Denis Private Island

Denis is a coral island of around 150 hectares sitting on the edge of the Seychelles plateau, roughly 30 minutes by light aircraft north of Mahe. Twenty-two cottages sit just back from the beach, each with direct sand access and a private outdoor area, and that is the extent of the development.

What distinguishes it is how much of the island is productive. There is a working farm supplying the kitchen with vegetables, eggs, pork and dairy, and the fishing boats bring in most of what is served. Native forest has been replanted and endemic birds including the Seychelles paradise flycatcher and magpie robin have been reintroduced, so the island doubles as a small nature reserve.

The drop-off close to shore makes for excellent deep-sea and fly fishing, and the diving is good. The style is comfortable and unpretentious rather than glossy - think barefoot and quiet rather than marble and butlers. Green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches.