Review: Hotel Labriz, Seychelles

If a hotel was a woman, then the Labriz in the Seychelles Islands would be a vain one: appearance means everything. Sandwiched between dazzling white sand beaches and tropical mountains, this new five-star property is good-looking, stylish and supremely inviting, everything you could wish for on a break in paradise.

I was struck by the picture postcard scenery of the Seychelles as soon as I touched down at the airport in Mahe. Lack of commercialisation and building height restrictions help to preserve the unspoilt views.

Soon after landing, we jumped into a boat for the 40 minute transfer to Hotel Labriz on Silhouette Island, gliding past other gorgeous islands as the sun set. For guests who want to avoid choppiers waters, typical in August and December, there is an alternative helicopter transfer to the resort.

Specialising in chic villa accommodation, the hotel offers three different grading options. At the top end, guests can splash out on Pavilions each set in a private garden, with private pools and an outdoor shower. In addition, there were Beach Villas, some featuring private plunge pools, and Garden Villas with spectacular mountain views.

I was booked into a spacious garden villa and it was nothing short of impressive. Decorated with contemporary furniture and modern trimmings such as a 32" flat-screen TV, it had everything I could wish for. The bathroom had minimalist decor, twin sinks and a fantastic outdoor shower.

Away from my room, I discovered there were plenty of places where I could eat. My favourite spot was the Grann Kaz restaurant. Set in a beautifully restored, 140 year old colonial plantation house just a five minute walk from the hotel, it offered a wealth of character and fantastic Creole cuisine.

Other dining options included: a pizzeria, a Japanese eatery, a lakeside pavilion with fresh seafood, a fine dining Italian restaurant overlooking the sea and a buffet restaurant with a superb mountain backdrop. One of the special touches I liked was the offer of a golf buggy to transfer us from a restaurant to our villa in bad weather....or if we had eaten too much!

If you want to truly indulge, head for the superb Aquum Spa where treatment pavilions are set on stilts amid glowering granite boulders. My massage was absolutely fantastic.

Outside the resort, wildlife trails snake through 2,500 hectares (6,177 acres) of lush vegetation. Visit the local giant tortoise sanctuary - some of its residents are over 120 years old! Also keep a look out for the hotel's own resident giant tortoise, who wanders freely around the grounds.

The island is crowned by a stunning 700m-high (2,297ft) granite mountain. I failed to pluck up the courage to climb it myself. However, novice walkers can enjoy less challenging, guided walks, with the hotel's resident naturalist. It's one way to appreciate the island's bountiful natural resources, including coconuts, cinnamon, coffee, avocados and tobacco. Rare pitcher plants, orchids, hardwoods and incense trees are also found here.

Silhouette Island is also set within a national marine park, which makes it a paradise for snorkellers and divers.

For couples, honeymooners and nature-lovers looking for a low key resort in a tranquil setting, Hotel Labriz more than fits the bill.

* Holidays Please provide a week's B&B stay at the Labriz Hotel from £2,138 per person (two sharing), including flights and speedboat transfers.

04 December 2009