Iloha Seaview Hotel

Surrounded by lovely tropical gardens with long, leaning palms, the Iloha's communal areas incorporate two restaurants, a bar and two pools (including one heated pool). Although the resort is relatively large, it offers numerous spots for relaxing, from the main poolside deck (where you can enjoy a sea view) to the hotel's many balconies overlooking the island landscape. The decor blends natural wood with understated, tasteful furnishings, reflecting the owners' passion for the environment, which earned the hotel the 2015 European Eco-label for tourist accommodation services.

The 80 rooms and bungalows fall into six categories, but all are fitted with air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Top of the pops is the tropical bungalow, placed in the garden with a lovely terrace. Next to a dedicated swimming pool, rooms in the double-storey Creole Villa have a breezy charm and a view of either the ocean or the pool. There are 20 kitchenette bungalows, perfect for more independent travellers, and a family unit for four, complete with an en-suite bathroom and separate shower room.

Look for panther chameleons in the gardens (males can grow up to 45 cm long!), then head to nearby Saint-Leu beach to snorkel the reefs. Try paragliding, horseback riding, golf or hiking. Friday night is Creole night at the on-site Le Kotémer restaurant, with groovy Sega rhythms and exciting local dishes. Visit the villages (the Saturday market in Saint-Lieu is great for sampling tropical fruits and browsing local crafts), dine at excellent restaurants, and visit the fascinating Kelonia turtle sanctuary. Whale watching is also possible between May-October