Double Tree by Hilton Allamanda Resort & Spa Seychelles

The DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort & Spa may be a Hilton outpost, but there is nothing chain-like about it (except maybe the room decor). The vibe is warm and intimate from the moment guests arrive along the glamorous, palm tree-lined driveway. A high level of attention has been paid to all of the details that elevate a property from a hotel to a haven, such as warm chocolate cookies doled out to guests upon arrival. Inside, the decor incorporates touches of the natural environment including wood, bamboo, bright flowers, and stone as well as a color palette of rich browns, reds, oranges, and golds, with an occasional tropical green thrown in to connect with the lush greenery just outside the windows. Vintage photos and island art hang on the walls, while stunning Indian Ocean views complete the picture. The lobby furniture is elegant and comfortable, angled towards the windows and offering beautiful sea vistas to everyone who takes a seat.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort & Spa is located on a strip of white sand beach on the southern coast of Mahe. The immediate area is quiet, and guests who intend to explore the local beaches may want to rent a car. Anse Intedance, Takamaka, and Anse Royal Beach are all about a five-minute drive away. The beautiful Morne Seychellois National Park can be reached in about 30 minutes by car. The Seychelles International Airport is around a 20-minute drive away.

There are two types of rooms available: Guest Ocean View Rooms and Deluxe Rooms, both of which are spacious and have large private balconies with ocean views. Deluxe Rooms offer extras like handmade Victorian-style copper soaking tubs and walk-in rainfall showers in the enormous bathrooms as well as whirlpool tubs on balconies. All rooms have separate sitting areas, ceiling fans, and dressing rooms with lots of closet space. Amenities include 37- or 42-inch flat-screen TVs with cable, minibars, espresso machines, iPod docks, and free toiletries. Note that only the first two bottles of water are free.

The resort features a private white sand beach; guests may want to bring water shoes, as there is some coral in the surf. Canoes and kayaks are available to guests, and snorkel and dive trips are offered. There's a gorgeous infinity pool done in beautiful turquoise mosaic tile, mirroring the blue Indian Ocean behind. The pool furniture is elegant and comfortable, with loungers lining the surrounding wooden deck. The 24-hour fitness center is small and only has a handful of machines, but the equipment is new and top-of-the-line. There is a wall of picture windows, and the natural light makes the gym a bright, cheerful space.