Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa

Situated on the gorgeous Silhouette Island, this luxury Hilton resort attracts tourists seeking a remote tropical getaway. Rainforests, palm groves, and white sand beaches surround, and guests can also explore the protected flora and fauna of the national park, which covers 93 percent of the land here via guided hikes and nature walks. This is the only hotel on the island, and guests must arrive by boat from Mahé island (or by helicopter, for those willing to splurge) before getting greeted in the open-air lobby with a peaked wooden roof. Elegant rattan furniture provides seating, while a sleek front desk features a beige backdrop dotted with rustic tree trunk discs. The resort’s various common areas, such as the restaurants, feature similar decor and open-air designs. Golf carts shuttle guests around the extensive grounds to their private villas.

Prices here aren't nearly as high as at some other remote, five-pearl options in the Seychelles (The Four Seasons and Desroches Island can be over twice as much -- not without reason, as they provide a higher level of service). But it's not as accessible as some, both in terms of price and location; sister resort Hilton Seychelles Northolme is smaller, cheaper, and under a half-hour drive from the airport (no waiting around for the boat to the resort required). The Northolme is a better choice for those who prefer proximity to restaurants and shops, but this Hilton is better for those who want access to the incredible national park and bigger, better beaches.

While many guests are couples with romance in mind, the kids club, spacious villas, and many activities draw families, too. 

The hotel is situated on Silhouette Island, which is about a 45-minute boat ride northwest of Mahé island (the boat departs several times per day, so depending on when your flight arrives, you might need to wait a while). The secluded location is ideal for travelers seeking a remote getaway, and the Hilton is the only resort on the island. The island is also home to the historic Village la Passe, which is a short walk away and has a population of 135. There’s a restaurant in the village that serves Creole fare. The Silhouette National Park encompasses most of the island, while the surrounding waters constitute the Marine National Park. For guests who don’t mind the splurge, a helicopter ride here takes about 15 minutes.

The hotel offers luxurious villas that are tastefully decorated with contemporary furnishings in neutral hues. Peaked wooden ceilings make the spaces feel light and airy, as do white walls and white furniture that include plush beds and sofas. King Garden and King Beachfront Villas have large furnished terraces and private gardens with outdoor showers, while the Deluxe Villas add cascading pools to the lovely garden areas as well as gazebos. 

All units have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, work desks, and free Wi-Fi. Sleek, modern bathrooms are spacious and outfitted with walk-in rainfall showers as well as separate soaking tubs, plus Peter Thomas Roth toiletries, a Hilton staple. The indulgent Presidential Villa has two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces, as well as a large living room with a fully stocked bar, an outdoor dining area, a huge private pool, and personal butler service.

Though some of the villas have their own private pools, the resort also has a huge public pool that's surrounded by wooden sundecks with umbrella-shaded padded loungers. The resort offers a wealth of outdoor activities (for an added fee), including scuba diving (there’s a five-star Certified PADI diving center), snorkeling, game fishing, and guided nature walks. A variety of excursions and activities are also available for booking, such as hikes around the island (with terrific wildlife viewing -- one hike offers sightings of giant tortoises), cruises, and cooking classes. It's a good idea to book these in advance of your stay, as some might only be offered once a week and can book up.

Guests wishing to indulge in a pamper session can do so at the on-site spa, which has six treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, and a hot tub. There are a variety of massages and beauty treatments on offer, as well as yoga classes. There’s also a fitness center on-site as well as tennis courts.

There are several dining options on-site, including restaurants serving Italian, Japanese, and Creole cuisine, a pizzeria, a sushi bar, and a bar with cocktails and live entertainment -- though food and drinks are pricey. Half-board rates are available. Besides the on-site dining options, guests can also book private dining experiences such as romantic dinners, picnics, or a wine tasting in the wine cellar. Room service is also available. Other amenities at the resort include meeting rooms and event space (the property is a popular wedding venue), a medical center, bicycles available for rent, a DVD library, a petanque court, a giant chess game set, and free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. Families will appreciate the large kids’ club (for ages 4 to 12), which has both outdoor and indoor play areas, plus babysitting services (for a fee).