Honeymoons & proposals
Picking the right island is only step one. For honeymoons, anniversaries and proposals, knowing how to talk to the resort — what is free, what costs extra, and roughly what it costs — avoids a few traps.
Say it is a special occasion when booking
For honeymoons, anniversaries and proposals, tell the resort when booking or checking in; most add a small touch for free — petals, a cake, sparkling wine — as routine, without needing to plead.
Free honeymoon perks usually need a marriage certificate
To get free perks such as room decoration or a cake, many resorts ask for a recent marriage certificate (the time window is the resort’s own rule). Bring a copy or digital version and email one to the resort before you travel.
Check the rules early if you want a legal wedding in Seychelles
Seychelles is a popular island wedding destination, but a legally binding wedding has specific requirements on days of stay, documents and translations or notarisation, and the rules change. When unsure, ask the resort’s wedding planner or the official authorities rather than relying on old online experience. If you only want the ceremony, a non-legal beach ceremony is also possible.
Ask early about proposal packages
Candlelit beach dinners, setups on a private beach or granite cove, and sand messages are usually paid extras. Private-island resorts arrange proposals and honeymoons all year and are more experienced than large resorts; email ahead to confirm what is included, the total price, and whether tax and service charge are in.
Taxes and service charges on top of the quote
Some custom-service quotes include tax and some add it, so ask directly whether a price includes tax and service charge; all-inclusive packages often bundle some setups and dinners, which can be easier than paying item by item.
For a surprise, do not use a shared inbox
If you are planning a proposal alone, use your own email for all resort correspondence and do not copy your partner. On arrival, go straight to guest relations or your butler separately and confirm time and place.
Photography is mostly not in the room rate
A resort’s own photographer usually charges separately, by the hour or by package. Outside photographers can rarely reach outer and private islands, so it is mostly the resort’s photographer or your own selfies.
Outdoor setups depend on the weather, especially December–March
Beach dinners and sandbank picnics depend on sea and rain. December–March, the northwest monsoon, has more showers, and May–October, the trade-wind season, is windier with big waves on some beaches; ask what happens in rain or wind — most resorts move to an indoor restaurant or a terrace.
Be careful with “proposal planners” found on social platforms
Book custom services through the resort itself or a licensed travel agent, use a traceable payment method, and avoid bare personal transfers.
Two signals for more privacy
Private islands that score high on privacy and host only a few guests have a natural edge over resorts with hundreds of rooms; adults-only status and distance from the nearest busy beach are clear signals too.
La Digue cycling plus a private island is a classic honeymoon combo
Many couples split the trip: first cycling La Digue and visiting granite beaches such as Anse Source d’Argent, then a few quiet nights on a private island. The combination adds ferries or light planes, so leave transfer days in the plan.
Roughly what custom experiences cost
- Room decoration (petals, cake, flowers)
- Often part of the honeymoon perk; extra purchases per the resort’s quote
- Beach / private-cove candlelit dinner (3–4 courses)
- Priced for two, per resort quote, usually pricey
- Couples’ spa (60–90 minutes)
- Priced for two, per resort quote
- Resort photographer (1 hour + editing)
- Priced by the hour or package, per resort quote
- Full proposal package (setup + dinner + photography)
- Per resort quote, dearer in peak season
- Beach ceremony (not legally binding)
- Per resort quote
Mostly free with a marriage certificate; usually included in private-island all-inclusive packages.
Includes a dedicated server and setup; a private-chef menu costs more, and private-island resorts run these all year with more experience.
Some honeymoon packages include one; book slots ahead in peak season.
On remote private islands outside photographers can rarely visit, so it is basically the resort’s own.
The more elaborate, the earlier to book; confirm inclusions, total price and whether tax and service are in.
A ceremony experience only, bookable alone or with a proposal or honeymoon; a legal wedding needs its own rules checked.
These are common industry ranges, not any one island’s quote. Ultra-luxury islands and peak season run higher, and quotes usually have a service charge and local taxes on top. Most experiences need 2 to 12 weeks’ notice — the grander it is, the earlier you book.
Islands in our set for honeymoons & proposals
A few from the resorts we cover that score high on privacy and are marked suitable for the occasion.
North Island Seychelles
A private island with just 11 pool villas, famous as the Prince William and Catherine honeymoon spot; all-inclusive with a butler per villa and no set menus, the most private in our library. Very high budget, and helicopter transfers depend on weather.
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island
50 pool villas opened in 2024 on an outer island about 130 km south of Mahé, around 20 minutes by small plane; very private yet with a dive centre and spa, good for a honeymoon on a brand-new luxury island.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon
30 hillside pool villas on Félicité Island off La Digue, ringed by granite boulders and fringing reef, with turtles to swim alongside; Tripadvisor location score 4.9. Getting there takes several transfers, the hillside needs buggies, and a few guests found food and service below expectations.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island
71 rooms, each with a private pool, on the outer island of Desroches, with its own airstrip about 35 minutes from Mahé; long white beaches and coconut palms, and guests say it feels like having the whole island. Common for both honeymoons and families.
Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas
30 cliff and beachfront pool villas, all with butlers, in the hidden Anse Louis cove on Mahé's southwest, about 30 minutes by road from the airport with no boat or domestic flight; the most private choice if you want to stay on the main island. Few activities, mostly spa and quiet.
Match islands by occasion
Mention the occasion in your search (honeymoon / anniversary / proposal) and we prioritise islands marked suitable for it, with the reason.
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