Valmer Resort

Mahé


A cluster of well-organised villas and bunaglows cascades down a hillside cloaked in green, each enjoying stupendous ocean views. Apart from the four ordinary 'garden studios', which are just off the main road, the 17 units are sun-filled, capacious and tasteful. A hit is the pool, built at the foot of a big granite boulder. There's an on-site restaurant (by the pool).

There's also an art gallery where you can marvel at (and buy) works by local painter Gerard Devoud. The weak point is the walk up to the bungalows – it may leave the terminally unfit short of breath. You will need a car to get around. Minimum three nights.