Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort & Spa

Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie is one of the most luxurious properties on the island. It's tucked into lush tropical gardens, with the restaurants and bars located by the ocean and villas arranged up a steep hill. The vibe is private, serene, and restorative, with local Seychellois architecture and plenty of organic elements brought into the decor. The lobby is housed in a huge pavilion with open sides, rock and driftwood sculptures, and a fountain in the center. Around the edges, there are elegant -- but comfortable -- couches for relaxing, socializing, or listening to the local birds. The spa features plenty of warm wood, stone, and walls of windows, and it's nestled among huge granite rocks, with walkways and steps that have been paved with smaller pebbles. Even the sinks have been carved out of large pieces of wood. Walls are hung with modern art and large nature photographs. Guests are overwhelmingly couples on a romantic getaway, which gives the property a more adult atmosphere. 

Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie is located on a small beach in La Passe, the port and main village area of La Digue. The resort is a five minute walk from the inter-island ferry, and guests without mobility issues (or piles of luggage) can easily avoid the expense of being picked up on arrival. Despite being close to town, Le Domaine feels secluded thanks to its tropical gardens and the placement of its villas, stretch up a steep hill. The hotel provides free bikes to guests, and they're the best way to see the island, which covers only nine square miles (fifteen square kilometers). Le Domaine’s beach is not great for avid swimmers, but Anse Severe Beach is two minutes’ walk; Anse Patate Beach is a twelve minute walk, and there are plenty of other beach options nearly as close. Within a fifteen minute walk of Le Domaine, there's a nature reserve that is great for hiking and wandering.

Le Domaine De L’Orangeraie is made up of villas in five levels of luxury. All are spotlessly clean and spacious, with huge, furnished private balconies. Some villas are treehouse-style, sitting on stilts and surrounded by trees and gardens. Many have kitchens, and most have showers only, although whirlpool tubs are offered in a select few. The showers, and the bathrooms, in general, are stunning and romantic, built with wood and river stones; many showers are built outdoors, surrounded by high fencing, for the jungle-luxe experience of bathing alfresco. Garden Suite Residences have ceilings dotted with star lights, pocket doors, live bamboo plants, cool lighting, and elegant, minimalist furniture. Villas de Charme are A-frames with romantic canopy beds and oversized artwork, very stylish and sexy. Amenities include nightly turndown service, air-conditioning, minibars, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and laptop safes.

The private white-sand beach is small and sheltered, and while it's nice for relaxing, there are a number of world-class beaches within a short bike ride away. Guests can also take a dip in the enormous lagoon-style pool, with lovely landscaping, and a poolside bar that extends into the water. The couches and sun beds that surround the pool are modern and stylish, and the decking is weathered, and surrounded by river rocks. The sophisticated pool bar serves juices and cocktails, and there's even a private seating area for two in the center of a fountain.

Le Restaurant Combava serves local Creole cuisine on a roof terrace, where guests (and locals) can take in ocean views. Combava is sophisticated but retains the island’s sensibility, with a stone floor and a huge central ceiling sculpture that looks like organic blown glass. Le Restaurant Santosha serves a buffet featuring Creole and international items, and nightly themed dinners. The decor is playful, with a sandy floor and river rock accents. Kids' menus are available, and special dietary requests can be accommodated. 

The Eden Rock Wellness Centre and Spa is luxurious and offers a wide variety of body and beauty treatments along with a Turkish bath and a sauna. Le Domaine offers free bikes for guests to travel the island, although there's also free parking for those who drive to the resort. Le Safran Vert is the resort’s gift shop, stocked with local fine art, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs.