MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa

The MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa is ideal for couples seeking an intimate and relaxing getaway. The stand-alone villas are secluded and have expansive terraces with plunge pools and guests have the flexibility to dine en-suite whenever desired. The 30-acre property is set on a secluded hillside overlooking the ocean, plus it has lush, manicured grounds with numerous stunning vistas, further adding to the private nature of the resort. 

Though many guests choose to stay put in their villas, the hotel offers a main pool that overlooks the ocean, has an adjacent bar for ordering tropical drinks, and provides private nooks for lounging on orange-cushioned loungers. Strolls along the gorgeous white-sand Anse Louis beach, morning yoga classes, and exploring the calm turquoise waters via snorkeling are other popular pursuits. Each room is assigned a personal butler that can help arrange excursions. Speaking to its true five-pearl status, the resort doesn't have a typical lobby, but instead a private helipad -- a preferred way for many guests to arrive and depart.

MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa is set on a private 30-acre peninsula with a gentle hillside that fronts Anse Louis beach -- a secluded stretch of white-sand bordered by calm turquoise waters. It's located on the west coast of Mahe Island, the largest island in the Seychelles. A lot of the guests tend to remain at the property during the stay, but there are other beaches to explore on the island. It's a 30-minute drive to the airport, or the hotel has a helipad for travelers who would rather arrive in style.

• 30-minute drive to Seychelles International Airport
• 30-minute drive to Anse Intendance
• 30-minute drive to the Tea Factory
• 35-minute drive to the Natural History Museum
• 35-minute drive to the Botanical Gardens
• 40-minute drive to Victoria Market

The resort's 30 impressive villas are in two distinct locations -- either on the hilltop overlooking the ocean or lower on the hillside with direct beach access. The stand-alone units are spacious and luxurious, featuring thatched roofs, a private setting surrounded by tropical gardens, and a decor palette of pleasant neutral colors and earth tones. The crowning feature of the villas are their large outdoor terraces with private pools, sunken tubs, lounge chairs, a table and chairs, and a bar area. Though the beach villas are just steps from the sand, there's lush greenery between their outdoor spaces and the water that blocks ocean views. 

Interior spaces have gorgeous wood furniture topped with white fabrics, wood floors, and black-and-white photos. Rooms also have king-size beds draped with gauzy mosquito netting, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, ceiling fans, digital music players, bathrobes, and slippers. Spa-like bathrooms feature stone sinks, huge walk-in showers, Hermes toiletries, and some have views of the ocean through big windows. The outdoor bar areas are equipped with coffee- and tea-making facilities, glassware, and minibars. As each room comes with private butler service, many guests choose to dine on their terrace and past guests have noted finding in-room surprises from their butler.

The all-inclusive rates, paired with the hotel's anything, anywhere motto, means guests have the option of dining in their villas, on the beach, or at the hotel's elegant open-air Tec-Tec restaurant with ocean views. While the resort has a menu, many guests have noted their requests for off-menu items have been granted. The Sunset Pool Bar serves snacks and signature cocktails, and is a popular spot for watching the sunset. The resort's Wine Boutique features more than 300 vintage wines from around the world and guests can schedule tastings with the hotel's sommelier along with private dinners. All meals, snacks, non-alcoholic, and select alcoholic beverages are included in the rates. 

For those that don't want to spend all day in their villa, the resort has plenty to keep guests busy. The infinity-edge pool is surrounded by cushioned loungers and umbrellas, and it overlooks the ocean. The white-sand beach is pretty but loungers are only set up on an adjacent sandy area. Atypically, the resort offers unlimited scuba diving (intro and exploration dives), snorkeling, and water sports such as kayaks. Morning yoga classes and Qigong sessions are also offered. The small spa has three open-air rooms offering a range of treatments that include three styles of massage and five different types of facials, one being the ultra-luxe Gold Apres Soleil Facial. A variety of children's activities and spa treatments are also offered. For guests who want a workout, there's a small gym, but it has just a few cardio machines and free weights. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.