Raffles Seychelles

Guide to Gay Friendly Hotels in Seychelles (2023 Updated)

Gay resorts in the Seychelles. Generally speaking, well known private resorts in the Seychelles are welcoming towards all LGBTQ couples and most of the 4 & 5* hotels are gay friendly hotels Seychelles.

That’s because it’s not actually illegal in the Seychelles to be gay whereas it is illegal in the Maldives. The Seychelles is one of the only places in Africa where this is the case and the locals here are very friendly and used to accepting LGBT tourists.
Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 2016, and employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is banned in the Seychelles, making it one of the few African countries to have such protections for LGBT people. However, LGBT people may nonetheless face stigmatization among the broader population.
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. It’s home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé, a hub for visiting the other islands, is home to capital Victoria. It also has the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.

 top attractions to visit in Mahe Island

 

 

1. Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels Seychelles

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas
Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas

 

Surrounded by award-winning landscaped gardens, this luxurious resort on Mahe features air-conditioned villas overlooking the Indian Ocean. The hotel has a gourmet restaurant and a wellness centre.

Each of MAIA Luxury Resort’s air-conditioned villas offers a personalized dedicated butler, a private infinity swimming pool, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV and an Apple AirPort Express. They have a kitchenette, maxi-sized Hermès amenities, an outdoor gazebo and a sun deck.

The MAIA beyond all-inclusive experience follows a ‘Whenever, Wherever, Whatever’ dining concept, where guests can enjoy a candle-lit dinner on the beach or a private BBQ on the terrace of their villa. Tec Tec restaurant serves gourmet cuisine, and is flexible to prepare dishes outside of set dining hours.

Experience the magic of Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, your private peninsula in the Seychelles. Untouched natural beauty offers true relaxation. An Indian Ocean jewel located on the lush green island of Mahé on a beach called Anse Louis; secluded, untouched, with transparent turquoise waters and soft, white sands. Awaken your senses in the most luxurious place on earth. Discover unimaginable levels of service, discretion and attention to detail, and a Beyond All Inclusive offering that ensures your needs are met, every moment of the day. You set the pace: you decide what you feel like, when you feel like it, and where. Your dedicated butler is the curator of this experience. Intuitive and personal, anticipating your every need and preference.

It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Absolute luxury. Our personal butler, Angaar, couldn’t do enough for us, always willing to please and pamper us. The last night we were here he went to the trouble of setting us up in beanbags atop of granite boulders over looking one of the bays complete with cocktails to watch the sunset. A lovely way to end our 5 days at this magnificent resort. Thank you Angaar.

The villas all overlook a bay and beautiful beach. They each have their own infinity pool, outdoor huge bath and separate dining, kitchen and bar area. The bedrooms are huge with views over the bay and the amenities are top of the range.

The restaurant is fantastic with an extensive menu catering for a number of cuisines. All the staff were great but we particularly fell in love with Maureen.

The resort is set atop of and along a hill so golf carts are used to ferry guests from place to place within the resort. There is no real need to venture beyond the resort. I took a 30 minute trip into the capital city (more like a small town), Victoria, but there wasn’t a lot to see or do although the small museum did provide a background of the Seychelles and its people.

If you deserve to spoil yourself then Maia is the place to do it.

The resort has no reception area as such so you are taken by golf cart to your villa for check in formalities and introductions to your butler – in our case this was Luthfi. During your stay at Maia, your butler will manage everything for you – dinner reservations, in room dining, excursions, activities, spa services, housekeeping etc. Luthfi was excellent. He was there when we wanted him and gave us privacy when we wanted that. He was only ever a phone call away, day or night and always with a smile.

Dining at Maia is a very flexible affair. The restaurant is located in the heart of the resort beside the pool and the beach. Although TecTec is just one restaurant, it actually has 5 menus and if there is something not on the menu you want – just ask. Everything that is served in the restaurant can also be served in your villa. Sometimes it is delivered by room service, sometimes it is cooked in the villa for you. The portions are plentiful and the quality is very good. Again, your butler will either make a reservation or bring the food to you.

Ocean Panoramic villas. It sits just below the summit of hill that Maia is built on so there are some excellent views out across Anse Louis. Just behind the villa is the helipad. During our week there it was only used once so it really was a non-issue. One of the good things is that if you choose to have sunset dinner on the helipad – it’s right outside your door!

That’s on the assumption you want to leave your villa. There are two living areas in each villa – one indoors and one outdoors. The indoor area has the master bedroom including a sitting area with TV, closets, shower and bathroom. The air conditioning is very effective in case you need a break from the weather. The bed is very comfortable – the sheets are amazingly crisp and fresh.

The outdoor area comprises a small kitchen/bar area, a day bed, a table & chairs and 2 pools (one shallow wading pool and one infinity-style swimming pool). The private infinity pool is amazing. We spent most of our days relaxing on the day bed and cooling off in the pool. The wading pool has some sun loungers in it for sunbathing where the day bed is under the shade.

Each villa has a TV and sound system that plays throughout the villa inside and out. It’s no problem to cinch up your iPhone and have music wherever you want. Each villa has WiFi which works well enough but can sometimes drop out. But you didn’t come here for that kind of surfing.

The resort offers water sports and various activities on premises or elsewhere on the island. We took an island tour for a few hours with a hotel arranged driver. The island s quite small and so there is only so much to see. A 4 hour tour was just about right.

Gay Friendly Hotels Seychelles
Gay Friendly Hotels Seychelles

How much does a room costs at Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas ?

Prices start 246 $/night for AVANI Standard Room. The AVANI Ocean View Suite is 602$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples. Local Taxes will be added to the above price.

Boasting almost double the size of our rooms, a suite stay gives you all the extra space and upgraded amenities to really unwind. Hang out in the lounge and plan a great day over a hot cuppa. Ease into evenings on the ocean facing balcony, sipping drinks as the sun sets before heading out to dinner. If you’re indulging in a night in, a Jacuzzi bath makes relaxing totally blissful and 24 hour room service means you dine anytime.

Where to book online – Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas – Gay Friendly Hotels Seychellesyou can find the best hotels deals in Seychelles during Seychelles International Carnival  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Seychelles on Booking.com or  Trivago.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

2.  Hotel Eden Bleu Hotel 5* – LGBT Friendly Hotels Mahe Seychelles

Eden Bleu Hotel
Eden Bleu Hotel

Situated alongside the prestige marina of Eden Island and just 6 km away from Seychelles International Airport, Eden Bleu Hotel features an outdoor pool and modern conference and business facilities.

The rooms have contemporary décor and are equipped with ceiling fans, air-conditioning, safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The modern bathrooms are fitted with a shower, hair dryer and complimentary toiletries.

Breakfast and light meals can be enjoyed at Marlin Bleu Restaurant. The restaurant opens up onto a poolside terrace. Cocktails and drinks are offered at the Bourgeois Bar.

Eden Bleu Hotel has a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and state-of-the art conferencing facilities for up to 340 guests. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel and airport shuttles can be arranged.

In the heart of Seychelles, lies the Eden Bleu Hotel. This 88-room luxury hotel, boasts spacious and modern amenities as well as world class accommodation. Overlooking an international super yacht marina, with views of the ocean and mountains – the hotel also provides state for the art conference and business facilities. The ideal destination for both the business and leisure traveler looking for comfort and convenience.

 It’s an up market establishment that is chic, modern, island style with a lovely zen like interior located in the Eden Island marina. Everything works here-Showers are hot, beds are comfortable, rooms are a decent size, breakfast is delicious, and all the staff are very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. WiFi could have been faster ( it’s not fast on the island in general) but other than that I had no complaints.
The hotel has a good restaurant but is also located next to a nice marina side shopping complex that has other eateries and a lively Saturday night scene. I noticed a few airlines put their staff here which is a good sign.

If you are looking for a beach holiday/ romantic honeymoon resort on Mahe this probably isn’t the place for you but as a really good pre or after sailing accommodation.

It’s relatively new and in tip top condition. The room is superbly designed with walk in bathrooms seeing through the bed..,which in itself is quite comfortable. It meets most of the top elements of a savy polished, business traveller. It does not face a beach but faces the marina where luxury boats available for hire are docked.

The staff here are their greatest treasure- friendly polite and are very willing to serve. Please note it may not work well for the honeymooners, but with a beautiful pool overlooking the Mahe Island that is mostly covered in clouds, it may well be the beginning or ending point of a stay in Seychelles.

For shorts visits, nothing in Seychelles will be better. A worthy and highly recommended hotel for the business traveller and for short stay vacation.

The hotel is situated on Eden Island which is a newish man made Island that has lots of shops, restaurants, bars, a supermarket, a bank and pretty much everything else. The hotel is next to a marina and has pleasant views.We got a very basic room because it was only for one evening/night.It was clean and tidy but did not have much of a view which again was not an issue for us.

The location is perfect, near the airport and the capital Victoria in the center of Mahé island. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle to two of the most beautiful beaches in the island, Beau Vallon and Anse Royal, just in case you would miss not having the beach at the hotel. The infinity pool however, is excellent for relaxing an sunbathing while enjoying a drink and the view of the marina and the mountains. The best however would be the hotels staff, from the initial reservation, which was efficiently taylored to our needs by Ms. Vanessa.

To the immaculate diligence of the housekeeping in the room (even wishing you sweet dreams by leaving tasty chocolates boxes on top the pillows), the welcoming smiles of the restaurant and concierge staff and above all, the always attentive and engaged service of the reception team with Michael as a leading example of how to make you feel “at home, away from home”; made our Easter holiday a hit! We’ll definitely comeback 🙂

Gay Friendly Hotels Seychelles
Gay Friendly Hotels Seychelles

How much does a room costs at Eden Bleu Hotel ?

Prices start 405 $/night for  Double Standard. The Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
 i
s 632$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples. Local Taxes will be added to the above price.

This double room features a balcony, view and air conditioning.

Where to book online – Eden Bleu Hotel – Gay Friendly Hotels Seychellesyou can find the best hotels deals in Seychelles during Seychelles International Carnival  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Seychelles on Booking.com or  Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

 3.  Resort Raffles Seychelles 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels Seychelles

Raffles Seychelles
Raffles Seychelles

Closely located to one the world’s most beautiful beaches – Anse Lazio, Raffles Seychelles offers luxurious villas on the island of Praslin, easily accessible via a 15-minute flight from Mahe International Airport. It offers private plunge pools and 2 infinity pools.

Each with free WiFi access, the modern villas have open-air balconies overlooking the garden, the ocean, or the surrounding area. The spacious, air-conditioned villas have a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and also come with a minibar and a Nespresso coffee machine.

Facilities offered include a beauty salon, the Sugar Palm Kid’s Club, and 6 restaurants and lounges from fresh Mediterranean cuisine at Losean restaurant, a rooftop terrace and shisha lounge to private dinners on the beach.

Raffles Spa features private outdoor treatment rooms overlooking the serene blue ocean and tropical landscape.

From across the continents of Europe and Asia, the legend of Raffles now extends to the enchanting islands of the Seychelles, cradled at the heart of the Indian Ocean. Raffles Praslin Seychelles presents an all-villa Seychelles luxury resort nestled within the stunning island of Praslin that was once declared the rediscovered Garden of Eden. This Seychelles hotel seeks to present guests with an escape where warm native Seychellois hospitality is infused with the enchanting touch of Raffles.

Surrender to the sun-kissed allure of Anse Takamaka’s powdered sands, on to which spill the eighty-six spacious villas fashioned to assure lavish comfort. These private abodes offer a choice of whispering, opal-hued oceans and lush green hills. Be immersed in the relaxing therapies of the exclusive Raffles Spa, which coupled with the soothing embrace of unsullied nature, rejuvenate both body and spirit. Taste the distinguished flavours of the breezy Curieuse Seafood Restaurant, the local cuisine and Mediterranean delights of Losean or the light comfort food by the Pool Bar.

Beautiful resort and beach. The villa has an ocean view with Curieuse island right in front of us. We actually love our villa (and breakfast foods) in Raffles more than in Four Seasons Seychelles. It’s bright and we enjoy sunrise view every morning. Cleanliness is top notch. Outdoor shower has a full privacy. Love the herbs garden with lemongrass around (under the bar) that lead to the beach and tortoise garden.

The concierge arranged our trips accordingly even in the last minute. Resort location is very convenient to Anse Lazio beach and Vallée de mai. We took the boat to go to Curieuse island with friendly staff, Patrick and didn’t regret it. The driver who drove us around the island is very informative as he grew up in the island.

Lots of activities possible and are proposed by the hotel (we went for a snorkeling trip, visited to the Curieuse island, rented a car to visit the island and commuted back to Mahe via helicopter), everything was nice. Moreover, a lot of activities are offered free by the hotel (unlike other Hotels).
It is not very cheap, but it is not overly priced as well. Then again, you are staying at the Raffles!

The staff are extremely polite, professional and accommodating, without being overbearing. Daily activities are listed each preceding evening as part of the turndown service – ranging from kayaking, snorkeling, hikes, walks, bicycle tours, yoga, amongst many other things to keep all types of travellers engaged. The Raffles Spa is highly recommended to calm the spirits, the stunning vistas together with the competent staff are truly the signature touches in the entire luxurious experience at the Raffles.

The rooms are immaculately presented with at the facilities one would expect – our villa was luxuriously fitted out with an in-villa spa bath overlooking the ocean and the idyllic jungles of Praslin.

The dining facilities are second to none, as expected at a top venue carrying the Raffles flag. The two restaurants, the international themed Losean, elegantly set overlooking the sea, and pan-Asian inspired Curieuse, set in a low lit island-chic setting, both serve up world class dishes, with a twist of local Creole influence.

The villas are lovely, spotlessly clean worthwhile paying a little extra for panoramic views. beds comfortable, bathtub views magical, daybed great but would be better with oversized cushions.

We’ve been in many luxury resorts around the world, including Banyan tree, Anassa, mandarin oriental, hilton and other boutique hotels. You can see how much money is invested the properties and Raffles is no different. You can see it in the details and specifically in Raffles when there is extra little things like cool flip flops in the room, fresh delicious in the room, etc. BUT where Raffles in Seychelles really stand out is with the People and Service. They have excellent team in the reception, spa, restaurants, pool, kids club, beach and house keeping.

The beach and pool areas are very well kept and service is great. There is a nice snorkelling spot right in front of the hotel and while it’s not amazing it’s still a beautiful spot to see lots of fish and sealife completely effortless at your doorstep.

The Pool Villas are decent size (60-70m2), a large Master Bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower, private patio with 2 sun beds and feature great views. The plunge pool is half size than other Luxury International Chain in Seychelles (Felicite and Petite Anse). Restaurant options are great, especially for Asian clientele with a choice of Pan Asian delicacies (Indian, Thai. Indonesian dishes), and they have lots of experience and trained employees. The breakfast experience is to die for, has so many options that suits couples.

Gay Friendly Hotels Seychelles
Gay Friendly Hotels Seychelles

How much does a room costs at Resort Raffles Seychelles  ?

Prices start 950 $/night for Villa with Garden View King Bed. The One-bedroom Garden View Villa is 1500$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples. Local Taxes will be added to the above price.

With garden views, this villa features a separate bedroom with an en suite bathroom. It also offers living area and an outdoor pavilion with an open-air balcony, a dining area, a private pool. This includes the services of a private butler.

Where to book online – Resort Raffles Seychelles – Gay Friendly Hotels Seychellesyou can find the best hotels deals in Seychelles during Seychelles International Carnival  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Seychelles on Booking.com or  Expedia.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

by Sorin

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.