Maia Luxury Resort & Spa

On the Island of Mahe, a tropical compound of thatched bungalows takes on the essence of Africa.

Bangkok-based, Harvard-educated architect and landscape designer Bill Bensley is known as the king of exotic luxury resorts; his properties number more than 100 in 26 countries. With his firm, Bensley Design Studios, he transforms wild landscapes into sophisticated environments.

Photography by Robert McLeod

“It’s much more African than French,” landscape architect Bill Bensley says of Maia Luxury Resort & Spa, on Mahé island in the Seychelles, which he designed with Bangkok-based architect Lek Bunnag and RSL Architects.

The thatch-roofed compound, with 30 guest villas, overlooks Anse Louis beach.


A chandelier Bensley designed, inspired by an African bracelet, hangs from the vaulted ceiling in Tec-Tec Restaurant.


A spot for poolside dining.


Bensley, who landscaped the grounds, planted palms, hibiscus and bougainvillea around the main pool’s edge. The teak chaise longues on the terrace are, like many of the furnishings throughout, from Southeast Asia.


Villa's gated garden. The floor plans were configured to preserve the trees and boulders, so no two villas are alike.


All the furnitures were designed by Bensley. He says it was an adventure designing everything high-end.


A living area, with a daybed, and an infinity-edge pool offer a panoramic view of the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean.


A pool deck.
Bensley didn't want to have anything Western so he made use of local materials which lent a tropical feel.


Each villa has a pavilion consisting of an oversize outdoor tub set in a shallow-water infinity-edge pool.