By Veronica Carpio, Editor at The Wellness Collective

Set on a secluded island fringed by coral reefs and lush tropical forest, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island offers one of the world’s most extraordinary wellness settings — a place where the rhythm of nature defines the pace of life. Spanning more than 400 hectares of pristine wilderness, this castaway paradise is devoted to the art of slowing down and rediscovering balance. Guests are invited to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings through open-air yoga, ocean-inspired therapies, and mindful encounters with the island’s landscape and community.

In conversation with Budi Widodo, General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, The Wellness Collective explores how Desroches Island’s holistic approach to well-being — grounded in sustainability, emotional connection, and an authentic sense of place — is redefining what true luxury and wellness mean in today’s world.

How would you describe the wellness philosophy at Four Seasons Desroches Island, and what makes it distinct from other island resorts?

At Four Seasons Desroches Island, wellness is approached holistically, combining physical rejuvenation, mindful relaxation, and immersive nature experiences. Set on a castaway island of over 400 hectares-one of the few resorts in the world to occupy an entire island-guests have the rare opportunity to fully disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. This sense of seclusion and connection with the pristine environment makes the wellness experience here truly unique compared to other island resorts.

Desroches Island offers an extraordinary connection to nature. How do you integrate that sense of natural serenity into the guest experience — both physically and emotionally?

We integrate the island’s natural serenity into every aspect of the wellness experience by keeping as many treatments and activities outdoors as possible. Guests can enjoy spa therapies in open-air settings surrounded by tropical nature, sound healing sessions, or yoga on the island’s runway at sunrise or sunset. Many of our treatments also incorporate locally sourced Seychellois ingredients, deepening the connection to the environment and allowing guests to feel grounded, rejuvenated, and at peace with nature.

How does your team create an environment that supports emotional, physical, and mental well-being for your guests?

From the moment guests arrive, our team plans everything for them and looks after them with the warmth and care of family. We take time to understand each guest’s needs – whether they’re seeking a peaceful, restorative retreat or a more adventurous, thrill-filled experience. With over 70 activities across land and sea, we offer something for every pace and preference, ensuring their physical, mental, and emotional well-being is fully nurtured. Some guests stay with us for several months, others come solo for a week – no matter the length of stay, we take care of every detail so they can simply relax, reconnect, and feel at home.

Food plays a huge role in well-being. How does your culinary program reflect a balance between indulgence and mindful nutrition?

Food is at the heart of our philosophy of well-being – fresh, simple, and full of flavour. Over 40% of our vegetables come from Desroches’ farm, where everything is grown without chemicals and nourished with our own compost. Our chicken farm produces around 1,200 fresh eggs each day, supplying both the resort and a few properties on the main island. Guests can also take part in our Farm-To-Fork experience, picking fruits, herbs, and vegetables straight from the garden before joining a Creole cooking class to turn their harvest into a wholesome island meal. It’s a true connection to the land that makes every dish honest, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

At Four Seasons, service is known for its warmth and intuition. How do you cultivate a team culture that prioritises genuine human connection as part of the wellness journey?

Life on Desroches is shaped by the people who call it home. Our team of around 200 staff from more than 25 nationalities live and work together like one big family. There’s an easy harmony in daily life here – a spirit of kindness, respect, and genuine care that reflects the Four Seasons Golden Rule: to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Guests feel that same warmth the moment they arrive, forming real connections with our team that make every stay feel personal, relaxed, and full of heart.

In an age of constant connectivity, how does the resort encourage guests to slow down, disconnect, and be present?

Here, guests are invited to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters – themselves, their loved ones, and the natural world around them. Our experiences are designed to draw people away from screens and into the rhythm of the island, with activities that take place under water, over water, and on the waves. From surfing, diving, and boating to cycling through tropical trails or feeding our giant tortoises, every moment encourages mindfulness, presence, and joy. It’s about disconnecting from the digital world to rediscover a deeper connection with nature and with themselves.

Can you share an example of a guest experience or moment at the resort that truly captures the transformative power of being on Desroches Island?

There have been many memorable moments, but one story this year really stands out. A couple arrived for what was meant to be a two-week stay, and ended up extending it again and again until they had spent three months with us. They’re actually returning again this month. What they shared when they left stayed with us: Desroches, they said, is about so much more than its natural beauty; it’s the people who make it special, creating experiences filled with warmth and genuine connection. For us, that perfectly reflects what Desroches is all about: you arrive as a guest, leave as a friend, and return as family.

How do you see wellness evolving in luxury hospitality, and what role will Four Seasons Desroches Island play in shaping that future?

Wellness in luxury hospitality is moving toward experiences that are immersive, outdoors, and deeply connected to nature. Guests are looking for more than just treatments – they want sustainable practices, unique experiences, and settings that can’t be found anywhere else. Our island offers exactly that: bespoke wellness rituals, spa treatments, and activities set in extraordinary natural surroundings, all rooted in sustainability and local culture. By combining thoughtful care with the island’s rare beauty, we create wellness journeys that feel personal, restorative, and truly unforgettable