What it is

A 41 villa and suite escape on the water with five unforgettable restaurants (including an Italian brasserie), three pools (one of them infinity,) and a Creole-inspired spa.

What it isn't

Boring. Guest experience options here are practically infinite, and include glass-bottomed boat rides, helicopter tours, hiking verdant beachfront rainforests and more.

What we think

Even the word Seychelles—pronounced almost like “seashells”—conjures an island nirvana. And we’d argue that this archipelago of islands off the coast of Africa are among the most romantic destinations on the continent. That’s certainly true of Mango House, where guest rooms are a Vacationland version of Meryl Streep and Robert Redford’s “Out of Africa,” thanks to canopied beds swathed in fairytale mosquito netting and balconies ideal for sipping a cuppa while overlooking the turquoise water below. Guest rooms begin at a generous 484 square feet; we love the One Bedroom Suite with Ocean View for its separate living space, terrace, and spacious 969 square foot floor plan. The Ocean Houses are exquisite, especially with their private plunge pools overlooking the surf. Oh, and did we mention that every single room option here has a panorama over the waters of Anse Aux Poules Bleues? You can’t go wrong.

You're here because

The resort has a flotilla of watersports options at-the-ready, including snorkel gear, kayaks, wakeboards and even banana boats. You can even work on your scuba certification here.

The Moment

It’s twilight in Kokoye, the hotel’s cocktail bar, and you feel like dancing. Was it the day on the sand that has you kicking up your heels? Or this addictive gin tea martini? Time will tell.

Restaurants & Bars

Muse - Enjoy Mediterranean dining in a brasserie-style ambience

Azido - Unwind with fresh sushi and charcoal-grilled robatayaki in a dreamlike atmosphere near the secluded beach

Soley - Poolside bar mixing fun and sophistication

Moutya - A perfect place for casual beach dining, influenced by Creole flavors and indigenous fire methods

Kokoye - Resort lounge celebrating the diversity of the Seychelles against a backdrop of gorgeous bay views

Location

A pristine beachfront just down the road from British painter Michael Adams art studio (worth stopping in; he was awarded the MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth herself, after all.)