Dreaming of the Seychelles? Hilton has 2 new resorts you can book from 86K points
Sure, the Maldives and French Polynesia are beautiful places for a tropical vacation, but this year Hilton has turned its focus to the Seychelles, a country made of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa.
Now, Hilton has two all-new resorts there that are sure to inspire beach lovers — and Hilton Honors loyalists — to start planning a vacation to this far-flung destination. Even better, the two resorts include an affordable new lifestyle resort, Canopy by Hilton Seychelles, and a tried-and-true luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria.
Sunny, chic and a great deal
Found along Anse a la Mouche bay, south of Mahe, the Canopy by Hilton Seychelles is a 120-room resort that's bringing a local sense of cool to the area — and one of TPG's most exciting hotel openings of 2024.
At the resort, guests will find modern and chic rooms with a bohemian style, natural woods, neutral tones and beautiful views of the resort's pool, gardens or the crystalline waters surrounding the property. For families or bigger groups looking to visit the Seychelles, connecting rooms are available, as are larger suites with more space to spread out.
For fun, guests can lounge by one of three pools, bask in the sun at the beach or turn up adrenaline levels with various watersports, then hit the water for some world-class snorkeling. For something more tame, book a treatment at the Afloya spa or speak to the concierge about booking a round of golf at the nearby Seychelles Golf Club.
Three dining options are available at this enchanting Canopy resort, including Avocet, a French-Creole fusion restaurant with a breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner; Sega Bar, the poolside bar with a swim-up area serving beachy favorites like tiki drinks, poke bowls and pizzas; and Palem, an Asian restaurant set to open later this year.
The best part of this exciting new Seychelles property is that, compared to many luxury resorts on faraway islands, this one is actually pretty affordable — and can be booked with points. Nightly rates start at $348 or 86,000 Hilton Honors points.
Luxury on Platte Island
Earlier this year, the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island opened with 50 seafront villas, including one- to three-bedroom options and a five-bedroom villa fit for a family or larger group. The villas are bright and airy with canopy beds, pitched ceilings, huge walls of windows that open, outdoor showers and personal concierge service waiting to assist with any and every need.
Related: The best Waldorf Astoria hotels and resorts in the world
Don't forget bathrooms that open to the outdoors with huge soaking tubs to wash away the stress of life (or at least to decompress after the long journey to the beautiful country).
Around the resort, guests will find plenty to do — and plenty of places to sit back and do nothing.
For starters, stop by Peacock Terrace, a play on the brand's iconic Peacock Alley bar that's found at every property, for a snack and cocktail by the Waldorf Astoria sundial clock. Then join a Creole cooking class or take a tour of the herb garden to learn about island sustainability and just exactly where your food comes from.
Speaking of food, this Waldorf Astoria has five bars and restaurants besides Peacock Alley. At La Perle, start the day with Tanzanian coffee or end an evening with Mediterranean food. Meanwhile, Maison des Epices offers "an immersive dining experience" of family-style Creole-Latin fusion dishes best served after a cocktail during sunset at Lalin, named after the Creole word for moon.
Other dining options are Torti, the pool and beach bar offering bento boxes and sushi, and Moulin, a garden-to-table restaurant set to open later this year.
To learn more about the natural wonders of the Seychelles, like the hawksbill and green turtles that nest on Platte Island, check in with the resort's resident environment manager or marine biologist, who oversee conservation and protection efforts, plus sustainability efforts like the resort's solar farm and gardens.
And even though the resort is on a remote island that's hard to find on a map, that doesn't mean it's not full of activities, which range from deep-sea fishing to scuba diving, kite surfing to free diving, and even planting coral, watching a movie outside or stargazing in a place where the stars feel countless.
Younger ones have plenty to enjoy, too, thanks to the Sea Scouts Kids Club, where activities range from cooking classes to nature activities, and the Marine Mavericks Teens Club, where older kids can enjoy a mocktail at a silent disco or an iPhone photography lesson around the resort.
Of course, it's not a resort without a spa, and the Waldorf Astoria has plenty to offer, including treatments infused with native plants and organic seaweed.
Or, simply enjoy your vacation in paradise by lounging by the pool or gazing out at the vast Indian Ocean from the comfort of the beach.
The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island requires a two-night minimum stay, and those nights come at a premium. Nightly rates start at $2,000 or 130,000 Hilton Honors points, which is an absolute steal if you can find them.
If you're considering booking a trip to the Seychelles, either for a luxurious island stay or to get a taste of a fun lifestyle resort, you could earn a free night at either resort by using the points in the welcome bonus on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, which allows you to earn 155,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. There is an annual fee of $150 (see rates and fees).
Related reading:
- The award travelers guide to Hilton Honors
- How to choose the best Hilton credit card for you
- Hilton Honors elite status: What it is and how to earn it
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- Which credit cards offer the most lucrative rewards for hotel stays?
- The best hotel rewards programs in the world
- Best hotel credit cards
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Surpass, click here.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.