Banyan Tree Seychelles
Where? Overlooking Intendance Bay on Mahe - the largest island in the Seychelles - home to 75 blissful beaches.
Ideal for the drop-and-flop crowd? Banyan Tree opened in 2002 and is a refuge for celebs, whose privacy is cheerfully guarded by Gurkhas, the resort's security guards.
Can we name names? Musician Paul McCartney and Heather Mills honeymooned here, and celebrity couple Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston are also fans. It's also popular with pregnant supermodels, who want to bronze their bumps in private.
Exclusive, then? Well-heeled guests can choose from a beach villa (plus plunge pool) big enough to have a party in, or an airy hill hangout. If you're flash with cash, bag the presidential pad with its own private cove, two swimming pools, massage pavilion, outdoor jacuzzi and separate dining pavilion.
Are the interiors similarly sublime? Pricey plantation is the look - think ethnic textiles, limestone floors, louvred doors, teak chairs, splashy bathrooms, sexy glass basins and lots of white-on-white.
Any bells and whistles? Watching TV provides the perfect end to a day at the spa, which is stuffed with therapists who are ace at pampering with a purpose.
Tell us more. There is a distinctly foodie feel to the treatments, including a pumpkin and orange moisturiser, an apple polisher, a coffee exfoliator and a Thai honey facial. Pamperees should also try the Royal Banyan body blitz, which involves an acupressure massage, followed by a sponge-down using pouches filled with lemongrass, cloves and coriander.
Is the food also five-star? Fishy-exotic creations are available from Au Jardin d'Epices (octopus curry is the Creole cuisine of choice), while Saffron serves Southeast Asian dishes. Barbecues can also be set up on the beach, and the service is super-smiley.
