The Wanderer Chapter 5: Earth Day & the Seychelles

World Earth Day is 22nd April, and it means many things. It’s about saving energy, protecting biodiversity, and reducing waste. But more than anything, it’s about taking meaningful action for nature – wherever we are in the world.

So for this week’s Wanderer, I’d like to focus on a place that might at first seem at odds with the spirit of Earth Day: a Waldorf Astoria resort in the Seychelles. I know what you might be thinking: 5,000 miles on a long-haul flight doesn’t scream sustainability. And you’re right – travel isn’t inherently eco-friendly. But small steps, especially when taken by the right people in the right places, can add up to something far greater.

Caring for the planet doesn’t mean sacrificing exploring the world – it just means being a little more thoughtful about how we do it.

Sustainability in the Seychelles

At home, sustainability is recycling, limiting food waste, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. But in the world of luxury travel, the stakes - and the opportunities - are higher. It means rethinking how resorts are built, preserving wildlife habitats rather than disrupting them. It means planting kitchen gardens on-site, where ingredients travel metres – not miles. It means solar panels instead of fossil fuels, and desalination systems that turn ocean water into drinking water without straining local supplies.

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is a shining example of this mindset in action. From the moment you arrive, you can see the difference. It’s a resort that blends beautifully into its surroundings while actively supporting them. And somehow, it manages to do all of that while delivering the decadence the Waldorf name is known for.

All-Inclusive Couples Escape

'Winter blues' will be virtually non-existent after an end-of-year stay in a beautiful Hawksbill Villa. Indoors, it's a king size bed encircled by pure white canopy and a plush living room, but outdoors is the best. You'll find an outdoor shower, a private deck that leads to your own pool, and a lush, secluded garden. 

Nature First, Always

This island is just 0.5 square miles in size, sat in the crater of a prehistoric volcano and surrounded by a thriving lagoon, making it one of the best snorkelling spots in the world. Originally a coconut plantation, it has been reborn as a sanctuary where conservation leads the way. Every element - from the placement of the 50 villas to the replanting of octopus bushes - has been shaped by environmental insight, allowing wildlife to flourish, uninterrupted. Think turtles nesting, juvenile sharks gliding through clear waters, and giant tortoises roaming freely under the palms.

Family Summer on Platte Island

August is an ideal time to spot the island's wildlife with little ones. Join early-morning turtle patrols to see them nesting, or snorkel with older children in the shallow reefs to encounter baby reef sharks and stingrays. When afternoon rolls around, spend time playing in your private pool or joining in on beach scavenger hunts with the kids' club.

Luxury with a Light Touch

This is a Waldorf Astoria, so there’s no shortage of comfort. Villas are palatial, pools are private, the airstrip makes arrival effortless, and dining is something to savour. But even the decadence is purposeful. The menu at Maison des Epices showcases local seafood, caramelised octopus included, while Moulin’s kitchen garden provides the freshest herbs and vegetables. Architecture is inspired by nature too – villa rooftops curve like turtle shells, blending into the landscape. It's a kind of luxury that never tries too hard, one that lets the setting do the talking.

Book Ahead & Save

Your mind might not immediately go to the Seychelles for the summer, but clear blue skies, warm sunshine, and highs of 29°c make June an idyllic time to visit. King Deluxe Rooms on Platte Island come with the same floor to ceiling windows seen across the resort - the kind that bring the outdoors in, while also offering a soothing sanctuary to unwind in. Contact our team to book today.

Once-in-a-Lifetime, Every Day

Moments on Platte Island feel rare, but they’re actually part of daily life. When turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests and begin their dash to the ocean, guests are quietly invited to witness it all. Guided by the island’s environmental team, these experiences aren’t curated - this is nature after all - they’re simply shared. Days drift by with snorkelling trips led by the on-site marine biologist, time spent under the shade of swaying palms, or sundowners at Lalin Bar. 

At night, when the stars appear in skies untouched by city lights, it’s clear: this is modern travel at its most meaningful – unfiltered, unspoiled, and undeniably special.

The Wild Luxury of Platte Island

Some places don’t just look different, they feel different too. Platte Island is one of those rare finds: a coral speck in the Seychelles where turtles outnumber people and luxury comes with a much lighter footprint.

I loved putting this edition of The Wanderer together, and my latest blog post goes into a bit more depth – a story of quiet beauty, careful conservation, and the kind of travel that leaves the world better than it found it. If you're craving escape this Easter Sunday, this is one to read.

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