Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, Seychelles

More like treehouses, the villas at Hilton Seychelles Northolme hug the emerald hillside, while being enveloped by breadfruit trees and pandanus palms. The colonial-style rooms and suites are all ocean-facing, adorned with subtle Seychellois architecture, locally made artwork and four-poster beds, while sliding doors invitingly open out onto decking to absorb the glittering sea view.

For an extra splash of luxury, the Grand Ocean Pool Villas include a private pool with views across to Silhouette Island. Come dusk, you’re treated to a stunning crimson sunset painting Silhouette in a burnt orange hue.

The three restaurants and bars all serve a wide range of cuisine and cocktails (including a martini, shaken not stirred). From its lofty location, the Hilltop Restaurant offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, which accompany the international buffet that is available at both breakfast and dinner. Themed evenings mean live cooking stations sizzle with cuisines such as Asian and Italian, too. If you're staying at the resort on a Monday, don't miss its Creole cuisine night.

For breakfast or dinner a bit closer to the water, the Oceanview Bar & Restaurant is perched over the shimmering Indian Ocean on a split-level decked balcony. Staples such as a rich variety of fish and Creole curries regularly feature on the menu, while picking from a choice of delicious international cocktails is a wonderful way to round off an evening under a starlit sky.

Les Cocotiers is another excellent al fresco restaurant where you can dine under a blanket of stars, picking from a range of dishes fusing international and Creole influences.

Northolme’s brilliant location also means there are a fantastic selection of local eateries just along the coast, so you have plenty of choice every night.

The small but secluded beach is a tranquil place to relax, but you can also hire complimentary snorkels, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks for exploring the gin-clear lagoon which laps the golden sand. Or, hop in a glass-bottom boat if you'd prefer a drier experience! Beyond the resort, concierge can organise a range of tours on Mahé, from wandering the lively markets of capital Victoria to a tour of Takamaka Rum Distillery. They can even organise a helicopter tour of the island (James Bond would be proud), which is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Experiences can even extend to a day visit to the neighbouring island of Silhouette, a beautifully biodiverse wilderness.

The main infinity pool Hilton Seychelles Northolme is a serene place to soak while gazing out across the Indian Ocean. Elsewhere, the resort's Eforea Spa has three luxury treatment rooms, and a choice of 'treatment journeys', which individually focus on emotional wellbeing and body rejuvenation, employing local products like coconut oil.