In the Seychelles, Maison Cheval Blanc, of course.
We all know that to live happily… then head to the most secret hideaway in the Indian Ocean. A vast, gated estate (22 hectares), right on the water with sweeping views, breathtaking accommodations, and hotel service that aims not for luxury but for excellence. This happiness is the Cheval Blanc signature.
On the archipelago of 115 islands, the hotel brand belonging to the LVMH group (Dior, Givenchy, Dom Pérignon, Tiffany, etc.) chose the main island, Mahé, and one of its most majestic bays, Intendance. It’s hard to imagine a better location. In a lush tropical setting where takamaka trees, flamboyant trees, cinnamon trees, and banyan trees burst forth between enormous blocks of gray granite, fifty-two ultra-chic, ultra-stylish residences are nestled. The brand aims to be the epitome of excellence. Building on its reputation acquired in Courchevel, the Maldives, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Tropez, and Paris, it intends to elevate the art of hospitality and the quality of stay to a level its competitors can only dream of. Moreover, never think “hotel,” say “Maison Cheval Blanc.”
Maison Cheval Blanc : hymne à la lumière
The designer, Michel Gathy, focused on glass and white—in short, light. A fitting tribute to the intense, pure, invigorating light of the Seychelles. The butler escorts guests and ushers them into their kingdom, whether on the beach or perched on a hillside. Awe-inspiring, no one can escape it. The space, at least 220 square meters, boasts a fully glazed facade opening onto the ocean, impeccable straight lines, a living room, a bedroom with an extra-large bed, a walk-in closet fit for a star, a magnificent bathroom, a suspended terrace, a private pool (12.5 meters long), a solarium, and a pavilion for intimate dinners… all in a harmonious blend of leather, light draperies, and blond wood.
530 wines in the cellar
Add to that the flat-screen TV, of course, a proper desk, outlets to charge all the toys of the era, free Wi-Fi, a bathtub for two, a bar just like at home, and the constant assistance of this butler who, connected via WhatsApp, responds within a minute. Going to a restaurant? Fancy a cocktail or caviar? Renting a car? Breakfast served in your room? He’s got you covered.
This portfolio is complemented by 700 meters of deserted beach, four communal swimming pools, a wave simulator for learning to surf, tennis courts, another padel court, a 1,500 m² area reserved for toddlers, a choice of restaurants to delight all palates, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, international with your feet in the sand and gastronomic (the 1947 which includes an exceptional wine cellar with 530 references)…
Nest of sweetness
Better still, the details speak volumes about true chic. First, the Guerlain Spa, a haven of tranquility and relaxation where the perfumer’s fragrance, warm seashells, and Balinese hand massages restore a sense of well-being. Then there are the thoughtful touches: a box of reading glasses for those who have forgotten theirs and are struggling to decipher the restaurant menu, a stack of pashminas for chilly shoulders, the immediate recall of the desired breakfast beverage, the removal of disliked or allergy-causing ingredients from the kitchen, Bernardeau tableware, the ever-present butler, and the preservation of an unspoiled natural space at the heart of the estate, where banyan and latanier palms cover ponds inhabited by ibises, turtles, ducks, lotus flowers, and water lilies.
Charm, serenity, intimacy
Cheval Blanc Seychelles aims to be a model of serenity under the sun. Mission accomplished. The charm of the setting, the pleasure of the residences and the cuisine, the right to indulge in leisure, the magic of the ocean sometimes visited by dolphins and whales, the privacy—it all inevitably makes you want to be there, as they say. Yes, but. Access to paradise comes at a price. Between €2,200 and €3,200 per day per accommodation, breakfast included. Without succumbing to the allure of the Cheval Blanc Saint-Emilion Grand Cru (€63,180 a bottle), or playing it safe by opting for the Chablis at €1,790, the five days here—the average stay—cost the price of a blue J12, a Rolex Sky-Dweller, or a small city car. Gasoline or electric. The only consolation is that extras are billed in dollars. At the current exchange rate, the discount is 15%. Rejoice but adopt the Cheval Blanc spirit, feign total indifference.
Practical
Getting there. There are no direct flights between France and the Seychelles. A transit in Dubai is possible, for example, with Emirates departing from Paris or Nice. Return fares start from €900 in Economy Class and €4,700 in Business Class (example fares as of April 2026). www.emirates.com
Getting there. No visa is required for French citizens, but they must present a “Travel Authorization” form, which can be completed at www.seychelles.govtas.com. The cost ranges from €10 to €70 depending on the urgency of the application. When it is noon in the Seychelles, it is 2 PM in France (summer) or 3 PM (winter). The best time to visit is between November and May.
Staying there costs between €2,200 and €3,200 per night depending on the accommodation chosen (example price in April 2026). In the restaurants, excluding 1947 (€400 for the set menu), expect to pay around €20 for starters and €30 for main courses. Drinks are extra. Guerlain Spa: €180 for a 90-minute signature treatment.