Surrounded by gigantic granite boulders worn smooth by the sea, Senses Zil Pasyon is improbably located on a private island in the Indian Ocean. Part of the Seychelles archipelago, the isle of Félicité is home only to the luxury resort — the rest of it is wild and thick with flora and fauna, an ideal escape for those who dream of a far-flung, nature-filled getaway.
Zil Pasyon itself embraces its natural surroundings, reflecting the eco-friendly ethos of the Six Senses brand. Built atop and between boulders, the resort almost looks as if it belongs here organically, if nature provided seamless infinity pools and sunken daybeds that hover over the ocean.
Guest rooms are private villas with secluded plunge pools, large decks and views of dramatic vegetation and/or the sea. There are four miles of paved paths throughout the grounds, connecting villas to the main “house” where the idyllic restaurants, pool and bar sit oceanfront.
- The many lounging spots sprinkled throughout the Seychelles hotel are made for sun worshippers determined to do nothing. You’ll find oversized hammocks suspended over the sea, loungers on a deck built for sunsets, submerged pool loungers and in-villa bamboo hammocks.
- The Six Senses spa — featuring African-inspired holistic treatments — is away from the resort’s main hub, spectacularly situated among the boulders. It has five private treatment pavilions, a saltwater soaking pool facing the ocean and a yoga pavilion.
- Twice a week the resort hosts outdoor cinema nights. Cuddle up in large seaside loungers and nosh on the chef’s housemade popcorn while watching flicks. Private screenings for couples or groups can be arranged.
- You are assigned a guest experience manager, similar to a personalized butler, only better. These experts help arrange activities, including hiking the jungle terrain to the top of Félicité, paddleboarding, island-hopping boat trips, swimming with turtles and even cooking classes.
- Sustainability is a major focus here — the resort actively works on the island’s ecology as well as restoring nearby coral reefs. It also uses solar energy, local organic produce and eco-friendly cleaning and bath products.
- It’s going to take you a while to get here. After flying to a neighboring island, you’ll take either a 20-minute speedboat ride to the luxury hotel or a 20-minute helicopter transfer.
- While the restaurant Ocean Kitchen is a special experience (it sits at rock formations above ocean), know that it’s strictly pescatarian. If you’re craving something meaty for dinner, head to Island Café.
- Zil Pasyon is a lovely romantic retreat, but it’s also good for groups and kids. In fact, the resort’s kids club, Trouloulou, hosts children ages 4 to 11 for activities like coconut painting, beach scavenger hunts and animal yoga.
- The 30 one- and two-bedroom villas are secluded and private, built in and around the boulders and lush vegetation. They are also rather spacious, ranging from 2,150 to 5,380 square feet.
- There are 17 three- and four-bedroom private residences spanning between 7,890 and 15,424 square feet. These ultra-luxe, two-level accommodations come with glass-bottomed pools, gourmet kitchens and sleek master bedrooms with glass walls.
- Interior design leans island minimalistic, with natural surfaces like local woods and white marble with pops of ocean hues here and there. Large glass walls front the villas and residences for exceptional views.
- The seaside Ocean Kitchen serves up super-fresh catches of the day with organic ingredients grown on the island or neighboring ones. Chef Richard Lee creates wellness-inspired seafood dishes with local flair, and you can watch the culinary team get to work in the open kitchen.
- Island Café is the main dining option, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It turns out a mélange of fare with European, African and Asian influences, such as Creole lobster, grilled seafood and curries.
- The Koko Bar is the oceanfront option, where you can sip coconut mojitos while reclining on a beachside hammock. The resort’s other bar, the moody Lakanbiz, opens in the evening and pours house-infused rums into jars.
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