Dhevatara Beach Hotel

This intimate boutique hotel offers a tranquil, tropical getaway in a gorgeous beachside location. Lush greenery and beautiful gardens surround the property, with plenty of spots for relaxing across the lovely grounds, be it in a hammock shaded by palm trees or a comfy sunbed overlooking the white-sand beach. Most of the public spaces feature open-air architecture that capitalizes on lovely views of greenery and pretty water gardens. Interiors are fresh and contemporary, featuring soft neutrals and natural textures like wood, stone, and wicker. The lounge bar is a bright and airy space with wooden coffee tables and seating complemented by purple and lime green cushions, bird cage-like lamps, and ceiling fans whirring overhead. Rustic shelving separates it from the adjoining dining space which is filled with rattan chairs around glass-topped tables. Overall, the hotel offers a tranquil beachside getaway, and with only 10 guest rooms, the atmosphere is intimate and serene. Though it's a luxury property, it's a subtle form of luxury, so those expecting opulence might be disappointed.

Situated on Praslin Island, the second largest island in the Seychelles, the hotel has a scenic beachfront location. There are a couple of other hotels and a few dining options within walking distance, but those who wish to explore the island will need a car to get around. Anse Kerlan is a six-minute drive away, while Petit Anse Kerlan and Anse Georgette are a 12-minute drive from the hotel. Other popular beaches, like Anse Lazio, can be reached in about 35 minutes. Praslin National Park is around a 10-minute drive from the property, while the Praslin Museum is 20 minutes away. The island can be accessed by ferry or flights from Mahe; it's about a five-minute drive to the airport, while the Praslin Marina can be reached in around 20 minutes.

The hotel's 10 spacious suites feature elegant, contemporary decor that includes African, Indian, and British colonial influences, as well as taking inspiration from nature. Soft neutral hues and earth tones are accented by more vibrant pops of color courtesy of details like bed runners and lovely jungle-scene art on the walls. Wooden furniture is a mix of handsome, sleek pieces and more rustic styles, which pair well with the wooden floors and nature-inspired details like lamps utilizing driftwood or coral. All units have lovely outdoor areas furnished with elegant seating.

All rooms are air-conditioned, and also feature ceiling fans. Other standard amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD players, minibars, Nespresso machines, electric kettles, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathroom have both walk-in rainfall showers and soaking tubs, and are stocked with premium L'Occitane toiletries, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and evening kimonos.

One of the highlights here is the hotel's gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach, an immaculate shoreline that's skirted by lush palms and greenery -- though during certain seasons it can be filled with seaweed that washes up ashore. Alternatively, guests can also relax around the hotel's chlorine-free ionized outdoor pool. There is a beautiful wooden sundeck on a green and grassy area between the pool and beach that provides comfortable padded sunbeds and umbrellas, plus more loungers in a shaded area on the sand. 

The hotel's a la carte restaurant is The Pond, which serves a fusion of Mediterranean, Asian, and Creole flavors, and utilizes ingredients picked from an in-house spice garden. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and half-board rates are available. For something more casual, Barefoot offers beachfront dining and a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel also has a lounge bar that serves drinks and casual fare for lunch and dinner. Room service is available. Fare is tasty, but given the hotel's luxury status, prices will be high.

The spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, hot stone therapy, reflexology, body treatments, and facials. Beauty salon services are also available, such as makeup application and hair styling. Other amenities include free bikes, canoes, and snorkeling equipment, as well as board games. Unfortunately, there's no fitness center, which is a bit disappointing given the hotel's status. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.