The Seychelles have long been praised as the most perfect, unspoiled islands in all the oceans and Maia is a shining gem in this archipelago of jewels. Situated in the green mountain chain along the bay of Anse Louis in the southwest of Mahé, this beautiful resort is named after the Maia star in The Seven Sisters star constellation.

Expansive villas include a long veranda, a glass-walled garden shower, and a private infinity pool that’s 12 strokes long, as well as a personal butler who wil even ring and artfully arrange shells that you may have picked up while beachcombing.

Designer Bill Bensley’s understated interiors with their cream colors and notched wood floors, leave the drama to nature: At night, sitting in the outdoor bathtub, you can watch the moon illuminating the ink-black sea.

The Maia Spa by La Prairie has been designed as a haven for pure relaxation. Three treatment pavilions with double beds are isolated in the garden and surrounded by tropical nature. The Spa offers a variety of luxurious treatments, such as the well-known Jari Menari (dancing fingers) massage. In the Meditation Pavilion internationally trained yoga professionals teach Qi Gong and Self Shiatsu.

Additionally, the resort also offers active watersports, such as kayaking, snorkelling, canoeing and pedalos. Customised excursions to other islands by boat or helicopter can be organized by the Maia team. Walks along the 500 metre white sandy beach or through the tropical mountain forest gives an insight into the nature of the island.

If you’re looking to renew your body, mind and soul, it’ll be hard to beat the world-class Maia Resort and Spa. Just be prepared to shell out the $3000/night price for this dream travel destination.

This strikingly contemporary InterContinental in the French Polynesia consists of 80 identical over water villas, which extend in to the warm lagoon like two claws, with the only differences being the views–of the lagoon, the beach, or Mount Otemanu. Floor-to-ceiling windows, Lucite ceiling fans, bug tubs overlooking the water, and bathrooms with black slate floors relect the clean modern aesthetic throughout.

The atmosphere is more South Beach than South Pacific, down to the stylish clad reception staff and shirtless cabana boys by the infinity-edge pool. In a savvy environmental move, the sort pimps in cold seawater to feed the air-conditioning system and for use at the spa.

A stay here might run you run you $1500/night with a minimum four-night stay, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a more exclusive and exotic retreat.