The best hotels in the Seychelles: nine places to stay on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue

Treetop villas above Petite Anse

Four Seasons climbs a steep hillside above Petite Anse on the south-west of Mahé, one of the island's prettiest beaches. The villas sit high in the trees with their own pool and views over the bay, and the spa is at the top of the hill.

This is our pick for romance, for couples who want peace and a beach almost to themselves. It is a long way from Victoria and Beau Vallon. Take the buggy down to the beach early, when the water is glassy.

On a headland in the south-west

Mango House sits on a small headland at Anse aux Poules Bleues on the south-west of Mahé, with a bay on either side. It is a newer hotel with modern rooms in white and blue, several pools and a restaurant over the water.

It suits couples who want a modern hotel on the quiet south-west coast. The beaches are small. Drive the short way to Anse Intendance, one of the longest and wildest beaches on Mahé.

Room for the whole family at Port Launay

Constance Ephelia is at Port Launay on the north-west of Mahé, next to a marine national park. The resort is large, with two beaches, several pools, many restaurants, a kids' club, tennis and watersports.

This is our family pick, because there is space and plenty to do for all ages. It is a big hotel and distances are long. Snorkel in the marine park just offshore, where the water is calm for much of the year.

Villas above a cove in the north

Northolme sits on the cliffs at Glacis in the north of Mahé, with wooden villas spread over the hillside above a small cove. It is a small hotel that does not take young children, and the writer Ian Fleming is said to have stayed at the old hotel here.

It suits couples who want a quiet stay close to the restaurants at Beau Vallon. The beach is small and rocky. Have dinner on the terrace over the sea and watch the sunset.

On the beach at Beau Vallon

STORY Seychelles is right on Beau Vallon, the longest and liveliest beach on Mahé. The villas sit in a large garden, many with their own pool, and from the hotel you can walk to beach bars, restaurants and dive centres.

It suits you if you want a long beach and some life around you, and like to go out in the evening. The beach is popular and busier than in the south. Go to the Beau Vallon market on Wednesday evenings.

Three beaches and a golf course

Constance Lemuria is in the north-west of Praslin, with three beaches including Anse Georgette, often named one of the best in the world. The hotel has the only 18-hole golf course in the Seychelles, and the villas sit on the hillside above the sea.

This is our pick for beach and golf. It is far from the rest of the island and prices are high. Walk to Anse Georgette early, before guests from other hotels arrive.

Villas with their own pool

Raffles is at Anse Takamaka on the north-east of Praslin, with villas on the hillside, all with their own pool and a sea view. It has a big spa and several restaurants, and Anse Lazio is a short drive away.

It suits couples who want a large villa and full service. The beach by the hotel sometimes has seaweed and waves. Visit the Vallée de Mai one morning to see the coco de mer palm and the black parrot.

Villas among the granite on La Digue

L'Orangeraie is close to the harbour on La Digue, with villas on the hillside and a spa built in among the granite boulders. It is the largest hotel on the island, but the mood is calm and you cycle everywhere.

This is our pick on La Digue, for anyone who wants to see Anse Source d'Argent and Grand Anse. There are few restaurants on the island. Hire a bike and get to Anse Source d'Argent at low tide.

A private island to yourself

Six Senses Zil Pasyon is on Félicité, a private granite island near La Digue. The villas have their own pool and views of the other islands, and you arrive by boat from La Digue or by helicopter from Mahé.

It suits you if you want to get away from everything and money is no object. There is nothing on the island but the hotel. Spend a day on a boat trip to La Digue to cycle to the beaches.