9 days London to London [B]

Built on its own private beach at Anise la Farine, the New Emerald Cove Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore one of the world's most distinctive islands: Praslin. Accessed only by a short boat trip, the hotel offers comfortable accommodation in a private and tranquil setting.

42 rooms are scattered in the lush gardens and all are en-suite with air-conditioning, IDD telephone and a mini-bar fridge. The swimming pool is practically on the white sandy beach, with beautiful views of La Dique and Round Island - the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Also set in the garden is the Hibiscus Restaurant, offering International and Creole cuisine.

The hotel offers a number of excursions - don't miss the unique ' Vallee de Mai ', a natural park of prehistoric vegetation, where the characteristic 'Coco de Mer', coconut palm, grows, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.

The Emerald Cove Dive Centre is onsite and offers a professionally run dive centre with experienced and friendly staff. There are over 25 dive sites within a 20 minute boat ride of the hotel and the dive centre operates one boat trip each morning and afternoon, night diving and shore diving. Equipment is available for rental, including underwater cameras. PADI courses are also available - from beginner to Divemaster. The centre strictly enforces the Marine Conservation policy of no touching or collecting. Diving in the Seychelles is not well developed and you will rarely meet other dive groups and you will be amazed at the curiosity of the fish and the diversity of the marine live.