The Indian Ocean islands are awash with luxe resorts – but these new openings show off a striking aesthetic flair that is at once design-forward and sustainability-minded.
WORDS Danielle Weakley PHOTOS Max Bohme/Unsplash; Supplied
Voaara, Madagascar
This is barefoot luxury at its finest and most toes-in-the-sand, with tropical-style thatched bungalows scattered along the northern tip of the island of Sainte-Marie off the coast of Madagascar. The island is renowned for its swashbuckling pirate past (Captain Kidd’s loot was said to have been buried here), and is one of the best spots in the world to view the humpback whale migration. With just seven stripped-back but quietly luxurious bungalows and one stunner of a three-bedroom villa, Voaara – designed by South African-Chilean architect Luis Mira – boasts a rustic, unbuttoned style thanks to the inclusion of local artisanal furniture and a wholly unpretentious energy. Do not miss the private dining experience of Bird’s Nest – it offers 360-degree views from its elevated top deck, making it perfect for sundowners and a romantic night of stargazing, telescope included – or a pizza while catching a movie at the outdoor cinema. | voaara.com
Cheval Blanc, Seychelles
This is the first Cheval Blanc maison in Africa, and LVMH’s newest property in its uber-luxury hotel portfolio. Architect Jean-Michel Gathy’s sculptural buildings curve around Mahé’s rugged Anse Intendance in the south, with villas ensconced in sunny eyries or perched atop the ridge, surveying the sprawling blue bay. The design is a sublime blend of modern and Creole – a dialogue between the tropical island and contemporary architecture. Expect floor-to-ceiling glass-fronted spaces with clotted-cream interiors offset by intricate latticing and African art – like the works of Madagascan textile artist Joël Andrianomearisoa. Slide back the glass doors to a private infinity pool and wraparound wooden deck. No luxury has been spared by parent company LVMH – the interiors are designer, the spa is by Guerlain, and the public spaces are utterly swoon-worthy. | chevalblanc.com
Waldorf Astoria Platte Island, Seychelles
Think the Seychelles, think private island – and this particular secluded escape integrates nature and conservation with architecturally airy beachfront villas that snake along the ivory sands of remote Platte Island. Inspired by the largely untouched lagoon, palm tree forest and coral reef of the island, the resort’s design echoes its natural surrounds. The main buildings take cues from the patterned shell of the native hawksbill turtles, forming faceted shapes that create canopies of dancing light; while the villa interiors surrender to nature’s palette of sage-green and off-white. The resort is not just eco-conscious in design, but in sensibility too – sustainable with its own solar field and produce gardens, respectful of the local ecology, and minimally intrusive towards the turtles nesting in the lush gardens. That said, you do need to arrive by plane… | hilton.com
Four Seasons Resort, Mauritius
Sustainability and luxury are the beating heart of this freshly renovated property at Anahita, on the lush east coast of Mauritius. From the seagrass meadow nursery that encourages marine biodiversity (you should be able to spot turtles, fish, stingrays and even seahorses in the newly planted underwater meadows) to an on-site seahorse conservation initiative, the biophilic resort is dedicated to preserving the natural splendour of the island. This same natural splendour is echoed in the contemporised interiors, where golden, beachy-toned colour palettes and natural finishes offer seamless integration between indoors and out, complete with basalt- encrusted private infinity pools. There’s a wellness spa that hugs the lagoon, as well as a spectacularly verdant oceanfront golf course designed by Ernie Els – both are not to be missed. | fourseasons.com
Soneva Secret, Maldives
There are just 14 villas tucked away at Soneva Secret, in the startling aquamarine waters of the Maldives’ Makunudhoo Atoll – a hyper-exclusive, super-private island enclave that includes a much-talked-about floating villa. Yes: the floating Castaway Villa can be dragged to different anchor points around the island to catch both the sunrise and the sunset as you live out your best Robinson Crusoe fantasy. Quirky Soneva touches are everywhere, from the reclaimed driftwood decks and rustic-chic upcycled decor to the pops of signature sunshine yellow, the retractable ceilings for stargazing, and the curvy water slides that deposit you straight from your deck into the water below. The villas are completely self-contained, so you’re off the grid in the best way possible – with endless unobstructed views, and your own so-called barefoot guardian and chef to cater to your every desire. | soneva.com
Jaz Amaluna, Zanzibar
Situated along the unspoiled shores of Uroa Beach on the east coast of Zanzibar, Amaluna is pure relaxation. Yes, there’s a mix of garden and ocean-facing suites – but there are also private swim-up terraces, a vibrant beach bar set along the powdery white sand, the sanctuary of an island spa, and three sprawling pools. The property pulls its exterior inspiration from Zanzibar’s diverse cultural heritage, with softly spoken interiors that are designed to take full advantage of the seemingly endless azure-toned vistas. | jazhotels.com
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