North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles

North Island holds eleven villas and nothing else. Each is vast - well over 400 square metres of open-sided timber, thatch and stone, with its own pool, sala and stretch of beach - and the guest count rarely exceeds twenty-odd people on an island of 201 hectares.

The island was a failing coconut and copra plantation before it was bought and rehabilitated in what its owners call the Noah's Ark project: invasive species removed, native forest replanted, and endemic Seychelles species including the magpie robin and white-eye reintroduced. Giant tortoises wander the paths. The conservation story here is unusually substantive rather than decorative.

Rates are all-inclusive of food, most drinks and most activities, which is just as well given there is nowhere else to spend money. Diving, snorkelling and guided walks are all on site. Access is by helicopter from Mahe, around fifteen minutes. This is among the most expensive places to stay in the Indian Ocean and makes no apology for it.