Alphonse Island, The Seychelles
Alphonse Island Lodge
Located in one of the Seychelles’ most remote atolls
Set amidst the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Alphonse Island lies in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Together with the neighbouring islands, St François and Bijoutier, they form the Alphonse Group, reachable by a one-hour flight from Mahé Island.
Alphonse itself is a secluded sand cay fringed by intricate coral formations, where ecosystems thrive above and below. Beneath the surface, silver bonefish and giant trevally are abundant in shallow flats, making it an ideal destination for catch-and-release fly fishing. In deeper waters, black marlin and yellowfin tuna offer anglers a thrilling challenge. You can also see spinner and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat on boat safaris. Diving in, you can swim alongside giant manta rays or snorkel with sailfish, thought to be the fastest fish in the world.
Ashore, green and hawksbill turtles nest in powder-white sands. You can join experts to monitor their activity and witness juvenile turtles gliding between Alphonse’s inner reef flats. Bird enthusiasts can instead search for some 200 bird species, including mighty frigatebirds and red-footed boobies. Exploring Bijoutier’s forests on a guided day trip, you can observe the nesting habitats of wedge-tailed shearwaters and their chicks.
Along Alphonse’s shoreline, each villa, bungalow and retreat is embedded into the environment. Palm trees and tropical foliage form natural cocoons around them, offering both privacy and an intimate connection to nature. Step inside, and you’ll notice your surroundings echoed in every detail. Smooth wood and delicately woven rattan shape the décor, while thatched roofs shade private outdoor spaces. Villas and retreats open out to shimmering swimming pools, all with a view of the sea.
On your arrival, you’ll find bicycles waiting for exploration. Pedal past Aldabra giant tortoises wandering the island freely, following trails through coconut groves that guide you to the beach bar and restaurant. Here, organic produce grown on the island’s farm is at the heart of its gastronomy, which masters a fusion of global and local flavours.
Highlights
Reach Alphonse Island in one hour by plane from Mahé
Go fly fishing for bonefish, giant trevally and yellowfin tuna
Search for spinner and bottlenose dolphins on private boat safaris
Snorkel with manta rays or sailfish
Monitor green and hawksbill turtles alongside experts
Observe more than 200 bird species, including frigatebirds and red-footed boobies
Marvel at the sight of the Indian Ocean from your beach villa’s private pool
Learn about the restaurant’s farm-to-table philosophy with a tour of Alphonse’s farm
The impact of your stay:
- On your arrival at the lodge, you’ll be equipped with a bicycle and map of walking, jogging and cycling trails – an invitation to slow down and explore the island at your own pace.
- A portion of your stay funds various conservation projects through the Alphonse Foundation, which supports initiatives in partnership with the Island Conservation Society to protect the island’s biodiversity. Join marine biologists to monitor sea turtles, assist with beach clean-ups, learn about the protection of coral reefs and contribute to the ongoing research of marine species. You can also join guided experiences to observe thriving seabird colonies and learn how their habitats are being restored.
- Every detail of the lodge is designed to protect its pristine surroundings. Powered by 2,200 solar panels that provide up to 81% of its energy, the property saves around 270,000 litres of diesel each year. Electric vehicles, turtle-friendly lighting and protected coastal vegetation all help ensure that turtle hatchlings emerging from the sand in front of your villa find their way safely to the sea.
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