Sleepover: Lemuria Resort, Anse Kerlan, Ile de Praslin, Seychelles

Where is it?

In paradise. Otherwise known as Praslin, one of the Seychelles islands.

What's it like?

Five-star luxury takes an environmentally friendly turn. When the architect was taken to the island's north-west shores to, well, create, he turned his back on the sea, clambered up the huge granite rocks just beyond the palms and declared that this was the perfect spot for the hotel. He was right. The result is, frankly, amazing. The resort has been built in, over and around the rocks and vegetation. At its centre, the reception, bar and restaurant stand on stilts, sheltered by high teak roofs thatched with leaves from local Latannyen trees. Water cascades down the centre of a stone staircase that leads to the three swimming pools, each on a different level, water flowing from one to the other, the lower two moulded around the giant granite boulders. At shore level the guest suites lie just behind two of the resort's three beaches. From the sea only the sunbeds – neatly placed in twos, of course – reveal that there's a hotel here. Even the beach bar is tucked in the rocks.

What's its USP?

Few resorts reach this standard on the Seychelles, despite the destination's high price tag.

Rooms?

Eighty-eight beautifully designed and furnished suites set in thatched-roof houses. The minimalist luxury uses the resort's signature colours – creams, reds, yellows and browns – in the marble floor, the sisal rug, the raw silk counterpane and the mahogany lattice-work bedhead. The question is, where will you have that sundowner? On your terrace, or in the double bath, both with views of the sea? Strictly for momentous occasions, suites cost from £250 to £1,000 per person per night direct. Packages offer better value: Sunset Faraway (020-7498 9922; www.sunsetfaraway.co.uk) offers five nights from £1,440 per person, based on two sharing, including return non-stop flights with Air Seychelles and b&b accommodation.

Service?

Impeccable. Someone somewhere is anticipating your every need at all times.

Food and drink

Why do hotels in the middle of the Indian Ocean/ Caribbean think they have to offer Mediterranean fare, right down to wood-fired pizzas? I suppose it's what the punters want – which is depressing. Lemuria has that obligatory Med restaurant and a pricier dining room serving international cuisine. The food in both is excellent.

Ambience?

Peace and privacy. Guests keep to themselves. And the only sounds to be heard above the birdsong are waves lapping the shore and the thud of the odd coconut dropping from a tree.

Clientele?

Posh European couples of varying ability to smile. Stars jet in for discreet holidays.

What is there to do?

The hotel has the Seychelles' only golf course: a stunner, with challenging holes and breathtaking views. There is also a spa, tennis courts, diving centre and children's club. And, of course, there are the beaches, which include Anse Georgette, voted second best beach in the world by one German travel magazine (and they should know).

Address

Lemuria Resort, Anse Kerlan, Ile de Praslin, Seychelles (00 248 281 281; email: lemuria@seychelles.net).

Kate Simon

Kate Simon travelled to the Seychelles as a guest of the Seychelles Tourist Board (020-8741 6262; www. aspureasitgets.com) and Air Seychelles (01293 596656; www.airseychelles. com), which runs the only non-stop service to the islands and is offering two return flights for a total of £700 plus taxes until 3 February. Lemuria is one of three resorts owned by Hotels Constance (00 230 415 1501; www.constancehotels.com).