Sitting on a granite plateau overlooking stunning Petite Anse Bay, the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Seychelles marries elegant interiors with the sweeping grandeur of its natural surroundings. Guests stay in individual treetop-level villas, each with its own private plunge pool, whirlpool, and outdoor shower. There's little in the immediate area, but the resort is jam-packed with five-pearl amenities including a spa with a massive menu, a golf driving range, a fitness center with personal trainers, and a dive shop. Classes in yoga, surfing, Creole cooking, art, hiking, sailing, and more keep guests busy. But the private beach with staff delivering refreshments and attending to guests' needs is the ultimate way to spend a day doing nothing. 

The 30-villa, five-pearl MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa is a stunning property set along a stretch of white-sand beach on a secluded peninsula in the Seychelles. The hotel offers spacious, stand-alone villas -- either on the hilltop overlooking the ocean or just steps from the beach -- with private plunge pools and expansive terraces. The property's all-inclusive service goes above and beyond by allowing guests to curate their meals and to dine anywhere, anytime. An infinity-edge pool overlooking the beach, a small spa, and daily yoga are all available, as well as free water sports and scuba diving. While intimate and laid-back, the resort lacks many child-friendly facilities and entertainment found at larger properties.

Travelers seeking a luxurious, remote island getaway will find it at the Desroches Island resort, a five-pearl property set on a private island reached via a 40-minute flight from Mahe island. Gorgeous palm groves, tropical vegetation, and white-sand beaches surround, while a slew of on-site features includes a full-service spa, restaurant, bar, pool, and a large kids’ club. Spacious suites and villas feature beach-chic decor and an array of amenities that include bikes and kayaks; villas have private infinity pools and full Miele kitchens. Desroches Island will reopen as a Four Seasons in late 2017.

Set on a hillside overlooking Anse Takamaka bay on Praslin’s east coast, the luxurious Raffles Seychelles caters mostly to honeymooners and couples seeking seclusion. The 86 villas are contemporary in style and generous in size, offering outdoor pavilions with areas to dine and lounge as well as private plunge pools. The resort has its own small stretch of white-sand beach, but Praslin is known for its beautiful beaches, and one of the world’s top-rated is just a 10-minute drive from the property. The resort’s remote location means that guests will need a car if they want to explore the sleepy island, but the amenities -- three restaurants, a spa, and the largest infinity pool in the Indian Ocean -- make it easy to stay on site. 

The 60-unit Banyan Tree Seychelles is a luxury property made up of individual villas lining a Mahe hillside above Intendance Bay. The Banyan Tree focuses on preserving the cultural and historic flavor of the property, its Creole architecture, and plantation-style decor. Villas are walled off from passersby, and each has a private pool, a pavilion, a hot tub, and an outdoor shower. However, the experience doesn't come cheap -- the food in particular is pricey -- and the property is removed from the city, making it a good choice for those looking for quiet, but less than ideal for those who prefer being in the heart of things.

The 111-room Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is a lush, five-pearl property set on the gorgeous Silhouette Island. Spacious private villas feature sleek, modern decor, luxurious bathrooms with both rainfall showers and soaking tubs, and large furnished terraces; some have private pools in gardens. Five restaurants and a bar offer a range of cuisines, and features include a large outdoor pool, a luxe spa, kids’ club, and activities such as scuba diving, fishing, hiking, and yoga. 

The 40-room Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa is a luxury property situated on a small, secluded white-sand beach where guests can sunbathe, kayak, swim, or take advantage of spectacular snorkeling opportunities. Villas are clean and spacious, with furnished decks and huge modern bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and open showers. Views are unparalleled, especially at sunset when paired with a signature cocktail or authentic Creole dinner. Most guests are couples, and children under age 12 are not permitted.

The 148-room Kempinski Seychelles Resort is a posh, five-pearl, family-friendly property on a white sand beach in Mahe’s exclusive Baie Lazare area. This hotel has many attractive features, including its Olympic-length outdoor infinity pool, a spa with a wide range of treatments, and an on-site casino. There's plenty of entertainment for kids, including a kids' club, playground, children's pool, free loaner bikes, and two tennis courts. Elegant and spacious rooms are decorated with colonial flair and stocked with minibars, flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles; balconies and luxe, modern bathrooms are nice finishing touches. A variety of dining and drinking options throughout the resort offer breezy, open-air seating. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but the connection can be slow. 

The four-and-a-half-pearl Constance Lemuria has a gorgeous beachfront setting on Praslin Island. The 105 suites and villas offer expansive interior and exterior living spaces, some with private pools and butler service. A multi-tiered pool is the centerpiece of the resort, though one of the hotel's most attractive features is its easy access to three pristine white-sand beaches. Multiple dining options include a beachfront eatery and fine-dining restaurant, plus there are multiple bars. Guests can play a round at the on-site golf course with stunning vistas, as well as partake in a multitude of water sports or spend time at the spa. Aging decor, however, is in need of a refresh.

Situated on beautiful garden grounds, the Dhevatara Beach Hotel is a luxury boutique property with just 10 spacious and elegant rooms. Each features outdoor areas, high-end details like Nespresso machines, and luxe bathrooms with separate tubs and rainfall showers. The stunning stretch of white-sand beach is a highlight, though seaweed can be an issue, plus there's a lovely outdoor pool and a full spa offering an extensive treatment menu. Guests rave about the food, which is served at an a la carte restaurant and casual beachside dining spot. Other perks include free bikes, canoes, and snorkeling equipment.