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 Banyan Tree SeychellesSet into the rainforest-covered mountainside of Intendance Bay on Mahé Island, the Banyan Tree Seychelles commands an impressive view of its 800 meters of pristine beach. Whether you reside in a Hillside or Beachfront Villa, the clean white sand and crystal azure water of the Indian Ocean are only moments from your doorstep. Join an island-hopping excursion, visit nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Aldabra coral atoll, explore the bird and tortoise communities, or simply relax in the infinity pool. Several on-site restaurants offer exquisite food that celebrates the bounty of fresh tropical ingredients. A visit to the famed Banyan Tree spa makes the visit even more relaxing and memorable. In the 1800s, General Gordon of Khartoum mistakenly believed he had landed at the original Garden of Eden when he first visited the Seychelles; guests at this property will no doubt understand his confusion.
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 North Island North Island was started as a "Noah's Ark" conservation project -- an attempt to protect the native plant and animal inhabitants by carefully monitoring and restricting the development of this small island. Human guests spend time on the island to enjoy the unsullied landscape and five-star luxury accommodations. Indeed, the property has the attitude of a conscientious eco-project but offers the amenities of a deluxe lodge. Each villa is handcrafted by locals, and is decorated with sumptuous fabrics and furnishings. Villas are tucked discreetly into the beach or forest, so that a sense of privacy and isolation is maintained. Guests can scuba dive, snorkel, take a trip to Silhouette Island, ride a bicycle, or soak up the sun at one of the four beaches. There is no set menu on North Island: the chef speaks to guests personally about their culinary tastes and develops a tailored menu -- which invariably features the freshest food complemented by an impressive collection of fine wines. |
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 Cousine Island Tiny, privately owned Cousine Island, six kilometers off the west coast of Praslin, caters to those who wish for absolute privacy. At only 61 acres, Cousine is one of the smaller granitic islands of the Seychelles, and it will accommodate no more than 10 guests at a time. Five French Colonial style chalets are situated on the north side of the island 30 meters from the beach, and a restaurant, bar, and lounge are located in a central pavilion. Each of the elegant villas have spacious bedrooms, lounge areas, bathrooms with spa baths and outside showers - even digital television! Nature lovers and environmentalists treasure Cousine Island because it is home to one of the rarest birds in the world, the magpie-robin, and also because it hosts the giant turtles that come ashore to lay eggs between September and January.
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 Lémuria Resort of PraslinOn three secluded white sand beaches on the island of Praslin, the Lémuria Resort is a perfect choice for those seeking a true Seychellois experience. The resort commands nearly 250 acres of beachfront land; as a result, each suite lies within 15 meters of the shore, each tucked into lush gardens that create a sense of privacy. An on-site Fitness and Health Center offers a sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath, and full gym, and an experienced masseuse is available to provide reflexology, shiatsu, Ayurveda, and aromatherapy treatments on request. Those who wish to venture off the beach blanket can try out the tennis courts or float on the crystal water in a catamaran or kayak, and excellent snorkeling is available. Four bars are good evening destinations, and the restaurant integrates fresh Seychellois flavors into French cuisine. The resort has been designed with supreme environmental sensitivity; even the lighting is arranged so it does not disturb the turtles when they come ashore at night to lay their eggs.
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 Frégate IslandA short 20-minute flight east of Mahé, Frégate Island is truly an island oasis, famous not only for its beautiful Anse Victorin beach and nearby top dive site, Chimney Rocks, but for the luxury and privacy it offers. Nestled among banyan trees and leafy coco de mer palms, the 16 air-conditioned villas are constructed with mahogany and African teak wood in a post-and-lintel style, with dense thatched roofs overhead. Decorated with antique furnishings that have Balinese and Thai accents, the villas each have a Jacuzzi, private sundeck, and satellite television. The villas are far enough from each other that each feels pleasantly secluded, and the restaurant and bar can provide social interaction when guests want it. The gardens of Frégate Island provide the hotel's kitchen with fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs used in the preparation of the gourmet cuisine. Humans are evidently not the only creatures to recognize how precious Frégate Island is - half of the world's entire population of the rare magpie robin has taken up residence there.
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