Situated at the Glacis end of Beau Vallon Beach, the five star Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort and Spa is perched on a hillside with panoramic views of the sweeping bay beyond. One of the first hotels in the Seychelles (it was built after WWI), it has been completely rebuilt since and at only 40 rooms is the world's smallest Hilton! The hotel has been specifically designed to sit in harmony with its natural surroundings with its coconut palms, hibiscus, mango trees and unusual cannonball tree, and the large granite boulders that are a well-known feature of The Seychelles.
The hotel offers 14 Deluxe Oceanfront and 26 Oceanview Hillside Villas and all have ocean views. All rooms are decorated in the same style and the only difference is their positioning - the more expensive being situated right by the sea.
The villas are all beautifully decked in polished hardwood and are very spacious with an open-plan bedroom and lounge area and separate en-suite bathroom. Either side of the four poster king-size bed you will find bedside tables, reading lamps and an international dial telephone. There are also large wardrobes, a desk with large mirror, coffee table and small table with nespresso machine and tea-making facilities. The furniture is all made from polished wood and the bench-sofa is decorated with colourful cushions. Traditional art-work brightens up the walls and the windows are dressed with taupe linen blinds and curtains. All the rooms have a hairdryer, mini-fridge, ceiling fan and are air-conditioned - a clever system which switches itself off when the balcony doors are opened.
The bathrooms are beautiful and also decked in polished hardwood with double sinks, a walk-in shower and large Jacuzzi bath. Dressing gowns and slippers are supplied as well as various toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and vanity kits.
The Hilton Northolme has three different restaurants so you need never leave if you are just there to relax. The open air Hilltop Restaurant offers panoramic ocean and mountain views and a wonderful buffet breakfast is served here each morning. Themed buffets are also served here in the evenings. Les Cocotiers is a fine dining a la carte restaurant with an extensive wine list if you feel like treating yourselves, and The Ocean View Bar a casual al fresco spot which offers an all day snack and drinks menu. It is also a lovely spot to take in the sunset at the end of the day and enjoy a cocktail or two.
The Hilton Northolme offers a variety of facilities and activities including an infinity free-form swimming pool overlooking the ocean, sun-lounger area with parasols, and gym with panoramic ocean-view. If it is raining you will find entertainment in the games' room (the Crow's Nest) which has a library, pool table, table tennis, darts, card and chess tables and board games. It also has a huge flat screen television and films are sometimes screened here in the evenings. The gift shop features a selection of swimwear and sportswear, books, arts and crafts, snacks, magazines and cigarettes. A free internet facility is available in the bar.
The hotel's watersports facilities include complimentary snorkelling, kayak and pedal boat hire. It is quite possible to snorkel directly from the beach as there are quite a few colourful fish around the rocks. Waterskiing, jet skiing, parasailing and diving facilities are located nearby, and these activities can be arranged at an extra charge. The hotel can also arrange a number of guided excursions including sunset cruises, Mahé sightseeing and island hopping.
The hotel also features a lovely spa which offers a wide range of massage treatments and beauty therapies including body wraps, scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures. It also offers a steam room, relaxation lounge and a yoga pavilion.
Overall we thought that the Hilton Northolme was a fantastic hotel and we could have happily stayed here for a week or more. The rooms were luxurious without being over the top, the food was varied and of a very high standard, and the service excellent.
Directions: The Hilton Northolme is a 25-30 minute drive from Mahé Airport and about 15 minutes' drive from Victoria.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: The Hilton Northolme offers a variety of dining options including 3 restaurants, room service and a formal in-villa dining service. Picnics can also be arranged on request if you are going out for the day.
Breakfast: The enormous buffet breakfast is served from 7.30 until 11am. The variety is overwhelming and the daily selection includes cereals, fruit, cold meats, cheeses, pastries, muffins, a full cooked breakfast, porridge, pancakes and yoghurts. Freshly squeezed juice, coffee and tea are also served. Get there early and bag a window seat - the views are superb!
Lunch: The Ocean View Bar serves a snack menu all day which features dishes such as greek and Creole salads, club sandwiches, burgers, risottos, pasta dishes, paninis and also a “Healthy Options” menu.
Dinner: A nightly themed buffet is served in the Hilltop Restaurant. If you feel like treating yourself, Les Cocotiers Restaurant is a la carte and reputably very good.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Room service is available.
Drinks included: Drinks are not included.
Special interests
Beach holidays: Beau Vallon is perhaps the most well-known and popular of Mahe's beaches. A long, wide stretch of powdery sand, shaded by large Takamaka trees and with relatively shallow waters along its edge. At the northernmost end of the beach is the Hilton Northolme - it's a perfect spot for sunbathers, snorkellers, divers and swimmers.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Seychelles
Wellbeing: The Hilton Northolme features a lovely spa which offers a wide range of massage treatments and beauty therapies including body wraps, scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures. It also offers a steam room, relaxation lounge and a yoga pavilion. There is also a fitness centre which overlooks the ocean.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for wellbeing in Seychelles
Children
Attitude towards children: The Hilton Northolme welcomes children that are 13 years of age and older.
Activities: None, although entertainment for teenagers can be found in the Crow's Nest.
Generally recommended for children: The Hilton Northolme is recommended for older children although the hotel tends to mainly attract couples.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There is mobile reception and an in-room telephone. Internet is available in the lodge as well as WiFi if you have your own lap-top. Fax and printing services are available.
TV & radio: There are televisions in the villas which offer a variety of digital channels.
Health & safety
Malarial area: No
Medical care: All members of the management team are first-aid trained. The nearest hospital is about 20 minutes' drive away and it is possible to call out doctors if required.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: 24 hour security guards.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in the villas and hoses throughout the property.
Extras
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
Money: Foreign currency can be exchanged at reception. There are electronic safe deposit boxes in the villas.
Accepted payment: The hotel accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners & travellers' cheques.
Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort and Spa review
Again between good and excellent, the Hilton is a tried and tested 'brand' - everything was very professional, lovely food but we would prefer more local cuisine using island produce such as b...
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