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Hotels
A Paradise-Like Hotel: One of the best Hotels in the World
Who hasn’t dreamed of spending their vacation in a paradise hotel, on a dream island in the tropics, with their feet in the sand? We invite you to discover 10 of the world’s most beautiful resorts, from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, including the Caribbean.
Our selection includes several private islands—among the world’s most exclusive destinations—as well as legendary hotels that have been frequented by the world’s elite for decades.
1. Constance Lemuria, Seychelles
The concept? More than just a hotel, Constance Lemuria is an incredible luxury resort—a marvel of elegance and refinement set in a magical setting—that was completely renovated in late 2016. The renowned interior design firm MHNA was commissioned to redesign the hotel’s decor. In an atmosphere that invites you to escape, you’ll find everything that makes grand travels so charming—evocations of the spice routes, India, and neighboring Africa, not to mention Creole influences and a few touches of colonial chic.
The suites? The hotel consists primarily of suites and villas. Specifically: 88 junior suites measuring 52 m2, 8 senior suites measuring 115 m2, and 8 villas measuring 725 m2.
Housed in small limestone and pink granite cottages topped with thatched roofs, the junior suites are nestled in the gardens just a few meters from the beach. Bright and airy, they face the sea and the setting sun and are decorated with rosewood, light linen, and fabrics in shades of sand, salmon, and brown. Their spacious verandas or terraces (for those on the first floor), furnished as outdoor living spaces, invite guests to linger over breakfast in the tranquility of a tropical morning. Designed for families, the 8 Villas—situated in a quiet corner at the southern tip of Anse Kerlan—feature two bedrooms, an indoor and outdoor bathroom, a large terrace, and a private pool. They also benefit from the services of a dedicated butler assigned to each villa. Not to mention the Presidential Villa, a truly exclusive little estate perched on granite boulders, covering an area of 1,250 m2.
Dining? No fewer than four restaurants where you can enjoy cuisine in perfect harmony with the spirit of Constance Lemuria. Here, dishes inspired by the finest French and international cuisine are paired with the archipelago’s best local flavors. An international buffet at the main restaurant, The Legend; Mediterranean flavors at Diva, which overlooks the 11th hole of the golf course; seafood at The Nest with a view of Anse Kerlan; and fresh salads at Takamaka, the beach restaurant that welcomes you for lunch. Constance Lemuria also features five bars where you can enjoy a coffee, a cocktail made with exotic fruit juices, or a digestif—paired with a selection of cigars at the Huna Bar, for example.
The beach? Constance Lemuria offers its guests exclusive access to three of Praslin Island’s most beautiful spots: Petite Anse Kerlan, Grande Anse Kerlan, and the famous Anse Georgette, considered by experts to be one of the most beautiful in the archipelago thanks to its pink granite rocks that contrast beautifully with the white sand and the blue ocean.
The spa? Nestled in the heart of a bamboo grove, in a magical setting bordered by the three beaches visible from above, the Institut Constance Spa at Constance Lemuria offers 8 treatment rooms, a hair salon, a manicure/pedicure room, a sauna-hammam-jacuzzi complex, and a fitness center. Here, you can unwind with a Sisley treatment, an aromatherapy session, or a special treatment for golfers.
Sports? Guests can try their hand—free of charge—at Laser and Hobie Cat sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, dinghy sailing, pedal boats, and snorkeling... Also on the agenda: four swimming pools, two tennis courts lit at night, and a Kid’s Club with a pool and activities for children. Not to mention the Constance Lemuria championship course, the only 18-hole golf course in the Seychelles. Set against the backdrop of crystal-clear waters and white sand, the game becomes a true spectacle. Free green fees for Constance Lemuria guests.
Constance Lemuria
Starting at 105 keys, starting at 940 €* *terms and conditions apply
Anse Kerlan, Praslin, Seychelles
2. Joali, Maldives
Why go there? From the moment you touch down—in a seaplane bearing the hotel’s colors, no less—the beauty of this tropical paradise is breathtaking: turquoise waters, lush vegetation, huts with thatched roofs, works of art… This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in the Maldives, successfully combining a virtuous environmental approach with an unprecedented artistic vision, transforming the Joali island resort into a veritable open-air gallery.
Discovering the immense Water Villas on stilts is a second aesthetic revelation, with dizzyingly high ceilings, private terraces and infinity pools, and the sensation of being alone facing the Indian Ocean. In terms of decor, handcrafted furniture and works of art sit alongside a library, king-size beds, and majestic bathrooms featuring terrazzo and green Lapland marble. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by your jadugar, a dedicated butler who will attend to your every need throughout your stay.
And the picture wouldn’t be complete without a culinary experience sure to delight even the most discerning foodies. Whether it’s a cocktail or lunch on the beach at the Mura Bar, the delicious Japanese cuisine at Saoke, exploring Asian fusion cuisine at Vandhoo, or the quintessentially Italian simplicity of Bellini.
The style? Arty chic.
What sets it apart? A commitment to luxury that is sustainable, creative, and ethical, with a focus on women’s empowerment and artistic expression.
Where is it? On the tip of Muravandhoo Island, nestled in the Raa Atoll in the Maldives—one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world.
JOALI Maldives
Muravandhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Republic of the Maldives, 20066
3 Amanpulo, Philippines
Why go there? Literally meaning “peaceful island” in Sanskrit and Tagalog, the language of the Philippines, it’s no surprise that Aman chose this idyllic setting for its only Philippine retreat. Located an hour’s flight (by private plane) from Manila, Amanpulo is the only structure on the island, nestled near a jungle bordering a 5.5-kilometer-long coral bay.
With just around forty Casitas and 18 private villas—all featuring direct beach access and designed by Filipino architect Francisco Mañosa—scattered along the beachfront or on the surrounding hillsides, the hotel remains true to the intimate and exclusive spirit of all Aman properties worldwide. When it comes to activities, excellence is also the order of the day: diving in the turquoise waters of the lagoon, nature excursions, tennis, a large pool beneath the bougainvilleas, and a spa with ocean views.
Gourmets can choose from three restaurants serving fusion, Japanese, or local cuisine, a beach club right on the water, a bar on stilts, and the option to host private dinners in an absolutely exceptional setting.
The style? Ultra-chic Robinson Crusoe-style living .
What sets it apart? The feeling of being “alone in the world” , reserved for the lucky few who can treat themselves to this timeless paradise.
Where is it? In the Cuyo Islands archipelago north of Palawan, 360 kilometers southwest of Manila.
Amanpulo
Pamalican Island, Palawan Province 5318, Philippines
Website: www.aman.com/resorts/amanpulo
4. Zuri Zanzibar, Tanzania
Why go there? Nestled along a beach on the island of Unguja, in Kendwa, this resort was the first hotel in Zanzibar to join the Design Hotels collection. With an incredibly pristine, 300-meter-long west-facing beach, the resort is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in the Indian Ocean to watch the sunset and unwind during a two-week trip to Tanzania.
Its 56 bungalows, suites, and villas—all eco-friendly and designed by the prestigious London-based architecture firm Jestico Whiles—blend Indian and African influences that shape the culture of the Tanzanian archipelago. Everywhere you look, there’s lush vegetation, breathtaking ocean views, and large windows that almost completely blur the line between indoors and outdoors—all while ensuring complete privacy!
Complementing this idyllic setting are three fusion restaurants and four bars, a 32-meter-long infinity pool, a spa, a yoga center, massage rooms, a library, and an authentic spice garden, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the island’s distinctive scents.
The style? A romantic, design-forward resort.
What sets it apart? The pristine beauty of the beach, which is never far away, and a wide range of activities included in the room rate.
Where is it? In Kendwa, on Unjuga Island, the main island of Zanzibar, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania.
Zuri Zanzibar
Kendwa 73107 Tanzania
5. The Brando, French Polynesia
Why go there? Just a stone’s throw from Tahiti, in the heart of the Pacific, The Brando and its 35 dream villas embody the vision of a contemporary luxury hotel—ultra-exclusive and eco-friendly.
Frequented by Hollywood stars as well as the Obamas (rumor has it that the former president wrote a good portion of his memoirs there), this extraordinary resort owes its origins to the legendary actor Marlon Brando, who fell in love with the Tetiaroa atoll in French Polynesia in the 1960s. “It’s even more beautiful than anything I could have imagined,” the actor said at the time, before buying the atoll.
Now transformed into a private, ultra-luxury resort island, The Brando makes no compromises when it comes to protecting nature. The select few staying in the island’s 35 villas with private pools are invited to live in harmony with a unique ecosystem (14 bird species, 158 plant species—38 of which are native—and 167 families of fish). This doesn’t prevent them from enjoying the amenities and services of a true 5-star resort (spa, gourmet restaurant, open champagne bar for guests on an all-inclusive package, etc.).
And all of this while maintaining a minimal carbon footprint thanks to truly eco-friendly facilities: carbon-free air conditioning using near-freezing ocean water drawn from deep below the surface; solar panels along the 775-meter runway to provide lighting; and rainwater harvesting and seawater desalination for the running water supply.
The vibe? A celebrity retreat at the end of the world.
What sets it apart? A commitment to environmental sustainability, taken to the extreme here.
Where is it? On the private Tetiaroa Atoll in French Polynesia, about 50 kilometers from Tahiti (allow about 20 minutes by flight aboard the resort’s private planes).
The Brando
Arue 98702 French Polynesia
Website: thebrando.com
6. Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
Why go there? Bali? No, Sumba! Nestled on an island in the East Sunda Islands, a province in the eastern part of the Indonesian archipelago, the Nihi Sumba hotel spans an estate of over 550 hectares of tropical vegetation.
Surrounded by lush nature, it features 28 sumptuous, extra-large villas (ranging from 158 to 250 m² for a double room), each with a private pool. With a design entirely based on natural materials—wooden furniture, extraordinary linen bedding—the resort cultivates understated luxury and invites guests to unwind immediately. To relax, there’s a spa offering exclusive treatments for two, overlooking the ocean.
When it comes to culinary delights, it’s impossible to get bored or not find something to your liking, between Ombak, a beachfront restaurant specializing in wood-fired cuisine, the intimate pavilions of the Nio Beach Club, where you can savor a menu featuring ingredients picked fresh from the hotel’s organic garden, the omakase cuisine (where you can let the chef’s creativity guide you) at the Japanese restaurant Kaboku, or even a Mexican tapas bar.
The vibe? An Indonesian Eden.
What sets it apart? The location awakens our most adventurous instincts, thanks to a host of sporting activities: safaris, surfing, fishing, hikes through waterfalls, or yoga—the options seem endless.
Where is it? 400 km from Bali, on the island of Sumba in Indonesia, in the province of East Nusa Tenggara.
Nihi Sumba
Desa Hobawawi, Wanokaka, Sumba 87272 Indonesia
7. One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius
Why go there? The iconic One&Only Le Saint Géran reopened its doors in early December 2017 after more than nine months of renovations and an investment of tens of millions of dollars. The goal? To ensure that the property—considered one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Mauritius—remains on par with the world’s finest resorts. This has been the case since 1975, when One&Only Le Saint Géran, a true pioneer, redefined the standards of luxury in the Indian Ocean.
While the property has retained its colonial-style architecture—much appreciated by its most loyal guests—a generous dose of contemporary luxury has been added. It was imperative that Le Saint Géran reaffirm its status as the most beautiful 5-star hotel in Mauritius! The rooms and suites (ranging from 60 m2 to over 250 m², among the most spacious on the island) have been redesigned and modernized, as have most of the furnishings and outdoor spaces. The main pool is now reserved for adults. This is also where guests gather to enjoy performances of sega tambour or sega tipik, the island’s indigenous musical genre. Over at La Pointe, a new“community center” has been created specifically for families, complete with a restaurant and a dedicated pool.
Add to that a stunning 30-hectare tropical garden, filled with majestic coconut trees, exotic flowers, and thousands of palm trees, a spacious spa, no fewer than eight restaurants and lounges, and the famous Mauritian service—renowned as much for its professionalism as for its warmth—and you’ll understand why One&Only Le Saint Géran is, more than ever, the place to be in Mauritius.
The style? The very essence of Mauritian elegance.
What sets it apart? Its exceptional location on the Belle Mare Peninsula.
Where is it? In Poste de Flacq, on the northeast coast of Mauritius, about an hour’s drive from the island’s international airport.
One&Only Le Saint Géran
Pointe de Flacq, Poste de Flacq, 41518, Mauritius
8. Jumby Bay Island, Antigua and Barbuda
Why go there? This gem off the coast of the Caribbean island of Antigua is not only a true paradise on earth but also one of the most unspoiled places in the Caribbean archipelago, having been honored with the 2020 Forbes Five-Star Award.
It takes about 15 minutes by boat to reach Long Island, where Jumby Bay is tucked away—a member of the ultra-chic Oetker Collection (which includes Le Bristol Paris, the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, and others). A 120-hectare haven stretching along 7 kilometers of coastline, where an Olympian calm reigns. The main beachfront hotel features 28 extra-large suites (at least 100 m2 for a standard room), as well as 14 villas and 22 private residences scattered along lush walking paths and bike trails. The decor features light, airy tones, evoking the spirit of a supremely luxurious “beach house.”
Once you’ve disconnected from the world, you can indulge in the many activities offered by the hotel, immersing yourself in Caribbean culinary culture through local cooking classes, as well as the various activities available at the water sports center (snorkeling, island boat tours, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, water skiing), a spa treatment, a glass of punch at Bar 1830, or a sunset cruise. When it comes to dining, the Estate House gourmet restaurant delights guests with cuisine based on fresh produce harvested on the island, while the Veranda offers a menu with Italian influences.
The vibe? A highly exclusive Caribbean retreat.
What sets it apart? An ideal destination for families, with the Explorers Kids Club and an all-inclusive package that allows for a true break to relax and unwind.
Where is it? Off the coast of the Caribbean island of Antigua, on Long Island.
Jumby Bay Island
Jumby Bay Island P.O. Box 243 Antigua
9. The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas
Why go there? A legendary destination in the Bahamas since its opening in 1962, notably featured in *Casino Royale* (a hotel frequented by James Bond—that says it all!), The Ocean Club has been part of the prestigious Four Seasons group since the fall of 2017, exactly two years after undergoing a complete renovation. All the rooms and suites in the Hartford Wing have been expanded (with a minimum of 100 square meters of floor space, they are among the most spacious in the Bahamas) and completely redesigned—featuring new custom-designed furniture and new fabrics—to offer a level of luxury worthy of the property’s legendary reputation.
The other major highlight of this high-profile renovation was the addition of a spectacular infinity pool (40 meters long!) overlooking the white-sand beaches and waves of the Caribbean Sea. A restaurant has been created to allow guests to snack on grilled fish and seafood and sip house-made cocktails.
Guests staying in the 107 rooms, suites, and villas can now enjoy two additional pools, five restaurants and bars—including DUNE, helmed by multi-Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten—a spa inspired by Balinese architecture (with eight treatment rooms), six tennis courts, free yoga classes, and access to the 18-hole Ocean Club Golf Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf. What more could you ask for?
The style? A Caribbean legend.
What sets it apart? A natural white-sand beach stretching… 8 kilometers long!
Where is it? On Paradise Island, northeast of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. Access to the Aquaventure Water Park at the famous Atlantis resort is included in the room rate.
The Ocean Club
One Ocean Drive, New Providence Island
10. Frégate Island Private, Seychelles
Why go there? With an area of 2.2 square kilometers, seven stunning beaches, thousands of birds and turtles—this is the idyllic picture of Frégate Private Island, one of the first island resorts in the Seychelles to have established the country as one of the world’s most exclusive tropical destinations.
Part of the highly prestigious Oetker Collection (Le Bristol in Paris, the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, Eden Rock in St. Barth…), this private island offers the best of both worlds. On one hand, guests can immerse themselves in a natural sanctuary preserved like no other (the flora and fauna introduced by colonists and pirates have been removed to restore the island’s original ecosystem). On the other, a truly luxurious resort experience with its 16 splendid villas, picture-perfect restaurants, and renowned Rock Spa. A wide array of essential services (Kids Club) and activities (a wide selection of water sports, big-game fishing, etc.) rounds out the experience.
In the villas, every detail has been carefully considered to ensure that Frégate Island guests have an unforgettable stay. Spacious layouts (ranging from 400 to 1,100 m2), breathtaking ocean views, private pools, hot tubs, huge terraces, and dual bathrooms (indoor and outdoor)—nothing is too luxurious to satisfy the desires of even the most discerning guests. Guests also have access to a dedicated butler or an electric buggy to explore the island without getting tired. It’s hard to imagine anything more heavenly.
The style? Paradise on earth.
What sets it apart? Being immersed in lush, unspoiled nature.
Where is it? It’s a 15- to 18-minute helicopter ride from Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles, accessible via direct flight from Paris-CDG.
Fregate Island Private
Fregate Island, Seychelles
Website: www.fregate.com/
All locations are independently selected by our specialist journalists. If you make a reservation, we may receive an affiliate commission.