Named for the most beautiful daughter of Greek Titan Atlas, Maia spa and resort fully lives up to its namesake.

Spread across a private peninsula of Mahé, the largest of the Seychelles islands, Maia is comprised of a range of villas that are completely secluded from the outside world.

The island itself is replete with stunning natural beauty, with 30 acres of prize-winning gardens tended by 18 full-time gardeners. With over three hundred different species of plants, including cinnamon, orchids, hibiscus and heliconias, it was awarded Best Landscape and Turf Maintenance in Africa in 2008.

All villas are completely private and come with direct access to the beach. Some come with shared gardens for guests who are holidaying together but sleeping separately. Each has its own personal butler service that not only maintains your villa, but is also trained to be intuitive to anticipate your needs before you have to ask. This includes serving basic meals, preparing off-menu dishes and providing private massage in your villa.

All villas are also within walking distance of one of their three open-air spas, each of which has its own gardens, changing rooms and showers. Their wide range of massage and beauty treatments includes exfoliation, skin smoothing, hand, face and body massage, hair treatments and a selection of their own exclusive therapies.

As part of their private menu, you can sample the Maia Signature Massage, the Twenty Finger Massage carried out by two therapists and, if you come at the right time, the seasonal Full Moon Massage that takes place by moonlight. All of this takes place in the heart of the tropical surroundings, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the exotic wildlife and nearby waterfalls and ocean sounds.

The resort caters to luxury family holidays, wedding parties and honeymoons. The whole experience is crafted to stimulate and please every sense.