The weeks leading up to our honeymoon were a whirlwind. Between traveling to Rwanda, packing for my bachelorette party, and then finalizing details for our wedding and the guests we would be hosting that weekend, I hardly gave our honeymoon a second thought.

So when Peter and I flew back to Hong Kong after our wedding, quickly unpacked and repacked, and hopped on to a plane to the Seychelles, I was actually happy to have a long haul plane ride of no internet and minimal activity. After a connection in the Abu Dhabi we arrived in the Seychelles on the main island of Mahé and made our way to a small airport terminal to fly to Denis Island.

Getting to Denis Island

The tiny plane ride to Denis Island was exciting and offered the most delicious views of the Seychelles’ famous  blue waters.

Small planes mean you get really up close and personal with the pilots

As we approached the private island, we could see our destination– a long green grass airstrip running across the island’s lush jungle. This is the only way on or off the island.

Life in Paradise

Welcomed to the island with drinks and fresh tuna sashimi

When they say Denis is a Private Island resort. They mean it. With no cell phone service, very limited wifi, and only 25 chalets on the island, it’s difficult to imagine a more serene and perfect place for honeymooners.

None of the chalets have locks. There is an in-room safe if absolutely needed, but waking up on Denis Island is really like living in paradise and locks simply aren’t needed.

Peter and I couldn’t get over how lucky we were to be staying at such an beautiful, special place and we continued to be amazed by the island and the staff.

Aside from a few golf carts, there are no cars on the island and guests and staff members can ride bicycles to the resort’s main facilities and dining area or on paths through the jungles and along the white sandy shoreline.

And to confirm that this really was paradise (especially for Peter), the island is completely rodent free and snake free.

Conservation

One of my favorite places on the island was a large space dedicated as home to dozens of giant tortoises, including Toby, a 118 year old Aldabra Giant Tortoise.

The Denis team has taken extra measures to protect nesting areas and seagrass beds for endangered Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles which means that you can snorkel right off the island and see turtles, fish and coral reefs (which we did most days). They have also spent years restoring native forest habitats and translocating and protecting rare local birds.

Sustainability

I still can’t get over how incredible Denis Island’s sustainability efforts are. With limited transport on and off the island Denis strives to reduce their carbon footprint by running a self-sustaining lumber mill and carpentry workshop that provides all of the flooring for the resort and most of the furniture, focusing on using local materials and methods first.

There is also a large farm on the island with pigs, goats, cattle, chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, and more. Guests can schedule tours of the island and farm but are also welcome to hop on a bicycle and visit the farm on their own.

The chefs and team make homemade yogurt and cheese, serve fresh milk and catch fresh fish to be served. Most of the fruits and vegetables are grown on the island and not only do they produce enough eggs to feed guests and staff, but they now export eggs to the main island of Mahe as well.

The food served on the resort is incredibly fresh and a perfect mix of Creole and international cuisines

Hustling to my favorite meal at the resort– lunch! The head chef was Filipino and also went out on fishing trips for the fresh seafood served at the restaurant. Unfortunately the days we were at the resort, didn’t allow for us to join him!

the usual view during breakfast and lunch

I can say without a doubt that the food at Denis Island is the best food Peter and I have ever had at a hotel or resort (and probably the best pina colada too).

my favorite spot for coffee or cocktail breaks

Rooms and Service

In terms of all the usual hotel review criteria– our deluxe beach cottage was spectacular, the staff were amazing, super friendly and helpful and knew everyone by name. I can’t complain about any of it.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Denis Island, go go go. Peter and I are still shocked that we were able to come here for a once in a lifetime trip.