Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort and Spa

One of the oldest hotels in the Seychelles, The Northolme has a glamorous history. For years, it was the preferred hideaway for such distinguished guests as Somerset Maughan, Noel Coward and Ian Fleming who were drawn to its inimitable charm. Indeed, Fleming stayed here in the spring of 1958 whilst he sought inspiration for his latest James Bond book, to be called ‘For Your Eyes Only’.

Wonderfully positioned at Glacis on Mahé’s northwest coast, and built on an outcrop just north of the sprawling 3km long Beau Vallon Bay, this grand old hotel has recently undergone a major transformation into a chic luxury spa retreat which is now part of the Hilton portfolio.

Tree-shaded paths meander up the hillside to the stylish wooden villas built on stilts which perch on the granite rocks and enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean and Silhouette Island a few miles away. A subtle blend of Seychellois architecture and contemporary décor, the villas are cool, elegant and spacious inside with bright colourful fabrics providing a striking contrast with the dark wood panelling. A huge four poster bed sits on a platform, romantically draped with a mosquito net. All villas have typically high ceilings and large private balconies with oversized daybeds and outdoor dining facilities. The 14 Deluxe Oceanfront Villas, which offer more privacy closer to the ocean, are single storey whilst the 26 Oceanview Hillside Villas are double-storey.

Hilton have even paid tribute to Fleming by dedicating one of the Deluxe Oceanfront Villas to him. The ‘hi-tech’ Ian Fleming Suite comes complete with a kingsize circular bed, Blofeld-style spinning chair and best of all, the complete library of James Bond DVD’s and novels – surely an irresistible drawcard for 007 enthusiasts!

Dining is a local affair with a particular focus on fresh local seafood and traditional Creole cuisine. The open-air Hilltop Restaurant boasts panoramic ocean and mountain views whilst Les Cocotiers offers the ultimate ‘dining under the stars’ experience. The Ocean View Bar is the perfect place to enjoy one of the Seychelles’ spectacular sunsets.

Relax and rejuvenate at the Duniye Spa perched on giant granite boulders overlooking the ocean –the specialist Ayurvedic treatments perfectly complement the gentle pace of life in the Seychelles. There is also a Yoga Pavilion.

The Northolme’s glorious hillside setting – it is spread across two small coves surrounded by magnificent granite boulders – does mean that the white sand beach is only a small one – but the breathtaking views more than make up for this. A variety of watersports including fishing excursions are available – and there is also a freshwater infinity swimming pool, a fitness centre and a complimentary shuttle service to Beau Vallon.

PRICES Prices per person for 5 nights in an Oceanview Hillside Villa range from £840 in low season (£153 per person per night) to £1215 in high season (£228 per person per night) including breakfast and return airport transfers. Flights from the UK from £493 (including £140 tax) with Qatar Air