Located in Takamaka, the southernmost and wildest district of Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles archipelago, the family-owned estate of Domaine Desaubin spreads across 22 acres of hillside right down to the shore of Anse Corail, a sliver of crescent shaped beach where turtles come to nest. Lush endemic and exotic vegetation as well as flowering shrubs surround the four beautifully-appointed villas. Newly-built to make the most of its natural landscape each accommodation unit offers privacy without compromising on its own stunning view of the ocean and secluded outdoor shower, steps away from the sandy beach.

Getting back to nature, getting a slice of authentic Seychellois way of life and experiencing traditional hospitality and values on a family-owned and run estate which has been in the family since 1800s is what Domaine Desaubin offers. Everything comes from the estate which boasts its own farm across the road from the residential area, cultivating vegetables, legumes and herbs in traditional fashion, an extensive orchard with all kinds of citrus fruit, pineapple, passion fruit amongst others as well as livestock, fowl, geese, turkeys, ducks and chickens wander around their holding and further afield as do the decorative peacocks and peahens.

One can be as laid back or as active as one wishes. Afield, within ten to twenty minutes’ drive beaches as beguiling as their names – Anse Cachée, Bazarka, Grand Police, Petit Boileau, Intendance and Takamaka and one of the major wetlands of Seychelles at Grand Police beckon, as does access to activities such as fishing and diving. Closer home, within the Domaine, the more active can hike up the hill through the forest and bamboo trails to the old slave quarters and ruins or family cemetery or head to the ocean for fishing or snorkelling. Whether it is relaxing on one’s verandah or the beach, lulled by the waves, having a dip in the ocean or the beachfront swimming pool, sipping a drink gazing at the play of light in the sky and over the ocean at sunset, watching the daily catch come in, turtle hatchlings head out to sea or feeding the resident giant tortoises, the choice is yours.