La Cigale Estate: Private Luxury and Untamed Beauty in Seychelles

A glimpse at paradise

Once on Praslin, a scenic drive through dense jungle and alongside pristine beaches brings you to the estate. La Cigale sits on 4.5 acres of private land, bordered by the white sands of Côte d’Or Beach and the kind of tropical gardens that botanists dream about. As you approach, the colonial-style mansion comes into view—elegant and sprawling, with wraparound verandas, a white façade that catches the light just so and the quiet confidence of a place that knows exactly how impressive it is.

La Cigale Estate doesn’t do half-measures, and that’s clear the moment you walk in. The interior is as grand as the exterior suggests, with high ceilings, wooden beams and an airy layout that lets in the kind of natural light interior designers would kill for. It’s the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern luxury, where handcrafted furniture meets carefully curated artwork, and where every corner feels designed for a moment of effortless relaxation.

The living spaces are expansive, but never overwhelming. There’s an inviting lounge area that seems tailor-made for evening cocktails, a sunlit dining space where meals are an event in themselves, and multiple terraces that invite you to sit down, breathe in the sea air and quietly accept that you’ll never want to leave.

Then there’s the entertainment factor. La Cigale has a state-of-the-art private cinema, if you care to bring yourself away from the jaw-dropping views around every corner of the estate. There’s also a basement cocktail bar—yes, just for you—complete with a pool table, making it the ideal place for late-night gatherings that may or may not get competitive. Wine lovers will appreciate the walk-in wine cellar, which is stocked with an expertly curated selection, because sipping an aged Bordeaux while staring at the Indian Ocean just feels like the right thing to do (and, as it turns out, it is).

For book lovers, the estate features a dreamy library, filled with a collection of international bestsellers, travel literature and classic works. Whether you want to curl up with a novel in the reading nook or enjoy a coffee on the veranda while flipping through a photography book on the Seychelles, there’s something for every literary taste.

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Sleep in style in the suites

La Cigale doesn’t just offer a place to sleep—it offers an entire experience, wrapped in luxury linens and framed by breathtaking views. The main villa houses five en-suite bedrooms, all of which have terrace access and views that will make your photo album recipients weep with envy. The master suite is particularly special, with its own private living area—because sometimes, even in paradise, you need a little extra space to stretch out.

Beyond the main villa, there are four additional garden pool suites, each offering a more secluded retreat. These suites feature their own living areas, both indoor and outdoor bathrooms (because one shower just isn’t enough when you’re living this well), and private plunge pools. It’s the kind of setup where you wake up, take three steps, and find yourself floating in your own pool before breakfast. Not a bad way to start the day.

Each suite is designed with natural materials, soft neutral tones and a subtle nod to Creole architecture, making the interiors feel both luxurious and deeply connected to the surrounding environment. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that nature is always the backdrop, and the open-plan layout enhances the sense of space and relaxation.

Dining: A Personalized Culinary Experience

Dining at La Cigale isn’t about choosing from a menu—it’s about crafting the perfect meal just for you. A private chef is on hand to prepare meals tailored to your preferences, using fresh local ingredients and a mix of Seychellois and international influences. Whether you’re craving a seafood feast featuring the catch of the day, a slow-cooked Creole dish or something entirely unique, it’s all possible.

And then there’s the setting. Meals can be enjoyed indoors in the elegant dining space, out on the veranda overlooking the gardens, or even as a private beachside dinner under the stars. There’s no wrong choice here—only varying levels of incredible.

For guests who want to explore the flavors of the Seychelles more deeply, cooking classes with the estate’s chef can be arranged. Learn how to prepare traditional Creole dishes, discover the secrets of Seychellois spice blends and master the art of making fresh tropical fruit desserts. It’s an immersive experience that lets you take a piece of the Seychelles home with you—literally.

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Paradise should feel good

Luxury and relaxation go hand in hand at La Cigale, which is why the estate offers a range of wellness experiences designed to keep both body and mind in peak vacation mode. A fully equipped gym is available 24/7 for those who want to keep up with their fitness routine (or just want to balance out all those gourmet meals). Tennis enthusiasts will enjoy the courts with a view. There are also unlimited yoga, Pilates, and meditation sessions available, because nothing complements an ocean view quite like a deep stretch and some mindful breathing.

For those who prefer their relaxation in the form of a spa treatment, in-villa massages can be arranged. A skilled therapist, a gentle sea breeze and the kind of deep tissue work that erases every last ounce of stress? It’s a reset button for both body and soul.

The Seychelles, aka The Galápagos of Africa

The Seychelles isn’t just another tropical destination—it’s one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It’s home to rare wildlife, stunning coral reefs, and landscapes so untouched they feel almost prehistoric. And staying at La Cigale means you’re perfectly positioned to explore it all.

Just a short drive away is Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few places on the planet where the rare coco de mer palm grows naturally. Walking through this primeval forest feels like stepping into another era—giant palms tower above, rare black parrots dart through the trees, and the air hums with life. It’s no wonder early explorers thought this place might be the original Garden of Eden.

Then there’s the water. The Seychelles is a paradise for snorkelers and divers, with crystal-clear waters teeming with over 900 species of fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. Some of the best snorkeling spots, like Île Saint-Pierre, are just a boat ride away. And if you’re into diving, you can explore everything from shallow coral gardens to dramatic underwater cliffs and caves.

For guests who want a more exclusive adventure, private yacht charters and helicopter tours can be arranged, allowing you to sail to hidden coves, uninhabited islands, and some of the best-kept secrets of the archipelago. Whether you want a full-day excursion with a gourmet lunch on board or a sunset cruise with champagne in hand, the options are limitless.

Conservation is also a major focus in the Seychelles, with various marine and wildlife preservation programs actively working to protect the islands’ fragile ecosystems. Guests can visit conservation centers to learn about the protection of endangered species like the Aldabra giant tortoise or even take part in turtle-watching excursions during nesting season. These initiatives ensure that the natural beauty of the Seychelles remains unspoiled for generations to come.

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La Cigale Estate is a private world unto itself, where luxury meets untouched nature in a way that feels both indulgent and effortless. From the grand colonial-style architecture to the personalized dining, from the spa treatments to the outdoor adventures, every detail is designed to make your stay as unforgettable as the landscape itself.

Whether you’re here to explore, relax, or do a little bit of both, one thing is certain: leaving is going to be the hardest part.