Denis

The island is named after the French navigator Denis de Trobriand, who called here in 1773. From the middle of the 19th century copra, the dried flesh of the coconut, was produced here, and for a long time the island remained a plantation. Denis has welcomed guests since 1975. A lighthouse and a few historic buildings have survived from the days of the coconut plantation. Around 50 islanders live in the former planters' settlement, and they also raise livestock and grow vegetables. Both are used mainly in the kitchen of the island lodge.

You can only reach Denis by air. The scheduled flight departs from the Zil Air terminal next to Mahé International Airport, a few minutes by car from the main airport. The lodge books your return flight from the island automatically along with your room. If you are coming from Praslin, you can ask the resort about a charter. For general information on flights between the islands, see Domestic flights.

On request, charter flights by plane or helicopter are available daily. The resort quotes prices individually, and they are considerably higher than the scheduled fare.

Denis is a private island and day trips are not offered. You can only visit as a guest of the lodge. If you would like a day on a neighbouring island, you will find alternatives under Islands of the Seychelles, for example Silhouette or Sainte Anne. Plan at least two to three nights on Denis, because the flight days determine the length of your stay.

From the airstrip, the lodge takes you through the woods to the main house. After that everything is done on foot or by bicycle, which guests can use at no extra charge. The island is so small that you can cycle around it in about an hour and a half, and according to guest reports a circuit is around 4.5 km. You won't need a car.

Right in front of the bungalows stretch lovely swimming beaches of fine white sand. All the accommodation is only a few steps from the beach. The lagoon, sheltered by the reef, is good for swimming. You can borrow snorkelling gear and kayaks. While snorkelling you will come across reef fish, rays and often turtles too.

On the open sea, beyond the protection of the reef, waves and currents are stronger. Guests report that the kayaking range is limited because of the current. Ask the staff where it is safe to paddle and swim. The sea is generally calmer in the transitional months around April/May and October/November (see Climate & Weather and best time to travel). You will find more beaches in the region under Dream beaches.

Hawksbill and green turtles lay their eggs on the protected beaches. The lodge monitors the nests, tags the animals and analyses the data. Giant tortoises also live on the island, in an enclosure near the accommodation. In 2004 Seychelles fodies from Frégate and Seychelles warblers from Cousin were introduced here, and the island is also home to Seychelles magpie-robins and Seychelles paradise flycatchers. By arrangement there are guided nature walks, usually including a visit to the small farm. The island and lodge produce their own food and part of their electricity. For background, see Flora and fauna and Nature and conservation.

Reminders of the plantation era include the lighthouse on a metal frame, the old village centre, a small chapel and the island cemetery. You can reach everything on short walks. The grounds belong to the private island, so please follow the lodge's instructions.

The island lodge Denis Private Island has 23 comfortably furnished chalets and two very spacious villas. Depending on the source, the total varies between 23 and 25 units, so ask when you book. You can see suitable offers under Accommodation on Denis, and general advice under Hotel booking.

The lodge is the only accommodation on the island and runs the restaurant. A large part of the ingredients comes from the island's farm, garden and livestock, along with fresh fish. For an overview of restaurants in the region, see Restaurants on Denis. More tips for Mahé and Praslin can be found under Restaurant recommendations.

On land you can go for walks, play tennis or simply sunbathe, and on the water you can go kayaking or windsurfing. According to guests, the tennis court is due to be renovated, so ask beforehand. The PADI dive school on the island offers dive trips as well as lessons for beginners and advanced divers. The reef slopes away gradually, and reports say dives between 5 and 35 m are possible at about nine sites (see Diving & Snorkelling). Denis is also an ideal starting point for deep-sea fishing trips, mostly on a catch and release basis. At the edge of the island the sea floor drops to a depth of around 2000 m. For fishing tips, see Fishing in the Seychelles. A spa with massage pavilions and a library are also part of the lodge, with more under Spa & Massage.

Money and shopping: There is no bank and there are no public shops on Denis, only the lodge's small boutique. Find out before you travel how extras such as dives or excursions are paid for, and read Money & Banks.

Health: Medical help on site is limited to what an island accommodation can offer. In serious cases you are flown to Mahé. Bring any personal medication with you and take out travel insurance that covers repatriation. You will find emergency numbers and clinics under Hospitals, Clinics & Emergency Numbers.

Staying in touch: According to reports, the mobile network is barely usable. More on Phone & Internet in the Seychelles. For general preparation, see the travel checklist and the page on luggage.