On the north-eastern coast of Praslin Island, La Cigale Estate offers a quieter, more personal approach to island luxury. Spread across 4.5 acres of tropical gardens leading directly onto Côte d’Or Beach, this exclusive property combines the comfort of a private home with the detail and polish of a top-tier resort.

Built and managed entirely by a Seychellois family, La Cigale is one of the few fully locally owned estates of its scale in the Seychelles. What began as a modest three-bedroom project evolved over more than a decade into a five-bedroom main house and four garden suites, each with its own plunge pool. The property is available only as a full private buy-out, offering the privacy of a family residence with professional, intuitive service.

Authenticity by Design

Every element of La Cigale reflects a sense of place. The architecture nods to traditional plantation homes – shuttered windows, wraparound verandas, high ceilings – balanced with contemporary materials and clean design. Local timber, handcrafted furniture, and art from Praslin and Mahé-based artists give the interiors a natural warmth. The aesthetic is elegant but understated: the kind of luxury that feels lived-in rather than curated.

The estate’s name draws on the family’s history. In the early 20th century, the owner’s great-grandfather operated a steamship called La Cigale, which carried goods between Seychelles, Mauritius, and Mombasa. That maritime heritage quietly shapes the property’s identity, from its anchor-shaped logo to its sea-inspired bath products created in partnership with local brand Belliche using citrus peel and seaweed extracts.

Service and Experience

Service at La Cigale is led by general manager Maxime Rachel, whose background includes some of the world’s leading island resorts. His approach is quietly confident and deeply local. Around 90 per cent of the team are Seychellois, and their warmth is matched by professionalism. Each group of guests is assigned a dedicated House Butler, while the chef curates menus through conversation rather than paper lists.

Meals reflect the islands’ Creole traditions and make use of what’s fresh each day – snapper, lobster, local fruit, herbs, and spices from the property’s own garden. Guests are invited to take part in the process if they wish, from picking ingredients to joining informal cooking sessions. Dining takes place wherever guests prefer: by the pool, under the palm trees, or on the beach at sunset.

Culture and Connection

La Cigale encourages visitors to experience the Seychelles through its people and culture. On-site activities include Creole cooking and language lessons, and fireside performances of Moutya – the rhythmic dance and drumming tradition recently recognised by UNESCO. The team also organises private excursions, such as guided walks through the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai forest or day trips to neighbouring La Digue Island, known for its traditional way of life.

In keeping with its community focus, the estate collaborates with local artists and entrepreneurs, offering guests the opportunity to visit studios, galleries, and workshops around Praslin. These experiences are designed to be authentic, not performative – extensions of daily island life rather than staged encounters.

Sustainability in Practice

Sustainability at La Cigale is built into daily operations rather than presented as an add-on. Solar power supports much of the estate’s energy needs, rainwater is collected for irrigation, and all cleaning and bath products are biodegradable. Food sourcing prioritises nearby farmers and fishermen, reducing transport emissions and supporting local livelihoods.

Guests are invited to participate through the “Make a Green Choice” initiative, which encourages small, practical actions such as reusing towels or limiting daily linen changes. These gestures reflect the estate’s broader philosophy: that preserving Seychelles’ fragile environment depends on consistent, collective care.

Leisure and Wellbeing

La Cigale offers a range of spaces for relaxation and recreation. A basement-level leisure area includes a private cinema, pool table, shuffleboard, bar, and gym, while above ground, guests can make use of tennis and pickleball courts, a dedicated spa/spa treatments or join guided yoga and meditation sessions. The infinity pool is set beside the main house and surrounded by palms, providing a quiet place to swim or read between meals.

For those looking to explore, Côte d’Or Beach stretches for nearly two kilometres directly from the property, framed by sea hibiscus and Takamaka trees. Offshore, the island of Curieuse – with its mangroves and population of giant tortoises – makes for a popular half-day excursion.

A Distinct Approach to Island Living

What defines La Cigale Estate is its balance. It brings together the structure and service of a luxury resort with the ease and warmth of a private home. Guests can disappear into complete privacy or spend their days engaging with local culture; choose quiet hours by the sea or active days exploring the islands.

La Cigale represents a new wave of Seychellois hospitality – ambitious but personal, refined but relaxed. It’s a version of island living that feels honest, rooted, and designed to flow at its own pace.

W: La Cigale Estate