Emirates Executive Private Jet Safari
Sand, Sea, City & Safari
May 13 - 30, 2025
Welcome to your journey
A land of epic contrasts and staggeringly beautiful scenery awaits
Africa, my home, has all gifts. This epic itinerary - Sand, Sea, City & Safari, will take you on a transformational journey of contrasts, showcasing the staggering topographic diversity of Africa’s landscapes, from the sand to the sea. Just ten guests, from the unbridled comfort of the ultimate magic carpet, the Emirates Executive Private Jet.
Every element of this trip is extraordinary, starting with our take-off. The Emirates Executive Private Jet has been customized for your comfort with 10 private suites replete with flat beds and fine linens, a spacious lounge, and a luxury shower spa. Share stories with fellow guests and new friends in the lounge. Enjoy fine dining and the very best wines as we soar. There’s no better experience than flying beyond first class aboard this unparalleled private jet.
Deborah Calmeyer - CEO and founder
Itinerary Overview
1 Night in Dubai
Dubai
The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates, is a country in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing maritime borders with Qatar to the west and Iran to the north. Dubai is a vibrant city in the UAE known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene.
Bvlgari Resort Dubai
A shimmering jewel set on a seahorse-shaped island in Jumeira Bay, Bvlgari Resort Dubai brings Mediterranean style to the Middle East. Surrounded by ocean views and home to the first Bvlgari Yacht Club & Marina, its nautical spirit inspires the Resort’s design, making it an oasis of luxury minutes from the mainland.
Day 1
- Dubai, Bvlgari Resort Dubai
Transit
3 Nights in Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei
Located within the Namib-Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei is the largest conservation area in Africa. It is home to the southern part of the Skeleton Coast, as well as the highest dunes in the world, which sit at 325m / 1000 ft. Experience the fascinating desert-adapted fauna and flora and spellbinding sunrises and sunsets (from the ground or from a hot air balloon). Visitors are also invited to try dune boarding, which is not for the faint-hearted.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Nestled deep in the heart of Namibia’s ancient Namib Desert, Sossuvlei Desert Lodge is named after the great Sossusvlei sand dunes that surround it, that with their distinctive pinky red color and sharp edges, are thought to resemble pyramids. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is an ultra-luxurious, secluded oasis in an otherwise dry, ancient and starkly beautiful landscape. Here just 10 luxurious suites are equipped with every luxury necessary in the desert, including outdoor showers and skylights over every bed for late night star gazing. Perfect for honeymooners, photographers or for those seeking solitude, activities include a sophisticated observatory where together with the resident astronomer, you can discover the wonders of the night sky. Alternatively, there are early morning hot air balloon trips and scenic flights that will give you some sense of what 36 000 hectares looks like from above. But the main attraction here are the dunes. A few standouts to watch out for include the Big Daddy that measures almost 1066 ft and number 45, a 558 ft high star dune that is said to be composed of 5-million- year-old sand.
Day 2
- Sossusvlei, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Scenic Drive
Be mesmerized by the magnificence of the desert and the way the light illuminates the dunes on morning or late afternoon desert drives that continue after nightfall. Explore four different habitat types and ecosystems. Learn about fairy circles and how deserts are formed and function, and how animals have adapted to this desolate environment. Traverse rocky mountains, dunes, vast sand and gravel plains, tapping into the fascinating and ancient formations that shape this landscape. This experience allows you to traverse the desert and truly appreciate the vast expanse. As the sun sets over the horizon, toast to a wonderful day spent in the desert with a well-deserved sundowner, and drink in the sight of towering red dunes, infinite space and sublime stillness.
Day 3
- Sossusvlei, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Scenic Coastal Flight over Namibia
Experience this 1.5hr helicopter flight, a perfect blend of adventure and discovery. Soar above the rugged mountain range and marvel at the famous red dunes, including the mesmerizing star dunes, Devil’s Fork, Big Daddy, and captivating Deadvlei. Venture west to witness the convergence of endless sand dunes and crashing waves. Glimpse an enormous seal colony and the mysterious Eduard Bohlen shipwreck along the stunning coastline. Return to relish the magnificent vistas of the red dunes. Conclude this extraordinary journey with a mountaintop celebration, indulging in a sundowner and delicious snacks. Immerse yourself in Namibia’s remarkable landscapes, creating cherished memories like no other, offering an exclusive perspective of Namibia’s remarkable beauty.
Sossusvlei Guided Nature Walks
The guided nature walk starts at sunrise, departing from the Lodge and takes place on and around the spectacular Elim Dune Belt. The knowledgeable guides focus on the small things often overlooked – nocturnal animal tracks, plant species and smaller wildlife.
Visit to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei
World-famous Sossusvlei is the name of an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous sand dunes that flush red in the early morning sun – as well as the name of the area in general. Close to the Sossusvlei pan is Dead Vlei, another pan where water once flowed, but now all that remains are the skeletons of trees reaching up out of the cracked earth.
Day 4
- Sossusvlei, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Hot Air Balloon Adventure over Sossusvlei
Experience Namibia’s towering dunes and desert landscapes from a hot air balloon. This thrilling adventure takes you across the beautiful Sossusvlei area on a gentle, yet exciting ride, beginning at sunrise so you are able to view the spectacular dawn breaking over the dunes. This is one of the best ways to experience Sossusvlei’s stunning views.
Sossusvlei Guided E-biking Excursions
Take in the sweeping scenery riding electric powered bikes. Set out for a day of adventure and explore the natural wonders of Namibia and the Sossusvlei landscape with your guide. Bikes are subject to availability.
Sossusvlei Wildlife
Conservation of wildlife is a high priority in Namibia. The protection of animals was already regulated in 1907 with the founding of the first national parks. The dry and barren environment of Sossusvlei seems entirely inhospitable and yet there is an amazing diversity of species there. From the Atlantic Ocean the Benguela Current brings cool mist into the area so that sufficient moisture is present. Nevertheless, the temperature may rise directly on the floor up to 70 degrees Celsius, so it may not be amiss to animals when they bury themselves into the cool sand. Comprising of mostly small animals that can survive with little water, including a number of arthropods, small reptiles and small mammalians such as rodents or jackals; bigger animals include antelope (mainly oryx and springbok) and ostriches. During the flood season, several migrant bird species appear along the marshes and rivers. Much of the Sossusvlei and Namib fauna is endemic and highly adapted to the specific features of the Namib. Most notably, fog beetles such as the Namib Desert Beetle have developed a technique for collecting water from early morning fogs through the bumps in their back.
Transit
4 Nights in Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is a port city on South Africa's southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain. Affectionately known as The Mother City, it was established in 1652 as a refueling station for ships bound for the East (the Spice Route), and became the first city in South Africa. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful metropolises in the world. Nestled against the iconic Table Mountain and surrounded by beautiful beaches and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town offers visitors a host of outdoor adventures and leisure activities. With a number of luxury hotels around the peninsula, it also makes for the perfect base from which to embark on tours of southern South Africa - either inland or along the south and west coasts.
The Silo
Unique architecture and a spectacular setting are the hallmarks of this leading-edge hotel, housed in the historic grain elevator of the silo in the V&A Waterfront. Multi-faceted windows billow outwards, affording each room exceptional views of the city, Table Mountain, the harbor or the ocean. Twenty-eight rooms and a one-bedroom penthouse are decorated in daring combinations of contemporary color and eclecticism. The Silo Spa, gym and sauna offer guests some quiet downtime, while The Willaston Bar, Granary Café and Silo Rooftop take things up a notch with wonderful food and breathtaking views.
Day 5
- Cape Town, The Silo
Private Tour of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
A private curator-led tour of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa offers fascinating insight of how Thomas Heatherwick and his studio transformed the iconic silo building into a contemporary landmark, meet the museum’s Atelier artist in residence, experience world-class exhibitions of international contemporary artists curated from the lens of and about Africa.
Day 6
- Cape Town, The Silo
Cape Town City Food Walking Tour
This walkable tour explores Cape Town's dynamic gastronomy from all sides. Led by a local ROAR AFRICA guide, you'll lift the lid on the many tastes, cultures, and cuisines – from the best coffee in the world to fragrant Cape Malay cuisine - that define the Cape Town of today. And you'll meet the people behind every delicious plate, listening to their stories and learning their tightly-held recipes.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
A Capetonian favorite, Oranjezicht Market is one of the most beautiful, elevated farmers' markets in South Africa, if not the world. To wander around the food, flower, craft, and ceramic stalls surrounded by convivial locals enjoying the panoply of tastes available is a true immersion into the life and culture of this vibrant city. After a browse, tucking into everything from oysters and champagne to great coffee and fresh bagels with the ocean as your backdrop highlights the simple pleasures of daily life in this sunny playground. All tastes are catered for including vegan, banting, gluten-free, sugar-free and other dietary preferences.
Bo-Kaap
Spend part of your day wandering through the magnificent streets of the Bo-Kaap, one of the oldest urban residential areas in Cape Town. This section of land, nestled below Signal Hill, was formerly known as the Malay Quarter, still home to a vast population of Cape Malay residents. Their ancestors were brought to the Cape of Good Hope by the Dutch as slaves, in the 16th and 17th centuries, and their homes have been passed down through generations. Stroll the historic cobbled streets between the brightly colored houses and meet the friendly people who often sit outside on their stoeps (verandas). If you're lucky, you may even be invited inside for tea!
Explore Table Mountain
Table Mountain is 3,563 feet above sea level at its highest point, and is one of the oldest mountains in the world. It is six times older than the Himalayan Mountains and five times older than the Rocky Mountains. The original cable way opened in 1929 and has seen over 21 million people take the cable-car ride to the mountain's top. The ride provides 360-degree views of Table Bay, Robben Island, Signal Hill and the City Bowl, which can be seen from the cable-car's revolving floor. At the end of the cable-car journey, you can explore two miles of trails and enjoy unrivaled panoramic views in every direction.
Day 7
- Cape Town, The Silo
Private tour of Robben Island with Christo Brand - Mandela’s former prison guard
To provide an accurate idea of where South Africa is today, one needs to understand it's history. When the Dutch settled in the Cape in the mid-1600s, Robben Island was utilized as a hospital. Later, it became a training and defense station during World War II. However, it is best known as the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Today, it is a World Heritage Site as well as a museum and serves as a poignant reminder of South Africa's fight for freedom and democracy. Regular tours are led by former inmates, who offer you first-hand perspectives of life in prison during Apartheid. ROAR AFRICA’s guide for this very special tour is Christo Brand – Mandela’s former prison guard who first came to the island in 1978 as a pro-apartheid, 18-year-old white prison guard. Christo’s experiences with the dignified 60-year-old Mandela compelled him to change his views about not just the man, but racial oppression and his country too. 'He was down-to-earth and courteous. He treated me with respect and so my respect for him grew. After a while, even though he was a prisoner, a friendship grew,' said Brand, of the relationship that transformed his life. Brand came to do 'favors' for Mandela, such as smuggling him the bread and the hair pomade that he liked to use, and bringing him messages from friends and family. He once went so far as to break the rules and allow Mandela to hold his infant grandson.
Our tour will include a visit to the limestone quarry, where the prisoners worked, as well as the cell where Nelson Mandela spent 17 years of his 27-year prison sentence. Today, the museum is a dynamic institution that runs educational programs for youths and adults, whilst facilitating tourism development and conducting ongoing research related to the island. It is also a focal point of South African history and heritage.
Day 8
- Cape Town, The Silo
Cape Peninsula Tour via Helicopter
Witness breathtaking views of the Cape Peninsula from a spectacular vantage point, by helicopter. This unrivaled aerial adventure provides sights over the Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Point, False Bay, and the Southern Suburbs, before returning to your starting point at the V&A Waterfront.
Kirstenbosch Gardens
The beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens, recently voted as one of the top five gardens to visit in the world, were established in 1913, to conserve and display the extraordinarily rich and diverse flora and fauna of Southern Africa. In 2004, the Cape Floristic Region, including Kirstenbosch, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, the 36-hectare nature reserve supports fynbos (shrub and heathland), forest and a variety of animals. It was the first national garden in the world devoted to a country's indigenous plants and homes many collections, including cycads, proteas, ericas, pelargoniums and succulents.
Transit
Helicopter Excursion to La Residence
Experience an exhilarating, stunningly scenic helicopter flight to La Residence. Take off from Cape Town harbor and savor the phenomenal views and dynamic landscape of the Mother City and Atlantic Seaboard as you fly toward the emerald beauty of the Cape Winelands. Spend some time circling the farms and vineyards of Franschhoek before landing at La Residence: a world-class destination for wine and sophisticated dining, all while being surrounded by sloping vineyards and dramatic mountains.
2 Nights in Winelands
Winelands
The Cape Winelands is an exquisite area of dramatic mountains and fertile valleys, dotted with vineyards, orchards and classic Cape Dutch houses. The region provides visitors with a delightful combination of beautiful scenery, renowned vineyards and small historic towns. There are hundreds of wine estates to visit, each one offering the opportunity to sample unique varietals and blends, in a picture-perfect setting.
La Residence
Nestled above the rolling emerald hills of the Cape Winelands, La Residence exudes unadulterated luxury...with plenty of personality. This private 30-acre Cape Dutch estate sits on the edge of a private dam, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and fruit trees. While the Tuscan-style interiors exude comfort, the panoramic views of the mountains – and an especially gorgeous swimming pool – lure you outside. La Residence is an extraordinarily thoughtful property with a heavy focus on the finer details, delivering the goods with that inimitable South African warmth, fabulous cuisine and an extraordinary wine list.
Day 9
- Winelands, La Residence
Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
Over ten years in the making, the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden is a spectacular living gallery. The expansive vistas, scents and the sounds of nature, with tranquil groves, hidden paths and lush indigenous vegetation are incredibly beautiful. This project began serendipitously in 2009 when Lewis hired an excavator on a whim and began shaping the contours of what would become the seventeen-acre sculpture garden. Today, the artist continues to explore themes integral to his work in this serene landscape on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain looking out over vineyards towards the ocean. Here, the notion of the untamed wilderness within the human psyche is expressed both in the sculptures and their positioning in the landscape. This is a place where the artist has explored the notion of ‘wilderness’ through sculpture and landscape design with more than 60 sculptures that chart the trajectory of the artists career along just under 3 miles of path that takes you through these spectacular gardens.
Rust en Vrede Wine Estate
For 321 years Rust en Vrede has stood peacefully among the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Through centuries there were periods when wine was produced, but since 1977 the family has specialized in producing only red wine with the focus on Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot. The official date on the Title Deed of Rust en Vrede is March 12th, 1694. The property was granted by the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. The Cape Dutch buildings on the property date back to 1780, and today, they all have National Monument status. They are living history, used on a daily basis – proprieter Jean Engelbregt still lives in the Manor house where he grew up, and the original winery is now the Rust en Vrede Restaurant.
Day 10
- Winelands, La Residence
Joseph Dhafana, Top Sommelier
Joseph Dhafana is an acclaimed winemaker, world-class sommelier and a close personal friend of the ROAR AFRICA team with a remarkable life story. Born in a rural Zimbabwean village he fled the country as a refugee in 2009, arriving in South Africa stowed in a crate. Joseph moved to the Cape from Johannesburg and worked tirelessly toward a meteoric rise from gardener to barman and eventually becoming the top sommelier in South Africa with his own wine, Mosi, served in the country's best restaurants and wine bars. A living embodiment of the grit, determination, humility, and good humor Zimbabweans are renowned for, Joseph regularly competes against the world's best at France's World Wine Blind Tasting Championships with an all-Zimbabwean team. To taste, talk and breathe in terroir with a sommelier as storied and successful as Joseph Dhafana is an extraordinarily special and rare opportunity unique to ROAR guests. Watching new relationships form between old and new friends is a joy and a privilege, one that makes our life-changing Journeys across Africa entirely one of a kind and deeply personal.
Oldenburg Vineyards
Oldenburg Vineyards is situated in an elevated position in the Banghoek Valley, above the town of Stellenbosch. The major geographical features that create our unique climate are known as The 8 Elements. The farm is surrounded by an imposing mountain amphitheater and the vineyards arranged like puzzle pieces around Rondekop, the iconic round hill which influences the vineyards planted on and around it, creating the extraordinary terroir. The Tasting Room at Oldenburg Vineyards provides the nexus between the natural beauty of the mountain amphitheatre, the vineyards on Rondekop and the wine in the glass in front of you. The whole experience is about bringing what is happening in the vineyards back into your glass. They believe that when they tell people about the wine, it is the stories that bring it to life.
Fynbos Masterclass - An Ancient Flavour Trail
The Cape Town Fynbos Experience Masterclass is a guided tasting of South Africa's novel culinary identity from the greatest garden on earth, a sensory connection to modern human origins. Fynbos originated 3 to 5 million years ago and the setting for this unforgettable connection to terroir is a private haven for critically endangered Swartland Renosterveld in the Cape Winelands. The Masterclass includes a guided laboratory style tasting of 11 aromatic Fynbos botanicals in a variety of infusions, a mixology tapas-style lunch and a scenic Fynbos stroll.
Transit
3 Nights in Sabi Sand
Sabi Sand
An astonishingly beautiful private reserve that sits on the border of the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand offers a variety of exclusive retreats specifically geared towards the most discerning of travelers. Breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife encounters are sure to astound. The Sabi Sand Reserve itself consists of a number of smaller private reserves. It is the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in South Africa and, as such, has an impressive conservation track record. It is also the oldest of South Africa's private reserves and has only ever been a wilderness area. A rich mix of diverse game, true exclusivity and a good serving of bush luxury await.
Singita Ebony Lodge
As the original Singita lodge, Ebony’s position in the heart of South Africa’s ‘big cat country’ makes for a unique wilderness experience. Situated in Sabi Sands Reserve, a group of private concessions adjacent to Kruger National Park in the lowveld of Mpumalanga, daily drives here never fail to deliver sightings of everything from leopard, lion, rhino, buffalo and elephant, to cheetah, wild dogs and many types of bird. Situated as it is on the banks of the Sand River, Ebony Lodge takes safari design to new levels with a fresh contemporary take on the bush aesthetic. Here interiors are contemporary yet historic with antiques, original artefacts, period chests, authentic hunting memorabilia and original family heirlooms from owner, Luke Bailes’ grandfather, who first bought the concession in 1925. Each of the luxurious twelve suites is immersed in nature, with external walls replaced by canvas and glass to maximize the views. Private pools and outdoor pavilion decks are suspended off the riverbank as if they are hanging off the trees. Activities include everything from mountain biking to archery, guided safari walks, spa treatments and the use of an outdoor gym. A stargazing safari beneath the vast African sky is another must-do.
Day 11
- Sabi Sand, Singita Ebony Lodge
Singita Ebony Game Drives
Enjoy the exploration adventures on a tailormade game drive with your personal Field Guide. With unfiltered time in wide-open spaces, you are bound to be enchanted by encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Ebony Lodge has access to 45,000 acres within the breathtaking wildlife sanctuary that’s renowned for its high concentrations of big game and frequent leopard sightings.
Day 12
- Sabi Sand, Singita Ebony Lodge
AMANU Sustainable Sandals
In a world that ceaselessly races towards an uncertain tomorrow, we chose to halt, to celebrate the sacred art of creation in the wild. AMANU, isn't solely about crafting sandals; it's about sculpting stories that etch themselves into the tapestry of your heart. The narrative commences with a humble yet profound belief: You create. We Make. You love. Every pair is a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship and the enduring beauty of human connection. ROAR AFRICA and AMANU invite you to join us in this journey at Singita — a journey of choice, simplicity, and conscious consumption. Have a pair of sandals crafted to your feet in 30 minutes while sharing stories with the ladies who make them and then stepping into a world where every pair of sandals is a chapter in the story of your life and brings backs memories of these precious moments in the wild.
Singita Ebony Guided Bush Walks
Walking safaris are an incredible way to experience the bush up close and personal. Your expert guide and tracker will accompany you as you track animals on foot through the wilderness and explore the magnificent plants and landscapes around you.
Birding at Singita
The Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands has a list of over 500 bird species, some of which are not to be found elsewhere in South Africa. Hornbills, Starlings, Vultures, Rollers, Bee-eaters and Shrikes typify the ubiquitous avi-fauna and birders can look forward to pursuing the big 6 (Saddle-billed Stork, Kori Bustard, Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, Pel's Fishing-Owl and Ground Hornbill). This area of South Africa is exceptionally rewarding for birders.
Singita Sabi Sand Sunset Cocktails
As you wind up your day, your game drive will be spiced by an evening of pure relaxation of body & mind right in middle of the African bush. Your ranger will decide on the perfect spot for you to enjoy a refreshing sun-downer, allowing you to stretch your legs while experiencing the one of the most exquisite sunsets you will ever see.
Day 13
- Sabi Sand, Singita Ebony Lodge
Singita Sabi Sands K9 Unit
Rhino poaching has become one of the most pressing conservation issues of the century, and in 2012 Singita took the bold step of employing a highly-skilled team of dog-handlers to ramp up anti-poaching patrols on Singita’s 45 000 acre concession within the Reserve. Patrols are conducted 24 hours per day throughout the year, come rain or shine. Visit the canine unit based in the Sabi Sand and meet with one of the senior dog handlers. Go behind-the-scenes at the base camp and see the workings of this dedicated and specialised unit. The dogs are highly trained and able to perform multiple functions, from pursuing intruders to sniffing out rhino horn and ammunition from vehicles and bags. Watch the dogs use their skills to track through the bush as part of routine exercises in the Sabi Sand.
Sabi Sand Wildlife
Renowned for Big Five game viewing, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve lies adjacent to the south-west corner of The Kruger National Park, with which it shares a 50-kilometer boundary. There are no fences between the two reserves, allowing game to move freely between the areas and, as a result, the reserve offers some of the most exceptional wildlife in southern Africa. Two rivers cross Sabi Sand: The Sabi River on its boundary in the south and the Sand River that flows from northwest to southeast. This has resulted in an abundance of leopard, lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, hyena and a wide variety of antelope and other species.
Sabi Sand Stargazing
Sabi Sands' prime location, well away from city lights, means boundless stargazing opportunities, regardless of the season. Most winter nights are cloudless and thousands of stars are visible to the naked eye. Trained rangers provide enlightening and entertaining commentary about the southern hemisphere constellations, most notably the magnificent Southern Cross (or Crux to use the formal term). Too far south to be viewed by latitudes north of 25°, this constellation was for centuries a sailor’s navigational best friend once they crossed the Equator. Together with the Pointers, comprising Alpha and Beta Centauri, it can still be very effectively used to find south, even whilst out on safari. Also visible however is the False Cross which lies 25° west-northwest of the Southern Cross. Regrettably it proved the nemesis of many a captain trying to steer his ship around the Cape of Good Hope. Mistaking it for the Southern Cross they would think they were further south than they were and, turning their ships to round the Cape, ran aground. Numerous shipwrecks along the Cape coast are testament to its deceptiveness.
Transit
4 Nights in Seychelles - Mahé Island
Seychelles - Mahé Island
Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, in the Indian Ocean off East Africa. Its terrain is defined by white-sand beaches like those in the popular resort area of Beau Vallon, and granite peaks including the rain forest Morne Seychellois. The island is also home to Victoria, Seychelles' capital, known for Creole architecture and a colorful covered market with wares like fish, fruit and clothing.
Four Seasons, Seychelles
It's hardly surprising this extraordinary property is coined one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, given the spectacular setting of the resort's 67 private villas and 27 residences. Set on a steep, forested hillside, the resort's vernacular villas feel like extravagant, ultra-expansive treehouses with sweeping views of Petite Anse's horseshoe-shaped bay, giving visitors the most private beach experience on Mahé Island. In addition, every villa is also set within more than a 170-acres of lush terrain for the ultimate tropical hideaway. The 62 single-bedroom villas and five two- and three-bedroom suites are set across several scenic locations. Lower-level garden-view villas are closer to the main pool, the beach, and the informal Kannel restaurant. The hilltop, ocean-view villas are prime honeymoon hideaways with outdoor showers, treetop sun-lounging decks, and infinity pools. Facilities include restaurants and two bars, a hilltop spa with five private massage pavilions, an on-site yoga master, a techno gym, and an excellent water sports center that offers diving, snorkeling, marine conservation initiatives, sailing, and kayaking.
Day 14
- Seychelles - Mahé Island, Four Seasons, Seychelles
Open Air Spa at Four Seasons Seychelles
Spread over five separate pavilions, each one of the private, open-air spa suites features incredible hilltop views of Petite Anse. The spa offers the most incredible signature treatments, such as the Kundalini Devi, a ritual chakra purification journey which leaves you deeply balanced and brings heightened awareness, enhanced joy and inner peace. You are also invited to practise yoga with one of the resorts resident yogis.
Day 15
- Seychelles - Mahé Island, Four Seasons, Seychelles
Snorkelling at Four Seasons
Discover the wild world of the Seychelle's coral reef as you set off for a guided snorkel tour. Spend the day exploring the warm waters and vibrant marine life.
Scuba Diving in the Seychelles
One of the most alluring characteristics of the Seychelles is the clear turquoise water of the Indian Ocean, which surrounds the islands. The stunning topography of expansive reefs, walls, pinnacles, drop offs, wrecks and canyons make for one of the world’s most diverse marine environments, teeming with fish and coral life. During the months of March, April and May as well as September, October and November, visibility can reach a staggering 30 yards, with water temperatures reaching 84F. This makes for an extremely pleasant and relaxed diving experience. Around the inner reefs, you can expect to see angelfish, butterflyfish, octopus, lionfish, nudibranchs and mantis shrimp. Slightly further out, napoleon and humphead wrasses, schools of humphead parrotfish, stingrays, reef sharks and green and hawksbill turtles are common. Sailfish, silvertip, oceanic whitetip and nurse sharks, manta rays and whale sharks are more common around the outlying islands – you may even be able to spot the occasional hammerhead shark if you're lucky (or brave!).
Day 16
- Seychelles - Mahé Island, Four Seasons, Seychelles
Four Seasons Mahé Creole Culinary Class
Immerse yourself in local flavors during an authentic Creole culinary class held in a secluded Foumba – the beautifully preserved ruins of a traditional Creole house nestled into the lush tropical greenery that covers the spectacular grounds of the property. Curated to be a singular and special experience, together, we’ll peel back the stories and complex tastes of the Seychelles’ most delicious dishes, guided by a local expert chef. This lively, interactive class ends with enjoying the fruits of your labor – a delicious lunch on the pristine shores of Petite Anse Beach.
Day 17
- Seychelles - Mahé Island, Four Seasons, Seychelles
Nature Walk at Four Seasons Seychelles
Just off property is an intense hike that leads to the top of large, granite mountains. Plan on 15 minutes of intense hiking, followed by a bit of walking along the ridges, finishing with amazing views of Petite Anse Bay, where you'll hear the waves crashing in the distance and feel the cool breeze from being on top of the world. An amazing spot for pictures!
Four Seasons Mahé Private Dining
Few settings in the world match this spectacular sunset supper, prepared by the best chefs in the Seychelles and served to a gentle sounds of lapping waves and soft breezes. Our final dinner enjoyed together is a fitting farewell to this trip of a lifetime and an opportunity to share stories, laughter and memories on the pearly white sands of this desert island of dreams.