L'ARCHIPEL, ANSEGOUVERNMENT, PRASLINL'Archipel is set on a palm-studded hillside above a private stretch of beach in northernPraslin. Built in colonial style, cool cream andgreen villas contain 30 guest rooms and suitesranging in size from large to downright enormous. All are comfortable, with king-sizebeds, polished tile floors, antique tables, elegantwriting desks and orchids in glass vases. Breakfastis served on large private verandas with oceanviews and birds hopping about in search ofcroissant crumbs. There is plenty to do atL'Archipel including snorkelling, diving, fishing and trips to nearby islands. LARESERVE, ANSEPETITCOUR,PRASLINLa Reserve is set above a private beach withwhite sand, granite boulders and views ofCurieuse Island. Snorkelling directly off the beachis particularly good with a coral reef within easyswimming distance. The hotel itself is pretty, witha cluster of two-storey Creole style buildings,each housing four rooms. Rooms are comfortablewith four-poster beds, air-conditioning andspacious en suite bathrooms. Outside, the sea-facing balcony or terrace is a lovely place torelax. The restaurant at La Reserve is built on ajetty and catches the sea breeze. There is plentyto do at the hotel, from swimming in the largepool, cycling, snorkelling or enjoying boat trips to Curieuse Island.PARADISESUN, ANSEVOLBERT,PRASLINParadise Sun is a large hotel located at the end ofAnse Volbert. There are 80 rooms in two-storeybungalows arranged in crescents around thelawns. The hotel is particularly well suited tothose wanting to do lots of activities. There is aswimming pool, volleyball court and watersportscentre from which you can arrange snorkel tripsto the island of St Pierre and dive trips furtherafield. There are two restaurants and eachevening a small band plays, creating a sociable and fun atmosphere. The hotel is excellent forfamilies as swimming is in a sheltered bay andthere are plenty of activities for children.www.audleytravel.com/seychelles ?01993 838 515 ?Seychelles131L'ArchipelSuperior Room, Paradise SunThe pool at La ReserveLocal fruit stallParadise Sun, Coco D'Or BeachSt Pierre Island off the coast of PraslinEvening meal at the Paradise Sun

BANYANTREESEYCHELLES,ANSEINTENDANCE, MAHÉSituated above the beautiful beach at AnseIntendance, Banyan Tree Seychelles is stylish andluxurious. The 60 villas are dotted around thehillside and beach, ranging from hillside pool villasto presidential villas and varying in size from largeto enormous. Inside, you will want for nothingwith king-size beds, big sofas, fresh flowers andsunken baths in the en suite bathrooms.Outdoors, each villa has a private pavilion withsunbeds, swimming pool and (in some villas) aJacuzzi. The hotel prides itself on its food, withthree restaurants serving a variety of Creole,Asian, Thai and European cuisine. With a refinedand luxurious spa and plenty of activities, BanyanTree Seychelles provides everything you need for a luxurious stay.MahéMahé is the largest island in the Seychelles andhome to the capital, Victoria. 27 kilometres longand eight wide, it is a dramatic island of graniteoutcrops and mountains rising from the sea, thetallest of which - Morne Seychellois - is oftentopped by a dusting of mist. Mahé is surroundedby coral reefs which protect the beaches andensure tranquil seas and azure lagoons. Thecoastline is crinkled with picturesque coves,stretches of sugar-white sand and beaches criss-crossed with bird footprints and littered withshells. Coconut palms stretch over sculptedgranite boulders and fairy terns can be heardbabbling in the trees. There is much to see and do on Mahé. If youever tire of the beaches there are walking trails in the mountains and along the coast. Victoria isfun for a morning, with its vibrant markets, leafystreets and colourful harbour. Offshore, there arecoral reefs for snorkelling and little islands toexplore. After a day of activities there are tinyCreole restaurants waiting for you with theirtables on the sand where you can enjoy a colddrink and a spicy samosa. This is the perfect island for a relaxing stay.132Banyan Tree, Intendance BaySuite at the Banyan TreeView from a villa at Banyan TreeBanyan Tree