Best of both worlds

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8 SEPTEMBER 2004
As music and film stars around the world have discovered, the combination of the privacy afforded by a villa and the comforts of a luxury hotel is a winning one. Here we take a look at destinations offering the celebrity dream combo...

The Four Seasons Resort, Nevis
The island where Horatio Nelson married is one of the quaintest in the Caribbean, with rainforests, plantations and the laidback capital Charlestown. And with their wide verandahs and gingerbread trim, the villas at the five-star Four Seasons Resort reflect the island’s olde worlde charm.

But there’s nothing remotely quaint about the amenities the villas share with the hotel. Feeling like some action? Why not tee off on the championship course, practise your serve with the tennis pro, skim the waves on a windsurfer or tone up in the spa? Your kids, meanwhile, can work off their energy in the daily children’s club.

If you prefer to chill out on the magnificent Pinney’s Beach, a beach butler will spritz you with mineral water if you’re getting too hot on your sunlounger.

For the ultimate in peace and quiet, simply retreat to your villa and close the doors. Each property is unique but most come with infinity pools, spectacular views and gardens. A cook is on hand to rustle up a candlelit dinner on your terrace – or you can visit one of the hotel's three restaurants.

Le Saint Géran, Mauritius
Seclusion-seeking celebs hole up in the Royal Villa and The Villa, the French colonial-style homes from home tucked away in a peaceful corner of Le Saint Géran hotel, long established as the grande dame of Mauritius. Here they are pampered by a butler, who also ensures that their privacy isn't compromised, and can call on the services of a personal chef serving up island specialities such as smoked marlin, or Indian, Chinese, French and Creole dishes.

The villas offer the kind of style to which everyone would like to become accustomed. Cool marbled interiors open onto spacious terraces from which guests can gaze across their pool to the Indian Ocean.

It may be difficult to tear yourself away, but it would be a pity to miss out on the hotel’s new Givenchy Spa, Alain Ducasse restaurant or golf courses.