5* Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa - Seychelles

Jungle meets sea on the picturesque peninsula at the northern tip of Mahé. It’s here, overlooking Beau Vallon bay, that you’ll find Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa. A cluster of thatched villas tumbles down the hillside to the jade-coloured waters below, framed by huge granite boulders and tropical foliage – it’s easy to see why this spot was a favoured haunt of James Bond author Ian Fleming.

Seychellois architecture influences the design of the rooms – all glossy wood and glass-panel French doors – accented with original artwork and bold pops of lime green or cherry red. The room to book is the Grand Ocean View Pool Villa for your own private infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean and Silhouette Island – perfect for honeymooners. This view also provides a postcard-perfect backdrop to the spa, infinity pool and yoga pavilion. But perhaps the best spot to take in the postcard-pretty water views is the Lower Deck Gin Bar; watch the sun go down in a fiery blaze, cocktail in hand.

You’re in a great location for exploring Mahé. Gawk at the coco de mer palms in Victoria Botanical Gardens or browse the local Creole handicrafts at the Domaine de Val des Prés. Island-hopping is the best way to discover the jewels of the archipelago; don’t miss the beach-dotted coastline of Eden Island and the giant tortoises roaming Moyenne Island.