Labriz

A scenic 15 minute helicopter transfer north-west from Mahé, Labriz is located on beautiful Silhouette Island, renowned for its emerald green jungle-clad mountain slopes and huge granite boulders rimmed with pristine white sands – a distinctive image so unique to the Seychelles.

Silhouette is the country’s third largest and second highest island with no set paths (it is a magnet for walkers), few roads (just two –connecting the north and south) – and one of the densest rainforests in the Indian Ocean. An abundance of indigenous flora and fauna flourishes on Silhouette and rare species include the incense tree, orchids and the sheaf tailed bat. The island is only accessible by helicopter or boat – and has long been a haven for nature lovers. Its highest peak is Mount Dauban (740 metres) whose imposing summit often appears to be touching the clouds. A Marine National Park, Silhouette is also encircled by a vast coral reef and its crystal clear water is ideal for snorkelling, diving, fishing and swimming.

It is hardly surprising that this alluring island’s stunning beauty has been wooing visitors for many years – yet, it is only very recently that Silhouette’s pristine shores have been graced with a luxury stylish island retreat. Labriz – the Seychellois Creole word for ‘the breeze’ – opened its doors in late 2006 and enjoys a stunning setting on a two kilometre stretch of Silhouette’s white sand beach.

The resort offers three accommodation categories comprising 30 Garden Villas, 63 Beach Villas (six with their own private plunge pool) and 17 Pavilions – all of which boast a contemporary design with beautiful views. Each of the luxurious nine Ocean Pavilions and eight Mountain Pavilions is a spacious villa with a living room, bedroom and an indulgent bathroom which opens on to a private garden with a rainshower and 6.5 x 3 metre pool. A separate outdoor pavilion provides the ideal setting for relaxing spa treatments or a romantic dinner.

Dining is a delectable affair – with a choice of cuisine and settings including traditional Creole fare served in a restored Seychellois plantation house (the former home of the Dauban family –the previous owners of the island). The fabulous Japanese-influenced Sakura restaurant, which is set right on the beach, specialises in freshly caught local seafood.

By virtue of its spectacular location, Labriz offers a wealth of experiences including big game fishing, mountain walks with the resident naturalist, snorkelling excursions and visits to Silhouette’s giant tortoise sanctuary. The resort also has a fitness centre, tennis court, a PADI dive centre, swimming pool – and the relaxing Aquum Spa, which is gloriously perched on the rocks with mountainside treatment suites set on stilts amidst the granite boulders.

PRICES Prices per person for 5 nights in a Beach Villa range from £857 in low season (£132 per person per night) to £1120 in high season (£184 per person per night) including breakfast and the return helicopter flight from Mahé. Flights from the UK from £493 (including £140 tax) with Qatar Air