said.
The resorts are setting the “standard for luxury travel.”
Looking ahead, the resorts aim to continue efforts to amplify demand from the Middle East. “For high-net-worth clients from Dubai and beyond, Seychelles offers an unmatched blend of accessibility, exclusivity, and prestige,” Abbi and Widodo concluded.
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