La Belle Tortue

When you first arrive you are met on the harbour by the most genuine and kind hotel manager in person, quickly escorting you away from the larger group of guests belonging to the tourist hotel at the other end of the coast, and transported to the closest thing to paradise a couple could get. A place feeling like nothing we have experienced before, both culinary and location wise. The atmosphere is nothing less than that of the best five stars hotels (even better than some) we have been to, greatly helped by the most excellent and discrete staff imaginable. Being available all day serving you culinary threats off the highest shelves, from á la carte breakfast with local specialties, to lunch served poolside with meat and fish you are simply not expecting (from wagyu prime cuts, swordfish etc.), finishing off with desserts and entremets influenced by the directors French cuisine background, ending each evening with his signature 4 course menu uniquely tailored daily with creative dishes at nothing less than Michelin quality. And of course with a great wine list and beverage selection, with recommendations for each dish, served at white line clothing tables by impeccable bow-tie dressed waiters. When you get what’s best described as unlimited all inclusive, topped of by the top service level and culinary class of every meal, the price level feels like a bargain (at less than half of that of a five star hotel). When it comes to the location you cannot see the hotel from the pearly white shore between the dazzling turquoise waters and irradiant green vegetation, as the vegetation perfectly covers up the bone-white hotel villas resting directly behind (merely 5 meters from the beach). If you seek wildlife or exploration, the rest of the island is wildly inhabited with freely roaming Aldi giant tortoises on the other side of the island (reached by a hike), and exotic birds (and even som red listed bats) and literally a sea full of radiant exotic fishes. The fishes are probably the most conveniently reachable, living in the coral reefs just 20 meters out in the laguna in front of the beach, where you can rest easily on sun-beds to dry, or borrow SUPs and snorkel equipment for more daily activities between the snacks and drinks (also served at the beach for your convenience). We cannot recommend La Belle Tortue enough! It is the only place we have been to that we cannot get off our minds. That is how great of an experience it was to stay there, and we will definitely be back. Considering the other five star hotels we have been to (including in the Seychelles), this four star hotel gives you simply put so much more. A private piece of paradise, just what you dream of when you go on a honeymoon like we did, or whatever the reason is for wanting to retreat to a secluded hideaway for love to blossom. You will not be disappointed.