Constance Lemuria

Constance Lemuria opened in 1999 as the island's first luxury resort, and while still high-end, some of the decor is in need of a refresh. The lobby's intricate wooden ceilings, stone floors with water features, and rock walls are certainly stunning, but dull or patterned seating throughout the hotel feel out-of-date. Still, the low-profile buildings blend nicely into the lush vegetation and convey a laid-back yet sophisticated style. The huge 370-acre property has several areas for guests to find seclusion, all while being just steps from the three white-sand beaches.

While the beaches offer idyllic settings, one the property's main attractions is its ocean-view pool; it consists of three levels with cascading waterfalls, as well as cushioned loungers beneath canvas umbrellas and a swim-up bar on the top tier. A majority of guests are couples, many on their honeymoon, yet the ample child-friendly facilities make it suitable for families.

The Constance Lemuria is set on the northwest shore of Praslin Island, the second largest island in the Seychelles. Getting to the property requires a 20-minute flight from Mahe's international airport to the Praslin Island Airport, followed by a 10-minute drive to the resort. A ferry service also runs from Mahe to Praslin and takes about 15 minutes. For those who intend on exploring a bit, a car is necessary to reach other beaches and restaurants. Anse Kerlan is a four-minute drive away, while Petit Anse Kerlan is just a six-minute walk, and there are more beaches within a 30-minute drive. The Vallee De Mai Nature Reserve is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel, and the Praslin Museum is just under 30 minutes.

The resort's 105 thatched-roof suites and villas are oriented to the ocean, offering privacy and spacious layouts that blend interior and outdoor living. Like the rest of the resort, all units are decorated in an earth-tone palette and include wood furniture, tile floors, and white linens with either yellow, red, or striped throw pillows. The suites are set among lush greenery along two of the resort's beaches, just 15 meters (50 feet) from the sand, and feature separate sitting areas, king-size beds, bathrooms with walk-in showers and separate tubs, and furnished terraces.

Located at the southern tip of Anse Kerlan, the resort also offers eight two-bedroom villas with private pools and personal butlers. The beachside villas feature bedrooms that open directly into gardens, just a few steps from the beach. They also include both indoor and outdoor showers and bathtubs, open living/dining areas, and huge terraces with sunken dining areas and private pools surrounded by wooden decks. All rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, digital music players, and safes, plus coffee- and tea-making facilities and stocked minibars. Robes and slippers, luxury toiletries, and hairdryers are also standard.

While the resort is secluded and serene, guests are never at a loss for activities. Constance Lemuria boasts the only 18-hole golf course in the Seychelles, which has scenic vistas and free green fees for hotel guests. Two floodlit tennis courts, mountain bikes, and non-motorized water sports are also available for active guests. For those looking for a more traditional workout, there's a spacious and well-equipped gym with lots of windows.

Of course, for the leisure-oriented, the resort's U Spa offers treatments that incorporate natural sea-inspired products, in addition to a steam room, sauna, and whirlpool tub. The three-tier pool with cascading waterfalls is gorgeous but the swimming areas aren't huge or that deep. They are, however, surrounded by loungers and umbrellas, plus have ocean views and a swim-up bar on the top level. The resort also has three beautiful white-sand beaches, and staff can drive guests in golf carts to the farthest one.

A kids' club provides organized fun for children ages 4 to 11. Typical activities include guided island exploration, local crafts, cooking classes, and scavenger hunts. The resort also offers computer stations for playing games and themed programs during the day and at night. Meeting spaces and wedding services are available, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

Four restaurants offer guests a variety of dining options. Located in the main building, Legend Restaurant serves buffet-style breakfast and themed dinners such as Italian and Asian. The more intimate Seahorse, popular for lunch after golf as well as sunset dinners, offers views of the 11th green. Set on the shores of Petite Anse Kerlan, the Beach Bar and Grill is a casual spot for fresh seafood, while Takamaka Restaurant allows guests to eat lunch beneath the shade of the local Takamaka trees. All rates include a substantial buffet breakfast with sparkling wine, and half board options are also available.

There are a total of five bars spread amongst the grounds, including a lobby bar and swim-up bar, offering a variety of juices, cocktails, beer, and wine. Note that during the evening, men must wear pants at restaurants.