Valmer Resort

The Valmer is small and intimate with contemporary villas dotting the grounds. The resorts most alluring feature is its stunning views, with the mountains and jungle on one side, and the Indian Ocean on the other. Exotic birds add to the picturesque setting. Throughout, the decor is elegant and upscale, with plenty of natural elements including driftwood, stone, and open-air spaces to let in the sunlight, fresh air, and surroundings. A variety of comfortable couches and armchairs give plenty of spots for relaxing with a book or a cool drink. The restaurant continues the breezy vibe, with lots of bleached wood, stone, and rattan furniture in an open thatch-roofed room. 

The Valmer Resort is located on the south coast of Mahe, on a hill looking out over Baie Lazare. There aren't a lot of restaurants or shops in the immediate area, and a rental car is advisable here, although the public bus stops very close to the front gate. The capital, Victoria, is an hour away by public bus. Local beaches such as Takamaka and Petite Anse are within a 10-minute drive, while the airport takes around half an hour or so to reach. 

Rooms at the Valmer Resort come in studio and villa configurations, all with full kitchens, living rooms, and furnished balconies with lush garden views. Studios are located near the main road and get some early morning traffic noise. But villas also have noise issues: Each villa holds two units, and the walls between them are thin, so neighbors can sometimes overhear each other. Rooms are bright, with tile floors, comfortable couches, arched wooden doors, and big picture windows. Kitchens are equipped with large refrigerators, cooktops, and ample dishes, cookware, and utensils. However, there are no coffee or espresso machines. Other amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, free toiletries, and safes (although they are not large enough for most laptops). Wi-Fi is only available in common spaces. Bathrooms are modern, with attractive, stone-tiled shower stalls; some rooms have freestanding soaking tubs in the bedrooms, which adds to their romance. The Pool Villa is the most romantic choice, with an open-air shower, a large private plunge pool set into a sizable wooden deck, and an outdoor dining area.

The Valmer Resort features a beautiful lagoon-style infinity pool on two levels, surrounded by palm trees and a pretty deck lined with elegant sun beds. The poolside bar, La Gaulette, is elegant but not uptight and serves intriguing signature cocktails as well as standard drinks and juices. There's also a playground with a slide and a small treehouse. Breakfast is included in the room rate, served at the restaurant, Le Palmier, which offers international and Creole cuisine for lunch and dinner including a la carte, prix-fixe, and buffet options. The dining room is set in a large, open-sided pavilion with a thatched roof, giving it a luxury island vibe. But the food itself gets mixed reviews from guests. There's also a library area with books and a flat-screen TV as well as clusters of couches and chairs for reading, socializing, playing cards, or using the free Wi-Fi (not available in rooms). The resort also has its own art gallery and gift shop.