2026 Platte Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

We spent a week here for our honeymoon, and the resort managed to feel tranquil without ever becoming dull. There was always something to enjoy, from snorkeling and tennis to the gym and daily activities. The island itself is stunning: giant tortoises wander freely, hermit crabs dot the beaches, and the vast ocean views are unforgettable. The hotel’s snorkeling excursion exceeded our expectations. We were taken to a stunning coral reef teeming with colorful fish. Viktorria, our personal concierge, thoughtfully arranged a lesson with DOMIK, who was patient, supportive, and helped my wife feel at ease in the water. Viktorria also took great care of us throughout our stay, handling our transfers and keeping us informed daily about activities and dining options. The entire team was warm and attentive the whole time. Breakfast was plentiful and varied, featuring different selections each day. The hotel made our honeymoon feel special with thoughtful details like evening desserts, a special breakfast cheesecake, and a flower-petal bath.

Our stay at Waldorf Astoria Platte Island was truly exceptional. The island is breathtakingly beautiful, lush, and untouched, offering a genuine sense of secluded paradise. The experience was made unforgettable by the extraordinary staff. The breakfast team quickly learned our names and favorite drinks, creating a personal and welcoming atmosphere each morning. Our concierge, Soukina, was remarkable—always attentive and showed great care when my husband had a minor injury, while ensuring our children were well looked after the entire time. Special gratitude goes to Dylan at La Perle for his excellent service, Sylvie at the Kids Club for keeping our daughter engaged, personalized loaner bikes with our names, the entertainment team for hosting pickup soccer games with our son, and Liz at the dive center for an outstanding introductory lesson. Additionally, the food was fresh, delicious, and much of it came from crops grown directly on the island. Every need we expressed was met with warmth and professionalism. While the property is undeniably luxurious with premium pricing, it is absolutely worth it. We’re already looking forward to our next visit. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I recently enjoyed six incredible days on Platte Island. The Waldorf Astoria Platte Island team is full of superstars, and I genuinely cherished meeting so many of you. You all contributed to making this one of my favorite vacations ever. It was a unique trip with no set agenda—just pure relaxation and indulgence. As a foodie, I was blown away by the culinary team across all three dining experiences. Each menu was diverse and vibrant, making it impossible to pick a favorite. Sommelier Manoj suggested impeccable wine pairings and shared insights into the incredible training and testing required to earn his title. Thank you for answering my endless questions and letting me sample so many wines—Sangiovese remains my favorite! Chef Amber, you and your team are magical. The unforgettable flavors you created and the special care you put into each dish truly touched me. Nancy, Angie, Dylan, Vincent, and Anjolie—thank you for making me feel so welcome and cared for. I’ll never forget the warmth you showed me. "Mama Moulin," your advice on dishes to try and exciting future travel plans to Indonesia were invaluable. The onion-burrata tarte and tortellini dumplings were definitely highlights for me. The garden setting at Moulin, surrounded by the produce that ends up on the plate, was divine. The Chef at Moulin worked with such focus and precision, ensuring every meal was perfection. Maison d’Espices had a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Stawniel’s Sega and Salsa cocktail is a must-try—he’s an absolute pro and a joy to chat with. Geno prepared the finest tableside guacamole I’ve ever had, and his bright smile could light up Times Square. Naomi and Moira worked tirelessly in the open kitchen, and Jill and Samuel provided wonderful guidance throughout the menu. Stick around for post-dinner festivities to learn some Salsa moves—it’s a joy you can’t miss! Dennis and N’deesh gave me some of the best coffee cocktails and conversations about their heritage, which I greatly appreciated. The Platte Island concierge team was the best I’ve encountered. Aya, your kind soul and attention to detail made my stay exceptional. Thank you for taking me to see the tortoises and for ensuring I made it to Mahe to photograph the stunning giant granite boulders. It turned out to be one of my favorite moments of the trip. Aya also connected me with the social media content creator, a true artist, who generously answered all of my questions and gave me a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process—an absolute treat! A big thank you to Fadawa, my “travel souvenir twin,” for sharing your love of collecting currencies and magnets. I’m thrilled to add my Seychelles coin, featuring the giant tortoise, to my collection. Sunset drinks at the cocktail bar were a highlight, thanks to Ben’s skillful creations, especially his lavender gimlet. Zaria was a fantastic hostess and captured wonderful photos. To all the buggy drivers, especially Viviane and John, thank you for your knowledge, warmth, and ensuring I got safely back to my villa each night. I’ll treasure the handcrafted memento John gifted me. Lastly, my endless gratitude goes to Karan, who responded to all my questions and requests with utmost patience and professionalism throughout the year-long planning process. Karan, your dedication is unparalleled. This is the most detailed review I’ve ever written, and it’s absolutely deserved. My experience on Platte Island was unforgettable, largely thanks to the wonderful individuals who made it so. To everyone who worked behind the scenes, I am deeply appreciative—even if I didn’t meet you personally. Thank you all! Apologies if I misspelled any names—I should have taken better care. 😊

Excellent location with spacious, clean, and brand-new villas. The restaurants and bars are wonderful, offering amazing views. Impeccable service throughout. There are plenty of activities available on the island. A family-friendly resort with a nice kids club.

What an enchanting experience! Everything about this hotel feels perfect. The staff are outstanding, always responding to requests with a smile and a solution—it was truly delightful to meet them: Dominic and Vivien made our stay so relaxing that moving in and out of the villa was effortless. The food and cocktails are amazing, with each menu crafted to make dining a sensational journey. Sebastian and his team prepare meals with meticulous care, leaving you excited for the next. Dylan effortlessly remembered our preferences at La Perle, making everything easier. Be sure to book the coffee or tea experience with Dennis and cocktail mixology with Ben—their expertise creates a sensory adventure. The kids loved the kids club; huge thanks to Sylvie for keeping them entertained, allowing us to unwind! Snorkeling both inside and outside the reef is a must-do, especially with private tours. The reef here is vibrant and absolutely worth exploring! Feeding the giant tortoises was another unforgettable highlight!

We stayed at Waldorf Astoria Platte Island, and it was honestly so beautiful. The villas offer so much privacy and direct beach access—it truly feels like your own little paradise 🌴. The staff were all super friendly and consistently worked hard to ensure everything was perfect for us. The food is expensive but genuinely excellent, particularly at Moulin Restaurant and Maison des Épices. The manager at Moulin was incredibly warm and made the entire experience even more enjoyable, and special thanks to Jil and her team at Maison des Épices 💛. The housekeeping team also deserves praise for their effort; on our last evening, they surprised us with a romantic bath, which was so thoughtful and sweet 🛁. Yes, it is expensive, but it’s honestly worth it. Even when our return flight got canceled, concierge Donia continued to assist us, even after our stay. This level of care meant so much, and it’s not something you encounter often—thank you again to her 🙏. Everything about our experience was great, and we would definitely return ✨.

Arriving in Mahe a day early, we decided to visit the Waldorf Lounge at the airport. It’s located before security, up the escalator, to the right of the check-in counters. Nearby is a larger lounge that operates ala carte with high—not outrageous—pricing. Though they had recently joined Priority Pass, their system transition meant we couldn’t use it. The smaller Waldorf Lounge was clean, cozy, and equipped with showers and amenities. Available refreshments included fruit, sandwiches, flavored potato chips, water, juices, and soft drinks. For alcohol, you’d need to go to the neighboring lounge. You can enjoy views of planes landing, and when it’s time, the helpful staff will escort you downstairs to check in. The process was smooth, followed by a brief 10-minute wait in the lobby before boarding. The lobby has a small shop selling clothing, souvenirs, drinks, and snacks. I purchased some mini wine bottles, enjoying one while waiting to head to dinner on the island—a perfect touch. Boarding passes came with unassigned seating; the first two rows lack windows, while the left side of the plane has the best views. Upon arrival at the island, our warm and welcoming concierge, Soukaina, took photos of us, offered refreshing homemade teas, and gave us a tour before escorting us to Villa 9. Her hospitality included a welcome cocktail and fruit platter waiting for us in our stunning villa. My 5-year-old son was also thoughtfully catered to, with a playful tent provided in the room. Sonu, our attentive housekeeper, ensured all details were handled, and her friendly conversation made our trip even special. It’s worth noting the mosquitos require quality bug spray, and the tropical sun makes sunscreen a must—despite living in a similar climate, we still got sunburns. Dining on the island is exceptional but pricey, with entrees costing $70–$100 USD plus $15 sides. The children's menu is $26 USD, and my son enjoyed fish filets and burgers with a side of his choice (e.g., mashed potatoes, rice, fries, or veggies). The three restaurants are La Pearle, MDE, and Moulin. While guests seemed to prefer Moulin, we favored MDE and La Pearle. La Pearle also serves lunch and poolside food, and we loved the tuna-topped pizza ordered on our last day—wish we’d tried it sooner! Sharing-sized pizza cost about $60 USD, whereas drinks were reasonably priced at $10–$18. Diamond members enjoy 2-for-1 happy hour deals at the Lalin Bar, where the mixologist crafted me an unforgettable tequila Paloma despite their extensive gin collection. Breakfast at La Pearle was a standout, with rotating international menus, a traditional section, and continental offerings. Servers Dylan, Angeli, and Sylvie treated us wonderfully—extra gratuities are highly recommended for their efforts. Immunity shots, prosecco, and chef greetings from Sebastian enriched each morning. Sebastian even gathered feedback about dishes and chatted with guests, who also praised his tennis skills. The resort can arrange partners for tennis or Padel matches. Pools were immaculate, free of bugs or debris, with staff offering cold water and surprise popsicles for kids. While I attended a scuba lesson, Gary, an activities director, kindly entertained my son and friends. The kids' club truly shone, providing a training-wheel bike for my son, air-conditioned facilities, and a range of games and crafts. Waldorf Astoria exceeded expectations in making a child-friendly environment, even gifting my son a stuffed turtle as a keepsake instead of the usual teddy bear. Other reviews mentioned sun hats and tote bags upon villa arrival, which we didn’t initially receive. When I inquired, the staff promptly explained that supply disruptions linked to Middle Eastern unrest had delayed deliveries. Nevertheless, they apologized with personalized water bottles, and by the fifth night, we received the promised items. While the sunset cruise for Diamond members is no longer offered due to yacht and staffing challenges, many other daily activities are available. Options include scuba diving, guided kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, yoga classes, and turtle feedings—all designed to make guests feel welcomed. A memorable moment during a rainy bike ride down the runway was when our concierge rushed to us with umbrellas. Spa facilities are excellent, with a pool featuring massage jets, Himalayan salt saunas, and steam rooms. Puja, a cheerful yoga instructor, added even more value to the spa experience. Team members like Uze also checked in daily to ensure everything was perfect. With about 200 staff living year-round on the island, service truly makes this place special. Pack snacks for late-night cravings or a sweet tooth, as choices are limited to villa dining or restaurant menus. Consider bringing mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and wine, as mini-bar restocking options are limited and villa fridges are drawer-style—stick to red wine for convenience. While this feels like a once-in-a-lifetime getaway, I’m already considering returning. Waldorf Astoria sets a high standard for hospitality, and the island headlined what felt like tailored perfection.

Our stay at Waldorf Astoria Seychelles was absolutely extraordinary—a true slice of paradise enhanced by impeccable service and memorable personal touches. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed as Diamond members and received exceptional care from our amazing personal host, Soukaina. Her thoughtfulness, genuine kindness, and expert coordination made every aspect of our stay effortless and special. During a bout of stomach flu, she provided soothing amenities to help us feel better. Beyond that, she anticipated our needs before we even expressed them and added heartfelt details that made us feel genuinely valued. Each morning began wonderfully at breakfast, where the team at Le Perle created the perfect start to our day. Heartfelt thanks to Anyali, Sylvie, and Dylan, who always greeted us with warm smiles and outstanding service. Their attentiveness and positive energy turned breakfast into one of the highlights of our stay—exceptional food paired with uplifting hospitality. The resort itself is stunning, with breathtaking views, luxurious villas, and a serene ambiance perfect for relaxation. However, what truly sets Waldorf Astoria Seychelles apart is its staff. The remarkable level of care and personalization we experienced made this visit much more than just a vacation—it became a cherished memory. We are already looking forward to returning.

Seychelles, a hidden paradise in the Indian Ocean, is also a more exclusive and visa-free direct flight island getaway. With the opening of Cheval Blanc earlier this year, Seychelles has once again become one of the most sought-after island vacation destinations. Here are six luxurious resorts in Seychelles worth staying at, where you can fully enjoy carefree island time along the beautiful 🌊 Indian Ocean coast. 1️⃣ Cheval Blanc Seychelles Cheval Blanc, under the LVMH group, will open in Seychelles in January 2025. It is located in the beautiful bay of Anse Intendance and is also designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the designer of Cheval Blanc Maldives. It features 52 standalone villas, including two- to five-bedroom options, perfect for private family vacations. 2️⃣ Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island Newly opened in 2024, located on a secluded private island south of Mahé Island, reachable by a 30-minute private flight from Mahé Airport; 50 beachfront villas with one- to five-bedroom options, offering privacy and luxury with a distinct Seychelles vacation vibe. 3️⃣ Six Senses Zil Pasyon Located on Félicité Island, about a 20-minute flight from Mahé Island. It has 33 villas, all equipped with private infinity pools and personal butler service, plus a seaside spa and a variety of experiential activities. 4️⃣ North Island Seychelles North Island, Seychelles, is a one-island-one-hotel concept. The entire island has only 11 villas, starting at 450 square meters, surrounded by greenery and facing the sea; the private island offers greater privacy and a more pristine natural environment, like a secluded sanctuary. It is only a 30-minute flight from Mahé International Airport. 5️⃣ FS Resort Seychelles Located on the west coast of Mahé Island in Petite Anse, about a 30-minute drive away. It features 67 villas and 27 villa residences, all equipped with private pools and facing the Indian Ocean. 6️⃣ FS Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island The second Four Seasons resort located on the private island of Desroches in the Seychelles archipelago. It offers 71 private pool villas, including two-bedroom and multi-bedroom villa residences, with views of the Indian Ocean from the rooms.

Pack your bags and experience the Waldorf Astoria Platte Island in Seychelles. The island boasted incredible privacy, and the villa was exceptional. Our entire experience proved truly unforgettable. The pinnacle of our anniversary honeymoon celebration at the Waldorf Seychelles was, without question, CHEF ALLISON from the Moulin Restaurant. We sampled everything on the menu, and while all was remarkable, Chef Allison elevated the experience with a unique 6-course menu that wowed us. Our taste journey traversed Mexico, Thailand, Japan, and Korea. Having dined at Michelin-starred establishments and the world's 50 Best, we can confidently assert Chef Allison could hold a Michelin star with her expansive culinary expertise and masterful fermentation skills. She crafts the finest KIMCHI! We owe our heartfelt thanks for making our honeymoon an extraordinary memory. Regards, Safina & Ryan

My husband and I spent the final part of our honeymoon here, and we're thrilled we did! Platte Island is exceptionally beautiful, an exclusive piece of paradise. The villas at the Waldorf steal the spotlight. The room was absolutely amazing, and being able to stroll out the back door and within moments be on the beach was truly remarkable. The hotel team went above and beyond to ensure our visit was special and unforgettable. I'd definitely suggest spending a few days at this spot while exploring the Seychelles.

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles is an exceptional resort, though its key drawback may not suit all travelers. The shortcoming is that none of the villas offer ocean views—there are no beach or overwater villas. Instead, all the accommodations are placed inland, and as the island is flat, there are no elevated views. My early impression when this hotel opened 18 months ago was that the absence of views was disappointing; hence, I initially held back. However, their free flight promotion from SEZ airport to Platte persuaded me to give it a try. Having now experienced the resort, I'm completely convinced and would return without hesitation. What I didn't foresee is how the resort's weakness is also its strength. By choosing not to construct villas over or near the water, the beach remains "raw," offering a rarity in world-class resorts. The sense of seclusion and privacy is phenomenal. Strolling along the shore, you can't see any villas, and the beach is often desolate. The resort features fewer than 50 villas, while the island is fairly large. Even on busy days, occupancy reaches only 50% and often less. The only time we encountered several individuals was during breakfast; the rest of the day, guests dispersed—either on tours, enjoying private pools, the main pool, the bar, or at restaurants. Spending a couple of hours at the beach, we rarely saw anyone. We often had the kids' club all to ourselves. Moreover, the untouched resort preserves the natural habitat. We encountered sea turtles, baby sharks, and countless crabs, as well as giant tortoises on the island. I expected Seychelles to resemble the Maldives, but there are more differences, especially in the natural environment. Unlike the Maldives, where you often arrive by seaplane as the islands lack room for planes, Platte Island has a landing strip spanning the entire resort length, dividing the island in two. It's just as remote and private as the Maldives but larger. On the other hand, many Maldives resorts have high construction density, and some islands are artificial, like the Waldorf Astoria Maldives. Owning a private, untouched island in Seychelles is truly unique, making me more accepting of our villa's lack of views. Anyway, we could always walk out and relax on the beach outside our villa. As for service, Waldorf Astoria Seychelles is world-class and rivals the best. They anticipated our needs and didn't miss small details, thanks to personal concierge Donia. We received bicycles with engraved license plates and encountered more baby-related equipment than I've seen at any remote resort with few rooms—including a baby monitor camera and a bottle sterilizer. I suspect staff study client profiles in advance and share details among themselves. Wherever we met different staff, they were informed, enabling meaningful, knowledgeable conversations. Even staff seemingly not meant to interact with us, like housekeeping, were prepared in case we crossed paths. Truly impressive. The food isn't as remarkable as in the Maldives—more basic, fewer protein dishes and pricier. They offset this by organizing a private off-menu dinner tailored to our desires, demonstrating excellent service. The staff, stars from prestigious resorts worldwide, numbered about 200 compared to fewer guests at any time. Although food was costly, drinks weren't. We brought alcohol with us to lessen expenses—which Maldives resorts don't allow—and what was available was reasonably priced. Finally, about the villa: The construction quality was top-notch. I booked the entry-level room and, as a Hilton Lifetime Diamond, we were upgraded to their highest category of a one-bedroom villa—one of just three on the resort. The villa was larger than lesser types, featuring an extension with a sofa bed that served as a second bedroom with an additional bathroom. Our villa's privacy was excellent due to foliage. The beach lay near but was obscured somewhat by trees and plants. All in all, this resort ranks among the top 10 of hotels we've stayed at, perhaps even the top five, among the hundreds we've reviewed before. Initially, I had low expectations due to the lack of sea views, but the resort compensated abundantly in countless other ways.

This venue is like a real-life fantasy island! For those seeking privacy paired with exceptional service, the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles is the perfect destination. It seemed like we had the entire island to ourselves! The staff is incredible! Lana, our personal concierge, greeted us upon arrival and managed everything. We didn't have to worry about a thing—she arranged our dining and activities perfectly. She welcomed us each morning with a lovely smile and offered available activities. Our room staff were like ninjas—each time we left, we returned to a spotless room. Every employee knew our names and preferences, which was super impressive! Chef Amber from Le Perle was a major highlight of our vacation. Before heading to Seychelles, we spent seven days on safari in Kenya. We both were exhausted and needed time to relax. We didn’t feel like dressing up for dinner and needed comfort food. Chef Amber knew exactly what we needed. She prepared a menu for us daily, ensuring my Hawaiian husband had his staple (rice) every day, which delighted him. Chef Amber's cooking truly showed passion.

We just got back from Platte Island, having experienced the holiday of a lifetime. The island stands out with its pristine beaches and waters rich with wildlife. The facilities are fantastic, starting with the Leisure team led by Gary, along with his delightful staff Steph, Shamila, Caleb, Fabrice, Jovani, Mario, Shem, Toby, and Khloe, who were always available for poolside and water activities like boat trips, kayaking, snorkeling, movie nights under the stars, incredible stargazing, and the remarkable Moutya Performance. We were fortunate to dine at all three restaurants. Breakfast at La Pearl was excellent, with a diverse selection of freshly prepared food and attentive, friendly staff who went above and beyond, even surprising my wife with a birthday cake and song. Special mention to Brandon, the pool server, who kept us refreshed with drinks and cooling ice cream by the pool. The Moulin offered a wonderful personal experience where Chef Gavi and his team prepared and served fantastic food in relaxing surroundings. At Maison Des Espices, with its Creole flair, we had another terrific evening, and Luca impressed us with his knowledge of wines and spirits, along with a fantastic TAKAMAKA rum experience—a real treat. Every day, we enjoyed a treat with Dennis, the barista, who shared his tea and coffee expertise along with homemade cookies. Such a lovely man. A daily favorite was ending the day with Abdul and his team at Lalin, sampling various cocktails and enjoying our cherished G&T. Overall, a fabulous holiday at this 5-star resort. We can’t wait to return.