FOUR ISLANDS WHERE SUMMER LASTS LONGER

Summer on the continent is slowly coming to an end, but in some places around the world the season never ends. If you long for crystal-clear waters, white sand, and the peace that only private islands can offer, here are four tips for you. From the Seychelles to Indonesia, Zanzibar, and Mozambique, four remote islands provide the perfect opportunity to extend summer and enjoy tropical tranquility while Europe is cloaked in autumn colors.

Platte Island,

Seychelles

About 130 kilometers from Mahé, Platte Island covers an area of 0.578 km² and rises only three meters above sea level. Its name, given in 1771 after its flat terrain, recalls a history when the island was home to a coconut plantation. Today, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, it is the setting for the elegant Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island. The resort features just 50 spacious villas designed with a focus on privacy and comfort. Each villa has its own private pool, terrace, garden, and direct beach access.

Guests can choose from six restaurants and bars, the iconic Waldorf Astoria Spa, or the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Centre, which introduces the island’s diverse fauna. Platte is a sanctuary for hawksbill and green turtles, while its surrounding waters are home to rays, sharks, and schools of tropical fish. The combination of personalized service, elegant design, and pristine nature makes Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island the perfect destination for those seeking to extend summer in absolute peace and comfort.

Anambas Archipelago,

Indonesia

In the heart of Indonesia’s Anambas archipelago, within one of the most remote marine protected areas in the world, lies the exclusive Bawah Reserve. Comprising six private islands, 13 white-sand beaches, three crystal-clear lagoons, and 100 hectares of untouched rainforest, the reserve sets the stage for unforgettable moments on land and sea alike.

Snorkeling and diving reveal a kaleidoscope of coral gardens and vibrant marine life, while guided forest hikes lead to panoramic viewpoints high above the lagoons. For those seeking a gentler pace, there is sunrise yoga on the Aura Wellbeing Deck or an afternoon at Aura Spa, promising pure serenity. As night falls, guests can enjoy stargazing under the vast island sky, movie screenings, or traditional Indonesian beach barbecues.

Mnemba Island,

Zanzibar

Just off Zanzibar’s northeastern coast, private Mnemba Island is synonymous with privacy and exclusivity. Following a full refurbishment led by Fox Browne Creative and Nicholas Plewman Architects, the andBeyond lodge has retained its understated charm. Only 12 one-bedroom bandas, traditional bungalows designed in an organic, nautilus shell-inspired form, are scattered along the beach. Each banda has its own entrance from both the forest and the beach, now enhanced with private beach lounges.

The shared spaces have been moved closer to the ocean and feature airy interiors with an open bar and terraces offering panoramic views. New additions include the Wellness Banda with treatment rooms and an outdoor platform for yoga and meditation, as well as the Discovery Centre, where guests learn about marine conservation and community projects. The refurbished dive center now offers not only snorkeling but also new activities such as transparent kayaking and full-day dhow sailing trips.

Benguerra Island,

Mozambique

Part of the protected Bazaruto Archipelago, Benguerra Island is a mosaic of diverse ecosystems from tropical forest and savanna to freshwater lakes and wetlands, which provide a haven for an impressive range of flora and fauna. Freshwater crocodiles still inhabit the lakes, a reminder that Benguerra was once connected to the African mainland. Geologists believe the island separated from the continent 6,000–7,000 years ago, when tropical cyclones transformed the original sandbar into an island.

Nestled among palm groves and overlooking a protected lagoon lies the andBeyond lodge. Guests can choose from a wide range of traditional thatched-roof accommodations, from cozy cabanas and spacious casinhas to Casa Familia, a three-bedroom residence with a large deck and private pool. The lodge’s atmosphere is enhanced by its inviting communal areas, including a shaded pool with ocean views and a beach bar converted from a traditional dhow boat. Beyond diving and snorkeling, one of the most unique experiences is swimming with horses—a rare activity that allows guests to experience the ocean from an entirely different perspective.