Sainte Anne Resort and Spa

Just a 10 minute boat ride from Mahé, this unspoilt private island is beautifully situated in the heart of Saint Anne Marine National Park – one of the first Marine National Parks in the Indian Ocean. It is an idyllic haven for keen swimmers, snorkellers and divers, and boasts several breathtaking beaches.

Sainte Anne’s appeal lies not only in its warm welcoming hospitality, its stylish all-villa accommodation and superb ‘Spa by Clarins’ – but also its close proximity to Mahé. A complimentary shuttle boat service between the island and a private wharf in Mahé operates at regular intervals – so you can easily spend the day wandering through the colourful markets of Victoria or gazing at the typical Creole houses, before returning to your island sanctuary at Sainte Anne in time for an evening's dining under a starry sky.

The island’s 87 villas have been specifically designed to blend in with their lush pristine surroundings. All are sea-facing with spacious kingsize bedrooms leading through magnificently appointed bathrooms to an enclosed garden with a refreshing outdoor shower. There are 79 Villas ‘Providence’ (9 of which can be interconnecting), 3 Villas ‘Bel Air’ which enjoy the additional space of a separate bedroom and living area, 4 two-bedroom Villas ‘Belle Vue’ plus one Royal Villa (with 3 bedrooms). All exude a welcoming tropical ambience which seamlessly combines comfort, space and intimacy with the seclusion of a private island.

Food lovers will enjoy Sainte Anne's established ‘gastronomic’ reputation. The resort's casual L’Abondance Restaurant serves traditional Creole cuisine in the shade of coconut palms, whilst ‘Le Mont Fleuri’, which opens directly onto the beach and has three thatched dining areas perched on stilts over the sea, offers a more Mediterranean-style ambience.

Children are welcome – there is a ‘Mini-Club’ for 3 - 12 year olds – and in order to protect the Marine Park, only non-motorised watersports are available.

As a guest at Sainte Anne, you simply must make time to explore the rest of this beautiful island either on foot or by bike. There are some wonderful trekking and mountain bike trails (mountain bikes are available for hire) – intriguing footpaths lead through the vegetation to reveal breathaking views of the island's beaches. The resort occupies less than a quarter of the island, leaving the rest of the island unspoilt and uninhabited.

PRICES Prices per person for 5 nights in a Villa Providence from £1297 in low season (£250 per person per night) to £1439 in high season (£279 per person per night) including breakfast, dinner and the return boat transfer from Mahé. A minimum 6 night stay applies over the Christmas and New Year festive period. Flights from the UK from £493 (including £140 tax) with Qatar Air