Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO and Co-founder, BRANDit – Representative of Seychelles Tourism Board in India

As luxury travel evolves beyond extravagance towards authenticity, privacy, wellness, and meaningful experiences, Seychelles, an idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago with its pristine beaches, untouched natural landscapes, exclusive island retreats, and rich Creole heritage, continue to captivate discerning travellers with its unique blend of natural beauty, exclusivity, and sustainable luxury.

Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO & Co-Founder of BRANDit – the representative of Seychelles Tourism Board in India, shares insights into the rise of quiet luxury, the changing preferences of global and Indian travellers, and what makes this divine place, one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for those who believe that true luxury whispers, never shouts.

But beyond its postcard-perfect beauty, Seychelles has also successfully positioned itself as a destination where sustainability and exclusivity coexist harmoniously. From marine conservation initiatives and wellness-led escapes to bespoke island experiences and intimate hospitality, the destination continues to resonate with a new generation of luxury travellers seeking substance over spectacle.

In an exclusive conversation with Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO & Co-Founder of BRANDit – the official representative of Seychelles Tourism Board in India, delves into the evolving definition of luxury travel, the growing appeal of conscious and experience-led journeys, and how this gorgeous archipelago continue to set the benchmark for travellers seeking privacy, authenticity, sustainability, and understated elegance.

Over To Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO and Co-founder, BRANDit – Representative of Seychelles Tourism Board in India

Seychelles is often associated with barefoot luxury and untouched beauty. How is the destination redefining “quiet luxury” for today’s discerning traveller who seeks privacy, authenticity, and meaning over excess?

Seychelles does not need to work hard to define quiet luxury. It already has the space, privacy and natural beauty that today’s luxury traveller is looking for. For me, the real luxury here is not excess. It is waking up by the ocean, having room to slow down, eating mindfully prepared fresh food, and experiencing nature without too much noise around it.

In an age where travellers are moving away from flashy indulgence, how does Seychelles naturally lend itself to the growing global trend of understated, experience-led luxury?

Seychelles lends itself very naturally to this shift because the destination is not built around spectacle. It is built around islands, beaches, forests, marine life and a slower pace of life. Travellers can choose a beautiful resort, of course, but the experience is also about island hopping, nature trails, snorkelling, Creole culture and simply having time to disconnect.

What does quiet luxury look like in Seychelles beyond five-star resorts? Is it found in private island experiences, nature immersion, bespoke service, or cultural authenticity?

It is a combination of all these things. It can be a private island stay, a villa with direct access to the beach, a guided nature walk, interaction with a 100-year-old Aldabra Giant Tortoise, a Creole meal, a quiet morning in La Digue, or a day spent out at sea. The point is that luxury in Seychelles does not always have to be formal. It feels personal, relaxed and very close to nature.

How are luxury travellers responding to the idea of wellness, digital detox and slower living in Seychelles? Has this become a stronger motivator post-pandemic?

Yes, wellness and slower living have become much stronger motivators. Many travellers now want a holiday that helps them genuinely rest, not just tick off activities. Seychelles works very well for this because the destination allows travellers to unplug without feeling like they are missing out. The landscape itself encourages a slower rhythm.

Sustainability is now central to modern luxury. How is Seychelles balancing exclusivity with environmental responsibility while preserving its pristine natural ecosystem?

For Seychelles, sustainability is not a new conversation. It is central to how the destination protects its future. The country has legally designated more than 30% of its waters as marine protected areas, and the Sustainable Seychelles programme recognises tourism businesses that adopt more responsible practices. This balance is important because the same natural beauty that attracts luxury travellers also needs to be protected with utmost care.

For travellers who value privacy and personalised experiences, what unique offerings make Seychelles stand apart from other luxury island destinations?

Seychelles offers privacy without making the traveller feel isolated from the destination. There are private island stays, villa-led resorts, secluded beaches, sailing, diving, nature reserves and curated experiences that can be planned at a very personal pace. It also has a strong sense of place, which is important. You do not feel like you could be anywhere else.

How important is gastronomy to the quiet luxury narrative in Seychelles, from fresh Creole flavours to curated private dining experiences?

Creole cuisine reflects the islands’ mix of Indian, French, and African cultures, with fresh seafood, spices, tropical fruits and local ingredients forming the heart of the food story. For the luxury traveller, it can be as simple as a beautifully cooked local meal or as curated as private dining by the beach. Both feel authentic when done well.

How are villas, boutique stays and private retreats in Seychelles evolving to meet the expectations of the new luxury traveller?

The new luxury traveller wants comfort, but also space, privacy and a sense of place. Villas, boutique stays and private retreats in Seychelles are responding to this by offering more personalised service, nature-led design, wellness-led experiences and the flexibility to travel at one’s own pace. It is less about over-servicing and more about understanding what the guest actually needs.

For Indian luxury travellers, what aspects of Seychelles resonate most strongly today: romance, family escapes, exclusivity, wellness, or bespoke adventure?

For Indian luxury travellers, Seychelles continues to work beautifully for romance and milestone celebrations, but we are also seeing strong interest from families, wellness seekers and travellers looking for privacy and exclusivity. The destination is compact enough to feel easy, but layered enough to offer beaches, culture, soft adventure, island hopping and high-quality stays.

Can you share how Seychelles is positioning itself globally as a destination for those who understand that true luxury whispers, never shouts?

Seychelles is positioned as a destination where luxury feels natural rather than forced. It is not about being loud or excessive. It is about privacy, space, conservation, culture, community and experiences that feel meaningful. That is what makes Seychelles relevant for the new luxury traveller. It offers refinement, but in a very quiet and effortless way.