Alphonse Island Resort

Alphonse Island features a single lodge comprising of Beach Bungalows, Beach Suites and Beach Villas built alongside the water’s edge, each with scenic ocean views. Freedom of movement around the island on foot or bicycle permits self-discovery of the wonders of this special place.

The main hotel complex consists of a reception area, lounge, beach bar, restaurant, spa, swimming pool, tennis court and main office.

Guests stay in one of 22 Beach Bungalows, five one-bedroom Beach Suites or two four-bedroomed Beach Villas, all air conditioned and optimally spaced for privacy and offering every comfort imaginable.

The bar area, pool and lounge area provides the ideal venue to relax in the evening breeze after a day out in the sun and houses the Bijoutier restaurant which serves freshly caught seafood of the highest quality. Alphonse Island is a refuge for people looking for an authentic and unspoiled island experience.

The Alphonse group of atolls is considered one of the most pristine, untouched Edens of the world, making it a nature lover’s paradise. The magnificent island threesome comprising of Alphonse, St. François and Bijoutier lies in the very heart of the Indian Ocean as part of the Seychelles outer islands.

Beautiful white beaches line the edges of the dense natural forest, interspersed with the remnants of old commercial coconut groves. Here you will find ancient ambling tortoises, scurrying crabs and an interesting array of bird species.

Escape to the exquisite simplicity of a tropical island paradise, leaving behind the impositions of everyday life. Experience the raw beauty of an untouched natural sanctuary and one of the prime protected fisheries in the far reaches of the Indian Ocean.

The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, situated east off the coast of Africa, north-east of Madagascar and just a few degrees south of the equator. The archipelago consists of 115 islands. Victoria is the capital, situated on the main island of Mahé.

The Seychelles has a small population of just over 92,000 people, displaying a multiracial blend of African, Asian and European descent to create a modern Creole culture. French and English are the official languages along with Seychellois Creole.

The majority of the islands are uninhabited, with more than 50% of the total land area under natural conservation (a world record), making the Seychelles a leader in sustainable tourism.

Where it is Always Summer
Situated only 7º south of the equator and outside the cyclone belt, Alphonse Island is blessed with one of the world’s healthiest climates and gorgeous, consistent weather. Alphonse offers guests year-round summer days with temperatures seldom dropping below 22°C (72°F).

The north-west trade wind is prevalent from December to March, which are the hottest and wettest months with humidity averaging 65%. Tropical rain showers are usually short and sharp, doing nothing to dampen your spirits or a day out and about.

Although it’s always a good time to visit the Seychelles, different times of year may be better suited to your particular interests.

Beach Bungalows
The 22 Beach Bungalows are set amongst lush tropical plants just metres from the beach. Located on the eastern shoreline of the island, these Bungalows exude an understated elegance whilst offering all the comforts of home.

With a layout that keeps guests’ relaxation foremost in mind, the Beach Bungalows are ideally situated to make the most of the beautiful surroundings. It features a patio overlooking the ocean, perfect to enjoy a drink at the end of a balmy day or a cup of coffee whilst watching the beautiful sunrise in the morning.

To add to your personal experience, enjoy indulgent in-suite dining on your patio or private dinners in your garden.

Beach Suite
The 5 Beach Suites are nestled amongst the tropical vegetation, mere steps away from the white sandy beach. These one-bedroomed Suites are extremely spacious and discreet, with a large lounge area as well as an additional guest bathroom.

Embracing local creole style and combining it with the barefoot luxury sought on tropical islands, the Beach Suites feature a range of sandy colours, whites and greys and incorporates local materials, reflecting a sophisticated fresh island style of the 21st Century.

The airy main bathroom features both indoor and outdoor showers. Overlooking the sparkling ocean and a private pool is a large terrace featuring sun loungers as well as a patio table to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine at.

Beach Villas
The most exclusive offering in our portfolio, the 2 Beach Villas are carefully positioned for privacy and comfort. Relax and unwind in secluded luxury while exploring one of the most remote destinations in the world.

Situated only a short distance away from the white sandy beach and with spectacular ocean views, the Beach Villas create the perfect setting for the distinguished traveller to connect with nature and loved ones.

Each room in the four-bedroomed villas offers you something special and is brought together with spacious and carefully crafted living areas.

An Inspired Fusion of International and Creole Flavours
Bijoutier Restaurant and Le Lys Bar allow guests to socialize alongside the sparkling pool and shoreline, with diverse cuisine inspired by the sensuous island atmosphere and complemented by a comprehensive wine list.

With the use of indigenous flora and fish, along with our garden produce, the menus at Alphonse Island Lodge are built around freshness. Entwining the influences of local Seychellois Creole and French cuisine, our dishes overflow with inspiration from all corners of the Indian Ocean.

Fresh fish is available daily along with garden and forest harvests. With all these resources available to our chefs, their creativity is endless and their desire to exceed your expectations in the culinary department is unchallenged, aiming to cater for all dietary requirements and special requests.

Experiences
Alphonse Island needs to be experienced to be believed… quiet picnics on secluded beaches, sunset cruises with loved ones, mesmerising encounters with captivating marine life and blissful pampering treatments; all in picture-perfect surroundings that enhance every sensation.

If you haven’t tried your hand at fly fishing and find your interest piqued before or during your visit to Alphonse Island, do not fret.

One of our experienced guides would be happy to provide you with casting lessons after which you will get to put theory to the test out in the lagoon, expertly being guided into catching (and releasing!) your very first Bonefish.

The geographical isolation of Alphonse Island creates an atmosphere of undisturbed solitude that encourages you to forget about the outside world and immerse yourself in all the natural wonders and unique experiences that the island has to offer.

Escape for an action-packed holiday, romantic sojourn, or an idyllic beach break. Your experience can be as exhilarating or relaxing as you wish.

World-class flats and bluewater fly fishing
Considered a fly angler’s paradise, the expansive flats surrounding the Alphonse atolls provide the fly fishing experience of a lifetime. This spectacular wilderness has ten thousand acres of hard white sand flats which provide easy wading and world class sight-fishing.

The Alphonse group is one of the most famed saltwater fly fishing destinations in the Indian Ocean and is one of the most prolific Bonefish fisheries in the world.

The atolls are home to incredibly large populations of not only Bonefish, but also 3 different types of Triggerfish, Barracuda, snapper, grouper, Indo-Pacific Permit, parrotfish, 8 species of trevally (including the Giant Trevally), and the incomparable Milkfish.

This diversity gives anglers the opportunity to target a myriad of different species during their stay. The St. François fishery caters for just 12 fly anglers at a time to maintain excellence and sustainability.

Bluewater Fishing
The unspoiled waters of Alphonse and St. François Atolls are home to the most incredible variety of bluewater fish species, translating into a great destination for offshore fishing.

The structure and sheer drop-offs are ideal for attracting a variety of pelagic species that can be caught on fly as well as conventional trawling methods. Fish such as Sailfish, Wahoo, Dogtooth Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado can be challenged on any given day.

Anglers can choose to either spend a half or full day targeting some of the hard fighting fish on offer.

Although Alphonse practices a strict “No Conventional/Spin Fishing” on or close to the islands, flats and reef to preserve the resident species that use the shallow reef as an access point onto the flats and surrounding areas, fish can be caught for consumption.

Guests are therefore invited to bring their catch back to shore and liaise with our chefs to prepare it fresh for dinner.

Arguably The Best Scuba Diving Destination in the Seychelles
Alphonse Island has been the only destination in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles to offer diving in recent years, and is the sole destination to fully experience the sheer abundance and massive size of fish in comparison to the Inner Islands.

This is due to our isolation and subsequent lower fishing pressure. Here you can relish the significance of being the only divers in the ocean surrounding the entire Alphonse Group with few other boats around.

The pristine scuba diving sites around Alphonse and its neighboring islands are famous for their warm water and excellent visibility as well as their beautiful corals and diverse range of fish comprising of reef, pelagic and shark species.

We run a full setup service with top-notch and regularly serviced equipment. This is perfect for both the leisure guest that just wants to do a few dives throughout the week, as well as more serious divers who want to spend most of their time in the water.

All you have to do is make the booking and then alight the boat. All the equipment will be set up, ready for you to go diving, and will be taken care of for you after the dive. This means that you can dive whilst maximizing time for relaxation!

Snorkelling
Due to its remote location, the waters surrounding the coral island of Alphonse is teeming with a variety of marine life which one will be hard-pressed to find around any other inhabited island in the Seychelles.

Crystal clear warm water, unbleached and largely untouched corals, great visibility and a diverse range of fish species has become synonymous with both Alphonse and St. François due to the rich currents and abundant sea life that surrounds the Alphonse group of atolls.

Ocean Experiences
Besides unrivalled fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling, Alphonse Island offers you an array of other water-based activities.

Showcasing miles of unblemished shorelines, lagoons and sea flats, one cannot help but to accept the invitation of the warm sparkling water surrounding this quintessential tropical island. So get paddling, rowing or sailing – whatever floats your boat!

An unforgettable Ocean Safari
Join our team for a trip to our offshore waters in search of a variety of amazing wildlife. You never quite know what to expect on our Blue Safari, and your guide will be prepared for anything!

Armed with snorkel gear you have the option to watch onboard our vessels or to jump in the water for an all-round sensory experience, but let our guides advise you as to the best course of action for the ultimate interaction.

Expect to learn about a range of marine animals that could crop up on your adventure. Many of the species you seek are seasonal and therefore each and every trip is unique.

Highlights to look forward to include a few pods of year-round Spinner Dolphins, migrating Humpback Whales in mother-calf pairs, various other cetaceans such as Melon Headed Whales, Risso’s Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Pilot Whales and Beaked Whales, graceful Manta Rays, throngs of Milkfish feeding at the surface, Yellowfin Tuna leaping into the sky at sporadic bait balls, Green Turtles mating at the surface or Hawksbill Turtles coming up for air, and of course, look to the skies for various seabirds – both vagrant and endemic.

Reef flats expedition
Guests at Alphonse Island have the opportunity to explore the inside reef flats of the island with the island’s very knowledgeable and insightful marine biologist.

Whilst the views of unspoiled white sand and crystal clear waters might be distracting, try and keep your eyes peeled for juvenile turtles, Eagle Rays, eels and various other types of nature throughout this expedition.

Guests who want to get more involved will also have the opportunity to partake in an optional volunteer biodiversity survey and gather baseline data about all the species found deep in the seagrass meadows, under rocks and squeezed into crevices in the reef platform.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a fairly new sport that originated in Hawaii as an offshoot of surfing and is rapidly gaining popularity around the world. The rider stands up on a longboard, much like the ones used in surfing, and uses a paddle to push themselves through the water.

SUPing is a sport that anyone with even a moderate fitness level can have a go at and probably master the basics within the hour. It’s a serene experience, allowing you to enjoy the sunshine and take in the views while getting a moderate workout.

And for the more experienced riders, you can catch a few waves if there’s a swell running..

Kayaking
The activity centre offers a range of kayaks, allowing you to explore the island from a unique perspective, drifting along palm fringed beaches over crystal clear water.

Our knowledgeable and helpful crew will be happy to point out some of the defining natural features that make Alphonse Island one of the most picturesque in the world. Be prepared to be joined by dolphins, inquisitive turtles and many other marine species while enjoying a leisurely paddle around the island.

Kayaking along the water’s edge gives guests the opportunity to explore the magnificent bounty of turtles, rays, fish, and various other sea creatures which call Alphonse their home.

If you prefer a little guidance, take an island tour and get shown around by our nature experts. They will point out various seabirds and most likely you’ll spot fishermen’s delights like Bonefish, Permit and Triggerfish.

The ultimate tropical playground
Alphonse Island is a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Endless stretches of blissfully secluded beaches, lush, colourful forests and protected coral reefs beckon you to explore their untouched beauty.

Along the way you might make friends with one of the ancient free-roaming Giant Aldabra Tortoises, and if you know what to look out for, you might be lucky enough to see tiny turtles make their way to the ocean after hatching along the unblemished shorelines of Alphonse Island.

No restrictions, no boundaries and no dangerous animals or traffic – the island is yours to explore at will!

Turtle Tracking and Discovery
Alphonse Atoll is a hotspot for both Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles to nest. Our activities team will explain the life cycle of these beautiful and unique animals from hatching to laying their own eggs – back on the same beach that they hatched from themselves.

Both the Green Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle have been legally protected in Seychelles waters since 1994. Join our Island Conservation Team on their daily routine of looking for and measuring turtle tracks, identifying and marking new nests, tagging nesting turtles if found in the process, discovering hatched nests and occasionally guiding hatchlings to the ocean.

Hawksbill Turtles usually nest in the daytime (mainly from September to March), while the Green Turtles tend to do so at night (usually from January to September). Eggs take around two months to hatch. A turtle will lay between 150 to 200 eggs in each nest, and will nest 4 – 5 times per nesting season.

Throughout this experience you will learn more about these gentle endangered animals, and we’re sure you will leave our shores with a newfound respect for their natural habitat.

Island Hopping
Explore the uninhabited island of St. François on a nature hike unlike any other. Follow your guide through mangroves where birds roost high in the treetops or watch other species wade across the vast white sand flats.

The wildlife on this piece of untouched paradise will amaze you, and you are sure to spot amazing sights such as Mangrove Crabs and nursing baby Sicklefin Lemon Sharks. Look out for Manta Rays, pelagic fish and cetaceans on the 40 minute crossing from Alphonse Island.

Bijoutier, meaning jewel in French, has earned its name through and through, and we are sure you will agree once you’ve been to visit. Spend the day exploring this beautiful island, stroll deserted beaches and swim in crystal clear water.

As an extra treat, why not arrange for a private picnic or secluded barbeque to take place during the course of your excursion to Bijoutier?

This is a hotspot for turtle nesting and our activities team will explain the life cycle of these beautiful and unique animals from hatching to laying their own eggs. If you are lucky you might even see the nests of the Wedge-tailed Shearwater when peering into the depths of the forest!

Bird Watching
There are wonderful opportunities for bird watchers to get great sightings of a wide range of species throughout the Alphonse Atoll. The best time of year is October to April when the many migrant species have flown back from their breeding grounds in the high arctic to over-winter in the tropics.

With its larger land area, Alphonse Island acts as a magnet for vagrant bird species during these months. Of the Outer islands of Seychelles, Alphonse boasts the second highest number of recorded bird species with over 100 species now recorded by the Seychelles Bird Records Committee.

One of the more spectacular birding sights for visitors to Alphonse occurs around sunset when several thousand Red-Footed Booby return to roost and hundreds of Frigatebirds gather to greet them.

The scene that ensues is akin to a Top Gun dogfight as the Frigatebirds chase and harass the boobies to make them give up the food that they have collected throughout the day.

The vast sand flats and mangrove areas around St. François island are ideal habitats for a range of bird species, particularly waders. Visitors to Alphonse Island can undertake bird watching trips to St. François accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

It is best to visit the island on a high tide as this reduces the amount of exposed sand on which the birds are able to forage and causes them to congregate in dense flocks. The Crab Plover population is particularly significant.

Guided Nature Walks with ICS
The resident conservation team at the Island Conservation Society offers guided and informative nature walks around the island where guests can learn about current research and conservation projects and the fauna and flora of the island.

Established in 2007, the Island Conservation Centre has ensured that the key aspects of the ecosystem around Alphonse Island is well-maintained and cared for. Conservation is something we hold very close to our hearts here on Alphonse Island.

Without the ICS team’s sound knowledge, our ecosystem on the atoll would not be what it is today, and the team is passionate about sharing their knowledge with our guests.

Should you prefer to explore on your own, you are of course free to do so at your own pace. The running and hiking paths around the island pass through coconut groves and lead to the various secluded beaches of Alphonse.

Our team can provide you with a map of the jogging routes as well as the distances. Just don’t forget to take enough water – one tends to dehydrate faster in the tropical surroundings than what you’d imagine.

Spa Therapies
Unwind after long, hot days spent fishing, diving or relaxing beside the pool. Our qualified masseuses work magic on tired bodies in need of special attention or those simply wanting to indulge. From head and shoulder treatments to full body massages, we are able to tailor treatments to each individual and their needs.

Special packages such as the Fishermen’s Massage for instance would concentrate on key muscles and pressure points overused or strained during a day on the flats to ensure you leave feeling pampered and rejuvenated.

Cycling
Cycling is by far the best way to explore and discover the island. Each guest receives their own bicycle for the duration of their stay, so hop on your bicycle and meet with our activities team who will take you on a tour across Alphonse!

Stopping at major landscapes and seascapes allows you to familiarize yourself with the forest trails and most secret spots of the island. During the tour you will learn interesting facts such as who the earliest settlers to Alphonse were and how the change came about from indigenous forest to coconut plantation.

Learn about the bird-life, fish and plants who call this paradise their home and explore every nook and cranny of the island with our knowledgeable team.

Should you prefer to explore on your own, you are more than welcome to! The tracks around the island lead to various corners and beaches that the island has to offer. So choose a spot and head out to any one of the many pristine beaches and hidden corners of your own unique island getaway.

Tennis
If you’re feeling sporty, challenge your friends and loved ones to a game of tennis on the tennis court and practise your serve to a backdrop of palm tree jungle. Tennis rackets and balls are provided at your request.

There’s nothing like a bit of tennis to build anticipation for that crisp cocktail or ice-cold beer before a delicious dinner, so switch the floodlights on for a twilight game when the temperature of the day starts to cool down a little.

Make a toast to the twilight
From the deck of the 54ft catamaran A’mani, you can enjoy amazing views of the setting sun over the uninterrupted horizon of the Indian Ocean.

The infinite ways in which the colours interact with the clouds and reflect off the ocean make each sunset unique and worthy of wonder. So after another day of exciting activities and divine indulgence, sit back, relax and take it all in.

Sunset Lagoon Cruises
After being transferred to A’mani by a small tender, we’ll set sail into the Alphonse Lagoon to salute the setting sun with a cocktail or beer from the bar. This offers a unique view of the forests and beaches lit up in the soft light of the “golden hour”.

If you so wish, bring your swimming gear along for a dive into the crystal clear water. A’mani offers easy ladder access to climb back on board.

A Honeymoon like no other
The spectacular location, coupled with superb service and an impressive range of recreational activities, make Alphonse Island the ultimate honeymoon escape.

Alphonse Island is a honeymoon destination guaranteed to fulfil your fantasies of a private romantic sanctuary in an isolated destination. Couples are afforded the freedom and privacy to shape their own bespoke Seychelles honeymoon experience and discover paradise as they like it . . . alone together.

Your own unique piece of paradise
Alphonse Island is an incredibly safe and intimate paradise for newly married couples to enjoy their holiday together worry-free. It features only one lodge with intimate accommodation, providing couples with their own unique piece of paradise.

Experience a great sense of space, both indoors and out, with ocean views from your patio or deck and unblemished beaches just a few paces away.

Romance, Adventure and Indulgence
Alphonse Island needs to be experienced to be believed… quiet picnics on secluded beaches, sunset cruises, mesmerising encounters with captivating marine life and blissful spa treatments; all in picture-perfect surroundings that enhance every sensation.

Our team is always on hand to tailor romantic experiences to your needs, from private candlelit dinners on the beach to romantic picnics on a secluded beach or a lesser-explored part of the island, no stone is left unturned to ensure you have the ultimate honeymoon experience.

Honeymoon amenities include a romantic turndown on the first night of your stay and a bottle of sparkling wine once during your stay. Enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities like fishing, scuba diving and cycling or relax and unwind with an uplifting spa treatment for mind, body and soul.

Tantalise your senses with sumptuous dishes inspired by the exotic flavours of Creole cuisine and the bountiful harvest of the Indian Ocean, offset by spectacular views.

Conservation, Research, Rehabilitation and Protection
Conservation is something we hold very close to our hearts here on Alphonse Island, and we are committed to protecting the unique fauna and flora of the area with ongoing research, rehabilitation and monitoring programs, focusing especially on nesting sea turtles, giant tortoises, sensitive marine habitats and forest rehabilitation.

This dedication to conservation has at all times been at the center of our mission to create an island that is intimately connected to the natural environment. Established in 2007, our Island Conservation Centre has ensured the key aspects of our ecosystem are well maintained and cared for.

The Island Conservation Society (ICS) team offers activities upon the island such as Turtle Patrol, Beach Clean ups, Giant Tortoise viewing and feeding and bird-watching which guests are encouraged to join. Without their sound knowledge, our ecosystem on the atoll would not be what it is today.

The Alphonse Island Lodge provides support through its membership on the board of the Alphonse Conservation Foundation and hotel guests contribute essential funding to the activities of ICS through the payment of a conservation levy.

ICS provides a weekly presentation to guests which provides progress updates and discussion of environmental topics. Books and souvenirs can be purchased from the ICS office, with the proceeds providing further financial support to the conservation efforts.

Website: www.alphonse-insland.com

Rooms: 27

Price: from 1.208 EUR per night