About Le Domaine d'Orangeraie
Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie, La Digue's most stylish accommodation, is an Eastern-influenced hotel just north ...
... of the tiny La Passe harbour. Set in immaculate tropical gardens, its 63 villas offer island chic rarely found in this simple island community.
Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie is a beautifully designed, luxurious property. If you can draw yourself away from your smart villa and the resort’s facilities, there are plenty of beaches within a short cycle ride. It’s certainly a departure from the simpler options on La Digue, but will suit those looking for a bit of pampering and indulgence.
Our view
Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie is a beautifully designed, luxurious property. If you can draw yourself away from your smart villa and the resort’s facilities, there are plenty of beaches within a short cycle ride. It’s certainly a departure from the simpler options on La Digue, but will suit those looking for a bit of pampering and indulgence.
Accommodation
63 villas
Children
Best for 10+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Traveller reviews of Le Domaine d'Orangeraie
3 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 22 Oct 2019, 4 nights
"Le Domaine d'Orangeraie in brief"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 18 Aug 2012, 4 nights
"Le Domaine d'Orangeraie review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 Jan 2012, 4 nights
"Le Domaine d'Orangeraie review"
Overall rating: Excellent


































Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the holidays. See our 34 pictures of Domaine d'Orangeraie to get the candid view.
View galleryHolidays visiting Domaine d'Orangeraie
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Squirrelfish island holiday
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT
Combine laid-back La Digue and a hidden corner of Mahé Island, staying in two very luxurious hotels with the option to simply do nothing or explore these stunning islands.
Visiting La Digue Island, Mahe Island
US$2,960 - US$3,250 per person
Le Domaine d'Orangeraie: Our full report
Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie, La Digue's most stylish accommodation, is an Eastern-influenced hotel just north ...
... of the tiny La Passe harbour. Set in immaculate tropical gardens, its 63 villas offer island chic rarely found in this simple island community.
Spread out across the gardens and hillside of L'Orangeraie are five accommodation categories: 20 Garden Villas, eight Garden Suite Residences, 31 Villas de Charme, three Villas de Charme Elegance, and one Presidential Villa. All have air conditioning, satellite TV, a small electronic safe, and tea/coffee-making facilities.
- The 20 Garden Villas (each 60m2) are housed in ten two-storey buildings, and offer a cool, contemporary retreat from the sun. Furnished with natural and white wood furniture, their rich, bright colours are striking against the white linen and walls, and atmospheric lighting really adds to the modern feel. In the large, open-plan bedroom and lounge area, a low sofa can be used as an extra bed – there's plenty of space!
Just as smart, if compact, is the beautifully finished en-suite shower room. Small pebbles line two of the walls to great effect, and mood lighting is provided in here too, There is a small dressing area that leads off the main room, with shelving and hanging space for clothes, as well as a handy umbrella. Outside, each villa has a large veranda or balcony with a couple of sunloungers and a small table and chairs for alfresco dining. - A walk through the gardens and just up the hillside brings you to the eight Garden Suite Residences (100m2). Opened in April 2015, these smart, modern villas have a main bedroom with separate lounge, and the same mod-cons as the Garden Villas. The lounge can be turned into a second bedroom, making them a convenient option for a family of four.
- Set up in the steep hills above Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie is a further collection of villas, reached by golf buggies. Each of the 31 stylish Villas de Charme is 70m2, with a large open terrace at the front overlooking the resort. Neutral browns and creams, chic fittings, and billowing fabrics give the rooms a natural yet elegant feel. The walls are dotted with arty black-and-white photos taken from around the island, though we found that the design of the room meant it felt a bit dark on a bright day. Each villa has a low sofa, which can be used as an extra bed, high ceilings, a writing desk, a small luggage alcove, and a minibar (filled on request). There is a large and rather impressive outdoor bathroom with rain-shower and a huge bathtub. We particularly loved the alfresco shower!
- Similar in style and design are three Villas de Charme Elegance, which are bigger, at 85-100m2, and boast the addition of a private whirlpool.
- The largest villa, the 'presidential suite', is set high up in the hills – offering stunning views and a very private experience, including its own infinity pool. Its 250m2 of floor space incorporates three en-suite bedrooms: one double, one twin, and an extra room that would be ideal for children or a nanny. In addition to the mod cons found in the Villas de Charme, the Presidential Villa has a music docking station and Nespresso coffee machine, and guests staying here have a dedicated butler service.
At the base of the hillside is the main reception building where there’s a boutique selling locally made products and gifts, as well as a selection of clothes and suncreams. In the small library, friendly staff can help with arranging excursions. You’ll also find a small day room with a television, tea/coffee-making facilities and two shower rooms for guests who arrive early or depart late.
Separated from the rest of the resort by the main road, and directly overlooking the ocean, is the very smart dining and pool complex of Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie. At the epicentre, directly next to the infinity pool, lies the open-sided Le Combava Restaurant under a tall, thatched roof. This serves à la carte lunch and dinner six days a week, whereas the buffet restaurant, Santosha – which overlooks the ocean –,is open for breakfast and and dinner every day. Our Arabian-themed meal here was further enhanced by friendly, attentive waiters, who even made suggestions on what we should try first.
The complex has two bars. The Alambic, near the main entrance. is popular for pre-dinner aperitifs and nightcaps, but for us the less formal Infinity Pool Bar was more appealing. Although it is open only during the day, lunchtime sandwiches and salads are available to order, and it offers super views of the ocean.
As at many establishments on the Seychelles, few activities are available directly from Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie, but the staff are happy to facilitate excursions through outside operators. Several beaches, including Anse Source d'Argent and Anse Severe, are close by, as is the Veuve Reserve, the wooded home of the paradise flycatcher. Island exploration is easy, and with free bicycle hire you can explore La Digue in your own time.
Geographics
- Location
- La Digue Island, Seychelles
- Ideal length of stay
- 3-4 nights
- Directions
- Access to La Digue is by ferry from Praslin (approx 45 minutes) or Mahé (approx two hours). Guests for Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie are met at the airport or harbour by colourful ox-carts or open-sided buses for the ten-minute transfer.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Room Only
- Food quality
- We were a little surprised at how good the food was at Domaine de l’Orangeraie.
On our most recent visit in July 2015, the breakfast selection at Santosha was extensive: eggs made to order, with the usual cooked breakfast accompaniments, pancakes, pastries, cold meats, cheeses and lots of fresh fruit. In the evening, the Arabian-themed buffet dinner was delicious.
At lunch, light snacks (sandwiches and salads) can be ordered from the Infinity Pool Bar. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie is a modern, contemporary and stylish hotel, offering stunning rooms that are both chic and hi-tech, an excellent spot for a Seychelles honeymoon. With several beaches a short cycle ride away, an idyllic spa and excellent food, it's a wonderful choice.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Seychelles
- Beach holidays
- For a beach holiday on the Seychelles, the luxurious Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie is a very good option. Just a short bike ride away are many of La Digue's beaches, including Anse Source d'Argent – arguably one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Seychelles
- Luxury
- Le Domaine de l’Oranngeraie offers luxury within a striking Zen-style interior. Each Villa is unique and features Asian-themed décor combined with sumptuous materials and contemporary art. Renowned for its spa this property is perfect for those seeking a high level of relaxation.
- See ideas for Luxury in Seychelles
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie, but in the hillside villas the terraces at the front are high and open so may not be suitable for small children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No guest age restrictions apply here.
- Special activities & services
- There are no dedicated kids' clubs or activities at Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie, and babysitting is not usually available, but good-quality bicycles – including those for children – are available for free, the beach is close by and the swimming pool is likely to be a hit with all ages.
- Equipment
- Cots and highchairs are available. Babysitting is not usually available here.
- Generally recommended for children
- The Garden Villas and Garden Suite Residences are the most suitable for families, and the gardens provide space for children to run around and let off steam. Children are welcomed by the hotel but parents need to be aware that among other hazards, the pool is very deep. We think l'Orangeraie is better suited to families with older children.
- Notes
- The pool is deep and unfenced. There are also a lot of steep drop-offs on the hillside and it is necessary to cross the main road when moving between the villas and the restaurants and pool. Children must be supervised by parents at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- UK -style 3-square-pin sockets are fitted throughout. International adaptors are available on request.
- Communications
- There is an IDD telephone in each guest villa and cellphone reception is generally good. Free WiFi is available in reception and also around the Alambic bar. WiFi is possible in the villas, but there is a charge.
- TV & radio
- There is satellite television in each villa with mainly news, sports and a few movie channels.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- All villas have a flushing toilet and plumbed-in shower, and some have a bathtub.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- La Digue Logan Hospital is only ten minutes from Le Domaine and offers 24-hour medical care, including dental and paediatric services. There is an ambulance for emergencies.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The hotel has security guards on duty 24 hours a day.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers or fire hoses outside each villa.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge. In July 2015, the cost was around SCR50 per item.
- Money
- There is an electronic safe in each room. The hotel does not offer currency exchange facilities.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa, Amex, MasterCard are accepted, as are cash payments in Seychellois rupees, euro, US dollars and pounds sterling.
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Le Domaine d'Orangeraie's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Domaine d'Orangeraie.
When to go to La Digue Island
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Domaine d'Orangeraie in La Digue Island
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Seychelles in January
January is the wettest month of the year in the Seychelles: temperatures are warm, humidity levels high, and short, tropical downpours are common. Cyclone activity elsewhere in the Indian Ocean often results in heavy cloud cover too.
Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant.
Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.
For wildlife spectacles, January has definite highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.
- The wettest time of year to travel, with high humidity levels.
- Rain comes in short tropical downpours, after which the sun comes out.
- Prices over the Christmas and New Year period rise significantly.
- Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.
- Migratory birds on shore from Alaska and Siberia.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Seychelles in February
Like January, February is one of the archipelago’s wettest months. Afternoon downpours are to be expected, humidity levels can be extremely high and cloudy skies the norm.
Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.
For wildlife spectacles, February does have highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.
- Warm weather all year round.
- One of the wettest months, expect clear mornings and wet afternoons.
- Good time of year for birding, with migratory birds in residence.
- Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Seychelles in March
The heavy rains of the first few months start to die down by March, and the temperature begins to rise. Most days will be clear, with clouds sometimes gathering to a short thunderstorm in the late afternoon.
The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island.
It is possible to dive throughout the year in the Seychelles, however waters are calmest from March to November, making this a great time of year for underwater adventures.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia arrive, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore, while from March-November, a staggeringly large colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost across the island.
- Warm weather all year round.
- Rains ease off and temperatures begin to rise
- Great for diving, with warm water, good visibility, and calm seas.
- The Hawksbill turtles generally hatch around now.
- Great time of year for birding, migratory species are still around.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Seychelles in April
April is the calmest, warmest month of the year, making it one of the best months to visit the Seychelles. The wind drops, the temperature is delightfully warm and the seas are calm, offering great diving and brilliant visibility.
The birding is great, particularly on Bird Island, when migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are resident and displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. An enormous, chattering colony of Sooty Terns roost on the island from March-November.
In late April, the capital city, Victoria, comes alive for the colourful parades of the Carnaval International de Victoria, with street performances, costume parades and parties.
- One of the warmest and most pleasant months of the year.
- Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Windless periods make for lovely swimming and gentle boat excursions.
- Good value rates, outside the Easter school holidays.
- Good time of year for birding.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
Seychelles in May
May is the start of a relatively dry period and one of the best months to visit. There is little rain with plenty of warm beach days under clear blue skies.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches await elsewhere.
Birding is good, particularly on Bird Island, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing up until the end of the month, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost from March-November.
- Warm, dry weather.
- Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Calm and windless periods, make for lovely swimming & boat excursions.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Seychelles in June
June marks the change of seasons but there’s little rain at this time and lovely long, hot, clear days. Coming before the start of the European Summer holiday season, June is often a quieter time to visit, and in some cases reduced rates can also be found.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though pristine beaches await elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.
- Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
- Accommodation prices slightly lower than high season.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Seychelles in July
July is a time to bask in lovely warm days, with little chance of rain.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic, powder-sand beaches await elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.
- Warm, clear days & little rain. Sea temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Seychelles in August
Similar to June and July, August is both dry and lovely, with hot, clear days, comfortable temperatures and little chance of rain.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.
- Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Seychelles in September
September is generally a time of warm and clear days, with a little rain possible towards the end of the month, and rising humidity.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.
- Warm, clear days with a chance of rain towards to the end of the month
- A good time of for diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- It’s generally quieter and prices are slightly lower than high season.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
Seychelles in October
October is warm with calm conditions and rain increasing towards the end of the month.
During this calm season (October and November), whales migrate past the islands and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
The warm, north-west trade winds bring good underwater visibility for diving but do also tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and can make for waves and strong currents on Mahé’s north-west coast. Picture-postcard beaches abound in other areas.
For some island culture, the Festival Kreol takes places on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue in late October, with colourful celebrations of Creole heritage.
- Warm weather with rain towards the end of the month.
- A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
- Calm, windless periods are great for swimming and boat excursions.
- Hawsbill turtles are nesting and migratory whales are often spotted.
- A quiet and peaceful time with fewer visitors.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Seychelles in November
By November, the winds start to change, bringing light, warm breezes and the start of the main rainy season. Temperatures remain warm and pleasant.
The calm north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s eastern coast (Côte d’Or beaches) with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast (Beau Vallon). But elsewhere picture-perfect beaches abound and overall, the gentle winds make this a good time for water-based activities: diving, boat trips and swimming. The Seychelles Ocean Festival, celebrating marine diversity and highlighting reef protection, is held annually at this time.
Whales migrate past the islands throughout November and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
- Warm days & little wind but the start of the main rainy season.
- A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
- Ccalm, windless periods, great for swimming and boat excursions.
- Fewer visitors and lower accommodation costs.
- Good opportunities to see nesting turtles and migratory whales.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Seychelles in December
December is one of the hottest and wettest months. During this Northwest Monsoon season, short tropical downpours are the norm after which the sun does generally come out again. The rain turning the islands staggeringly lush and green.
The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season is in full swing, and by mid-December some hatchlings begin to emerge. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast, but there are plenty of other beautiful beaches.
Christmas is a huge celebration on the islands, for locals and hotels, and also within the southern hemisphere ‘Summer holidays’ making this an extremely busy and expensive time to visit, however, festivities are often fabulous.
- December is hot and wet, with regular tropical downpours.
- Vegetation is beautifully lush and green.
- Migratory birds arrive from Europe.
- Christmas and New Year are extremely busy times to visit.
- Hawksbill turtles are nesting and hatching.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December

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