Fresh back from her dream honeymoon in the Seychelles, our very own Katie Owen sat down with us to share her experience of staying on the idyllic Denis Private Island. Known for its untouched natural beauty, exceptional service and wonderfully secluded atmosphere, the island proved to be the perfect romantic escape.
We asked Katie all about her stay, from the highlights of island life to the special moments that made her honeymoon truly unforgettable.
First impression of Denis Island?
The first impression of Denis, coming in to land from your exclusive flight over to the island is incredible, you go from flying over incredible blue sea and coral islands to having Denis in sight, with it’s hard to miss landing strip surrounded by jungle and beautiful waters and it starts your trip off so right, super impressive!
What makes it so special?
How wild and untouched it all feels, the journey in on the plane, the unmanicured foliage, the luxury but not uber polished nature of the accommodation, the bikes around the island that takes you through staff villages and a working farm, eating dinner in a different location every night, a really back to nature experience that compliments the wild of a safari that was still incredibly luxurious too.
Can you describe the vibe in three words?
Romantic, escapist, natural luxury
Favourite part of the island?
A corner of beach tucked under palms trees on the edge of the landing strip, where you can sit in Adirondack chairs dipping in and out of the sea, snorkeling and watching the arrival of the days flight come in at what feels like true touching distance away and the same again on their departure.
Beach or pool?
The beaches were beautiful but the pool area had a really lovely feel, small but mighty with great uninterrupted sea views and only a stones throw from the main building to create a bit of a buzz, plus you cycle there and there isn’t anything better than cycling for a morning by the pool, it really gave such tropical island feels.
Best meal you had?
Creole night, a huge spread of traditional Seychellois dishes in a remote beach pavilion only used for this night with great music atmosphere and a chance to really taste the food of such a small nation which you are unlikely to get anywhere outside the country
Did it feel romantic?
Absolutely. Despite being a small island, Denis Private Island felt wonderfully private and intimate. Guests tended to keep to themselves, creating a peaceful and secluded atmosphere that was perfect for a honeymoon. Surrounded by lush tropical scenery, pristine beaches and the sound of the ocean, it felt incredibly romantic and offered the ideal setting to relax and enjoy quality time together.
Best time of day on the island?
Without a doubt, sunset was the most magical time of day on the island. With nothing but open ocean stretching to the horizon, it felt as though the sun was melting directly into the sea, creating a breathtaking display of colour across the sky. The island’s bar is perfectly positioned for sundowners, making it the ideal spot to sit back with a drink in hand and watch nature put on its nightly show. It was one of the most romantic moments of each day and a highlight of our stay.
What wildlife did you see?
One of the unique aspects of Denis Private Island is its natural and unspoilt environment. During our stay, we regularly spotted the island’s famous giant tortoises, as well as a variety of birdlife around the island. Denis is also home to a working farm, so it was lovely to see farm animals roaming in certain areas, adding to the island’s charming and authentic feel. While Denis isn’t a destination focused on large amounts of terrestrial wildlife, its appeal lies in its peaceful nature, conservation efforts and the opportunity to connect with the island’s beautiful surroundings.
How remote does it feel in comparison to other island destinations you’ve visited?
It feels like one of the most remote places I have ever visited, you can’t see anything on the horizon for miles, plus so much of the island itself is untouched which all comes together to feel like a total desert island and a very castaway experience.
Who would love Denis Island? Who is it perfect for?
Denis Private Island is perfect for travellers seeking a different kind of luxury, one that is centred around experience, authenticity and a genuine connection with nature. While it offers all the comforts and service you would expect from a high-end island retreat, the atmosphere feels more raw, exclusive and untouched than many traditional luxury resorts.
It’s an especially wonderful choice for honeymooners and couples celebrating a special occasion, as the island’s intimate setting creates a truly romantic escape. Denis also pairs beautifully with an African safari, offering a complete contrast while maintaining that sense of adventure and discovery.
More than anything, Denis is for those who want to be captivated by the overall experience, the pristine surroundings, the wildlife, the seclusion and the feeling of being somewhere truly special. Guests should embrace a slower pace of life and appreciate a peaceful, understated atmosphere, as this is very much a destination where tranquillity and exclusivity take centre stage.
Were you aware of the conservation side of life at Denis?
Yes, the island’s commitment to conservation was one of the reasons I chose Denis Private Island in the first place. I had researched its sustainability initiatives before travelling, but what impressed me most was how naturally these values are woven into the guest experience.
Throughout the stay, guests are introduced to the island’s conservation efforts through information provided in their villa, as well as through everyday experiences around the island. From the working farm and locally sourced ingredients featured on the menus to the wider environmental initiatives, it is clear that sustainability plays an important role in island life. Rather than feeling like a separate project, conservation is simply part of what makes Denis such a special and authentic destination.
Could you snorkel straight off the beach?
Yes, you can snorkel straight from the beach, which is a real highlight of staying on Denis Private Island. The reef is home to a wonderful variety of colourful tropical fish, making it easy to enjoy relaxed snorkelling whenever you wish. One of the most exciting aspects is the possibility of encountering sea turtles, which adds an extra element of magic to every swim. While the snorkelling experience is different from destinations such as the Maldives, it offers a more natural and tranquil way to explore the island’s marine life right from the shore.
Did it feel more luxury or nature-led?
Denis Private Island feels very much nature-led, with luxury thoughtfully woven into the experience. The villas are beautiful, the food is excellent, and the service from the staff is exceptional, but the island’s greatest luxury is its untouched natural environment.
From the moment you arrive, you’re immersed in lush tropical vegetation, abundant wildlife and a genuine sense of being close to nature. Unlike some ultra-polished luxury resorts, Denis embraces its wild and authentic character. Guests can expect a true tropical island experience, complete with the sights and sounds of nature all around them. Features such as mosquito nets, open-air elements and the dense vegetation serve as reminders that you’re staying on a real, living island rather than in a manufactured resort environment.
For me, this balance is exactly what makes Denis so special. It’s a destination where luxury doesn’t overshadow nature but instead complements it, creating an experience that feels both exclusive and wonderfully authentic.
Dicover Denis Islands, Seychelles
Call: 01494 678400
