In Conversation with Natasha St Agne from Le Nautique

The beaches, too, are a sight to behold, framed by imposing slabs of granite, the waves breaking over the finest sand and the lucky swimmers who happen to be taking a dip. Looking out across all that from the hotel, it isn’t hard to see why people choose Le Nautique, but Natasha tells us that it’s more than just La Digue’s immense natural beauty that entices their guests. Le Nautique operates a personalised experience at every level, treating guests to something both familiar and excitingly different at the same time. It seems to be working, too, as Natasha tells us that the majority of guests tell her that they wished they’d spent longer at the hotel.

Tempting as it may be to while away the hours with book (or cocktail) in hand on Le Nautique’s poolside deck, Natasha says that the excursions available on La Digue are not to be missed. The island is home to the Anse Source d’Argent beach, a stretch of sand that, if you’ve ever googled the Seychelles, you’ve probably seen. It’s a slice of palm-framed, sun-kissed sand so lovely that it’s been awarded the accolade of the world’s second-best beach; and it’s a little over a mile from Le Nautique. In fact, much of what makes La Digue so appealing is just how easy it is to take in. Natasha tells us about the hiking, snorkelling and bike trips guests can take, all from the hotel and taking in pretty much all of the island’s natural wonders. If it’s a slightly more traditional form of transport that people are after, though, there’s a whole island ox cart tour also available.

Guests aren’t limited to taking in only the island’s natural beauty; there are bars and restaurants across La Digue that Natasha says are well worth a visit. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she nominates Le Nautique’s in-house restaurant as her favourite, and it’s not hard to see why. Diners sit under a thatched roof and tuck into either their breakfast, lunch, or dinner against a backdrop of rolling waves and the rising peaks of neighbouring islands silhouetted against the horizon. The food is unmistakably Seychellois, drawing on the fusion of French, Indian and Oriental flavours to produce a set of dishes that Natasha describes as ‘deeply memorable’. If guests fancy a change of scene, though, there’s the Italian at Le Repaire, or the sunset spectacle of Belle Vue Snack. Fish Trap, too, gets a mention, as does Combava and the Bikini Bottom Beach Bar, where, we’re told, the good times roll.