Hilton Seychelles: Putting This Island Paradise On The Global Traveler’s Map

With six hotels across five brands, including the recently opened Waldorf Astoria Platte Island (February 2024) and Canopy by Hilton Seychelles (March 2025), Hilton is at the forefront of delivering authentic, sustainable, and immersive experiences.

Under the leadership of Hendrick Calles, Cluster General Manager for Mango House Seychelles and Canopy by Hilton Seychelles, Hilton is transforming the hospitality landscape in the island nation. At the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, OneArabia sat down with Calles to decode what makes a global brand locally and universally appealing.

Canopy by Hilton Seychelles, located on Anse à la Mouche beach, is Hilton's first resort-style Canopy, distinct from its urban counterparts like Dubai. Opened in March 2024 with 120 locally inspired rooms, it features contemporary design with bright colors, red and blue accents reflecting Seychelles' sunsets and turquoise waters, and artwork by local artists adorning the lobby.

The resort added 29 residences in 2024, enhancing its appeal for extended stays. Calles specifically points out to its standout dining venue, Tiger Bite, led by Malaysian Chef Irma Rahman, which offers elevated Southeast Asian street food—think prawn bomba, tempura, dumplings, gyozas, and spicy rice balls — drawing flavors from Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia.

Waldorf Astoria Platte Island, a 5-star property opened in February 2024, is a game-changer. Located 20 minutes from Mahé on a former coconut plantation, it features 59 seafront villas with private pools, six restaurants, a spa, kids' club, and a marine conservation discovery center. Its natural setting has earned accolades for offering a "truly unique" experience, setting a new benchmark for luxury in Seychelles.

Calles says that the appeal of Seychelles' 115 islands — coralline and volcanic — offer diverse experiences, making it a trans-generational destination. "Honeymooners, couples celebrating 50 years, families with kids, groups of friends, or corporate incentive trips — Seychelles has it all," Calles says.

What makes Canopy by Hilton so special? Well, the hotel is for the discerning families and explorers with its kids' club, pool, and non-motorized water sports. Waldorf Astoria caters to discerning guests craving exclusivity. Activities like hiking (30 minutes to 4 hours), scuba diving, half-submarine tours for kids, and UNESCO-recognised Moutya dance performances ensure broad appeal. Seychelles' world-class beaches and service, combined with Hilton's curated offerings, attract a global audience seeking authentic, immersive experiences.

"Staying on the main island is slightly more affordable, making it easier to explore Seychelles while combining your trip with historical tours, distillery visits, island-hopping adventures, sanctuaries, and activities perfect for families. That’s exactly what we’ve done over the past few years.

"We introduced new brands and welcomed new guests, putting the hotel firmly on the map. On the map of diverse traveler segments seeking fresh, immersive experiences—ones that are not only exciting but also authentic and deeply meaningful."

Seychelles is booming as a tourism hotspot, Calles calls out, driven by its pristine nature and Hilton's strategic expansion. The addition of Waldorf Astoria and Canopy, plus Canopy's residences, has put Seychelles "on the map for new customer groups," Calles notes.

Travelers today seek more than luxury; they crave off-the-beaten-path experiences with character. Seychelles delivers with its vibrant culture, history-driven excursions, and unique activities like meeting local artists or exploring sanctuaries.

Hilton's 1,100 team members, 70% of whom are Seychellois, enhance authenticity while boosting the local economy. Hilton's commitment to sustainability is evident across its Seychelles properties, aligning with the government's environmental goals. Two standout guest experiences highlight this as Calles points out:

— Coral Protection and Restoration: In partnership with the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, Hilton invites guests to scuba dive and actively participate in coral restoration. "It's not just a unique experience—you leave a positive footprint," Calles says. This initiative educates guests and supports Seychelles' delicate marine ecosystems.

— Zero-Mile Dining at Moulin: At Waldorf Astoria Platte Island, Chef Gaby's Moulin restaurant offers a "soul-to-soul" farm-to-table experience. Everything on the menu is grown on-site, teaching guests about seasonality and sustainable harvesting. "It's transformative, respecting the land and eliminating additives," Calles explains.

With the legacy brand in place, over the next two years, Canopy by Hilton Seychelles will focus on environmental and community-driven projects:

— Mangrove and Coastal Protection: The resort is committed to preserving its surrounding mangroves and protecting coastal land from erosion, safeguarding local fauna and flora. This ensures the ecosystem remains a draw for eco-conscious travelers.

— Destination Development: In collaboration with owners, Hilton is transforming southern Mahé into a vibrant "village" with new infrastructure—sidewalks, roads, roundabouts, banks, and services. This enhances the area for locals and tourists, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth while maintaining Seychelles' authenticity.

These initiatives aim to make Canopy a "destination within a destination," balancing tourism growth with environmental stewardship. Hilton will continue partnering with authorities to drive responsible tourism, ensuring travelers experience Seychelles' pristine beauty without compromising its future.

Why Visit Seychelles? Calles sums it up in five words: "Authentic, friendly, pristine, responsible, fun." Seychelles offers curated, soulful experiences — whether diving to restore coral, dining on zero-mile cuisine, or dancing to Moutya — that leave lasting memories.