La Belle Tortue Lodge & Restaurant

When you first arrive you are met on the harbour by the most genuine and kind hotel manager in person, quickly escorting you away from the larger group of guests belonging to the tourist hotel at the other end of the coast, and transported to the closest thing to paradise a couple could get. A place feeling like nothing we have experienced before, both culinary and location wise. The atmosphere is nothing less than that of the best five stars hotels (even better than some) we have been to, greatly helped by the most excellent and discrete staff imaginable. Being available all day serving you culinary threats off the highest shelves, from á la carte breakfast with local specialties, to lunch served poolside with meat and fish you are simply not expecting (from wagyu prime cuts, swordfish etc.), finishing off with desserts and entremets influenced by the directors French cuisine background, ending each evening with his signature 4 course menu uniquely tailored daily with creative dishes at nothing less than Michelin quality. And of course with a great wine list and beverage selection, with recommendations for each dish, served at white line clothing tables by impeccable bow-tie dressed waiters. When you get what’s best described as unlimited all inclusive, topped of by the top service level and culinary class of every meal, the price level feels like a bargain (at less than half of that of a five star hotel). ||When it comes to the location you cannot see the hotel from the pearly white shore between the dazzling turquoise waters and irradiant green vegetation, as the vegetation perfectly covers up the bone-white hotel villas resting directly behind (merely 5 meters from the beach). If you seek wildlife or exploration, the rest of the island is wildly inhabited with freely roaming Aldi giant tortoises on the other side of the island (reached by a hike), and exotic birds (and even som red listed bats) and literally a sea full of radiant exotic fishes. The fishes are probably the most conveniently reachable, living in the coral reefs just 20 meters out in the laguna in front of the beach, where you can rest easily on sun-beds to dry, or borrow SUPs and snorkel equipment for more daily activities between the snacks and drinks (also served at the beach for your convenience). ||We cannot recommend La Belle Tortue enough! It is the only place we have been to that we cannot get off our minds. That is how great of an experience it was to stay there, and we will definitely be back. Considering the other five star hotels we have been to (including in the Seychelles), this four star hotel gives you simply put so much more. A private piece of paradise, just what you dream of when you go on a honeymoon like we did, or whatever the reason is for wanting to retreat to a secluded hideaway for love to blossom. ||You will not be disappointed.

La Belle Tortue is truly one of the most beautiful hotels we’ve ever visited. From the moment we arrived, we felt warmly welcomed—thanks to the incredibly friendly team, who seemed to anticipate our every need. The hotel itself—with its rooms, restaurant, and garden—is beautifully and thoughtfully designed, with attention to every detail. The absolute highlight, however, comes when you sit down at the restaurant. Whether it’s breakfast, cocktails, snacks, lunch, ice cream, or tea time with delicate French pastries, or the exquisite four-course dinner included with half-board, the food is consistently exceptional. The location couldn’t be better: the hotel sits on what we believe is the most stunning beach that can easily be accessed without hiking or a boat, and just a short distance from the village of La Passe and the local museum. A huge thank you to the housekeeping staff, the two waiters, the gardener and caretaker, the chefs, and the management for making our stay truly unforgettable!

We had a full week at this beautiful place. If you are searching the perfect sorrounding for relaxation and feeling at home you are right here! We made fantastic hikes in a nearly untouched nature partly complete alone:) Highlight of the day: the marvelous four course dinner of Benjamin and team! Over all a wonderful experience- hope we'll get back once ...Kim & Holger

We booked this place by accident as it was the nonrefundable option but as we had no choice we had to go. We started out with trepidation, but it turned into delight when we got there. The team met us at the ferry terminal, crossing was very smooth, and the boat is quite large.|The lodge is quite compact with only 10-12 guests at a time. All are very modern and functional. The cove is a delight and though shallow at low tide has no currents so is very safe. We snorkelled and saw a lot of fish, as well as large spikes sea urchins.|Trekking on the island is a delight and their routes to suit all abilities, though I would caution to have the correct boots and a walking pole. We trekked to potato bay, and it was hot on the way there but poured with rain on the way back, making the paths a bit more slippery. Even in the rain this place is beautiful as there were a myriad of new waterfalls. The air and sea are so clean, as there is very little pollution.|The best part of the whole holiday was the very friendly staff and the exquisite food. There are 4 chefs Benjamin (Manager as well), Valoris (Lovely lady pastry chef), Arul and one other (didn't get his name). Not to forget Ishara (boss lady in the al fresco dining area) and Nidin the bartender who made great cocktails. The masterpieces they created surpassed many fine dining restaurants we have been to around the world. Truly exceptional with very well-balanced flavours.|The team here are so friendly and caring which made our stay memorable.

We stayed four nights in a comfortable, beautiful and generous villa (2 large luxurious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, huge veranda with four different seating areas and 4 sun loungers) with modern and silent airconditioning and a direct view on a pristine beach. The service was excellent - always with a nice smile - and the meals gourmet. This was just a day dream. We loved the luxury of being only 6 to 10 guests, with staff available for help at any time of the day. The deserts and viennoises by Valoris were excellent (and not expected in the Seychelles), the lunch menues excellent, the evening gastronomic dinners always creative and tasty. Even our teenagers - not used to such food - simply loved it! We also enjoyed the cocktails and mocktails, all of which were terrific. The backpacker meals were delicious and all fresh, a true, simple 'home made picnic', prepared directly when we asked for it. We participated in a great fishing trip where the whole family enjoyed not only the experience, but also the taste of the catch! We would love to go back asap and will certainly recommend this place to friends, colleagues, and family. Excellent value for money. ps. Silhouette is a marvelous island, also for hiking.

We spent four wonderful days at La Belle from our three weeks of honeymoon in the Seychelles. We found champagne and fresh fruit in our beautifully decorated room. We were very delighted by it. The food at the hotel is just exceptional, especially the four course dinner. The service was great, very accommodating and friendly. The own beach is very clean and quiet. Perfect place for those who like snorkeling. We are happy to recommend this wonderful boutique hotel. Only thing we were not satisfied with was the water pressure in the shower, everything else was great!

We have experienced a delightful seven days at La Belle Tortue. It is a secluded small lodge where nothing is too much trouble for the staff. The beach is beautiful and only several meters from your room and the rooms and ablutions are spacious and well appointed.||The food is superlative, every meal was an occasion, the style so French one half expected to see the Eiffel Tower when looking up from one's plate. The chef's wine choices were spot on each time and the maitre d was a vivacious and attentive young woman. The pastry chef/manager was in a league of her own and constantly delivered world class fare to the tables. She is immensely talented for one so young.||The greatest surprise of all was the standard of fly fishing, right in the bay in front of the hotel and on the Western side of the harbour. Here shoals of bonefish ate almost every fly presented to them, moray eels persued bait balls of fish in calf deep water, I caught a few by mistake, and every now and then someting big would strip line and break the leader. Wow, I fished until my arms ached and my rod broke. I am sure more experienced fishermen would find more here to keep them busy.||In all this is a real gem and well worth an extended stay.

Vacation in Paradise. Fantastic small luxury hotel located on a beautiful island. Very exclusive, only a small number of rooms. Fantastic food created by Benjamin the host - French cuisine with local products, and a very nice and interesting wine list. Extremely competent and friendly personnel - we had a very wonderful stay.