Photographing Waldorf Astoria Platte Island, Seychelles
- 24 July 2024 | News
A Long-Standing Collaboration with Waldorf Astoria
Being a Waldorf Astoria specialist photographer for many years, it was no surprise when my long-time client — and above all, friend — Britta Krug, Hilton Country Commercial Director in Seychelles, invited me to participate in building the visual identity of the new Waldorf Astoria Platte Island.
Over the years, I have photographed the openings of numerous luxury resorts around the world. Yet from the very beginning, it was clear that this project carried a rare magnitude and importance within the global luxury hospitality landscape.
Platte Island — A Pristine Paradise in the Seychelles
Platte Island is a remote and untouched island located just a 20-minute flight from Mahé, in the Seychelles archipelago. The island is a protected natural sanctuary and an essential nursery for many marine species, making it one of the most extraordinary natural environments in the Indian Ocean.
Surrounded by manta rays, baby sharks, frigate birds, crabs, and turtles, the island offers an ecosystem of exceptional richness — a true nature paradise where wildlife and landscape coexist in perfect balance.
Redefining Ultra-Luxury with Nature at the Core
With Waldorf Astoria Platte Island, the brand and the property set out to achieve something rarely done before:
to create an ultra-luxury destination where nature comes first.
The resort hosts a maximum of 120 guests, accommodated in 50 ultra-luxury private villas, ensuring privacy, exclusivity, and a deep connection with the surrounding environment. The property also features:
Three refined restaurants
Five bars
A large and unique spa, conceived as a sanctuary of wellness
Every aspect of the resort has been carefully designed to respect and enhance the island’s delicate ecosystem while delivering the highest standards of luxury hospitality.
Creating the Visual Narrative of the Island
Immersed in this extraordinary natural setting, we produced all the imagery needed to communicate Waldorf Astoria Platte Island to the world — from architectural photography to lifestyle storytelling.
The shoot covered:
Architectural and interior photography
Lifestyle imagery reflecting the guest experience
A powerful hero image, already selected for billboards and global brand communication
Working within Waldorf Astoria brand guidelines, we still felt that this property required a distinctive and unique visual approach. After a meticulous study of the island’s natural light, we chose to shoot most interiors with strong directional light entering the spaces, recreating an outdoor atmosphere even indoors. This approach reinforced the connection between architecture and nature, giving the imagery a fresh and contemporary identity.
A Landmark Project in Luxury Hospitality Photography
Being entrusted with shaping the visual language of such a significant opening was both an honor and a creative challenge. The goal was to capture the balance between refined luxury, untouched nature, and architectural elegance, defining a new benchmark for luxury resort photography in the Seychelles.
Waldorf Astoria Platte Island stands as one of the most meaningful resort openings I have photographed — a project that reflects both the future of luxury travel and my ongoing commitment to visual storytelling at the highest level.
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