CONSTANCEEPHELIARESORT,PORTLAUNAY, MAHÉConstance Ephelia Resort is set in 120 hectares of lush vegetation sloping gently down to twocrescent shaped beaches. It overlooks the marinepark of Port Launay, with its turquoise waters and coral reefs. The resort has 267 suites, butbecause they are spread across such a large areait feels like a hotel half its size. All the suites arespacious with a large bedroom, sitting area and en suite bathroom. They have every facilityincluding air-conditioning, television, CD and DVDplayers, iPod connection, WIFI and even a pillowmenu! Nearby, an extensive spa village has 18treatment rooms and a wide variety of relaxingtreatments. The resort has superb facilitiesincluding five restaurants, four swimming pools,and a well-equipped watersports centre.FOURSEASONSRESORTSEYCHELLES, PETITEANSE, MAHÉThis resort has 67 villas perched in lush vegetation above the bay of Petite Anse, regarded by locals as one of the most beautifulbays on Mahé. The villas are built in a traditionalCreole design featuring natural timber and brick.Some are set in the gardens whilst others areperched on the rocks and have panoramic seaviews. As you would expect from a Four Seasonsresort, the villas have every comfort you couldwish for including a private plunge pool on theveranda. Facilities at the resort are extensive andinclude two restaurants, a swimming pool,watersports centre, PADI dive centre andbeautiful spa situated right at the top of the hill.HILTONSEYCHELLESNORTHOLMERESORTANDSPA,BEAUVALLON, MAHÉThis hotel is located on the popular Beau Vallon Bay in northern Mahé. It has a friendlyatmosphere and a feeling of understated luxury.The villas are beautiful with all the facilities youneed and a large balcony with sea view. Thoselooking for relaxation will enjoy the infinity pooland the spa, which offers a comprehensive rangeof treatments. For the more active, diving,snorkelling and other watersports are availablefrom the nearby Scuba Centre. At the end of theday enjoy an al fresco drink at the Ocean ViewBar, positioned to make the most of the sunset.www.audleytravel.com/seychelles ?01993 838 515 ?Seychelles133Constance Ephelia ResortThe Hilton Notholme Resort & SpaThe Four Seasons ResortNorth Beach, Constance Ephelia ResortFrangipani flowersA villa at the Four Seasons ResortVictoria Market, Mahe

Desroches IslandDesroches is the ultimate get-away-from-it-allisland, with palm trees, white sand and turquoisewaters. There are no cars here, and on arrivalyour bike is waiting outside your room, completewith water bottle and a basket for your swimmingthings. You can cycle through the coconutplantations to deserted beaches and prettysnorkelling spots. Desroches Island Resort offerssupreme comfort in this idyllic setting. There are20 suites, set just back from the beach in theshady gardens. Each room is beautiful, withexpanses of polished wooden floors, cream linens and large paintings. They have every facilityincluding king-size beds, air-conditioning, satellitetelevision and en suite bathroom withfreestanding bath and outdoor shower. In thecentre of the resort, the pool, bar and restaurantall overlook the sea. There are also a number offour-bedroom villas on the opposite side of theisland which are perfect for families or groups.Whilst many come to Desroches to relax, plenty of activities are available if you'd like toexplore. There is a dive centre, kayaks andwindsurfers and a large boat which can bechartered on a daily basis.Denis IslandDenis Island is a flat coral island about twokilometres in diameter, 95 kilometres northeast of Mahé and surrounded by white sandy beaches.Protected by offshore reefs, the water is perfectfor swimming and snorkelling. On the northern tip of the island there are 25 bungalows set undercasuarina trees on the edge of the beach. Eachone is spacious and elegant with high-beamedceilings, four-poster beds, air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. There is plenty to do on DenisIsland, with criss-crossed pathways accessing allthe beaches. Due to the island's situation right onthe edge of the Seychelles Bank, the coral wallshere plummet to 2,000 metres, resulting in a widechoice of exciting dive sites. Fishing, windsurfing,sailing and kayaking are readily available, whilethose looking for spots to snooze on the warmsand under a palm tree will be spoilt for choice.134Desroches IslandThe lounge at Denis IslandGiant tortoise on DesrochesThe pool at Denis IslandA chalet at Desroches