Mango House, Seychelles

This is as good as it gets in the Saychelles-paradise category, on the south side of an island renowned for some of the softest swathes of sand in the world.

Island residents love the beachfront hotel just as much as those flying halfway around the world to stay here for its top-notch cuisine and creative vision, and the championing of local artisans and suppliers makes one feel truly connected to the location.