La Digue simply exudes the charm and character which the bigger islands of Mahe and Praslin perhaps lack. Quite apart from the island’s exquisite beaches (including the world’s most photographed beach at Anse Source d’Argent) and natural beauty, perhaps the most appealing feature of La Digue is the all pervading sense of unrushed tranquility, the totally relaxed island-style way of life. This is perhaps best summed up by the dominant means of transportation on the island – virtually everyone gets around by bicycle or by foot and there are even a few ox-carts for tourists looking for a bit of nostalgia. The good news is that, whilst a steep mountain dominates the centre of the island, the roads and paths around the island linking the village and the seductive beaches are very flat and cycling friendly.

For many years the main drawback of La Digue was that there was little in the way of decent accommodation on the island – self catering establishments still dominate whilst most of the hotels are expensive for the quality (or lack thereof!) you get. Well the Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie changed all that comprehensively by providing a modern and stylish alternative on la Digue. In fact it has its roots as a self-catering lodge – the 10 original rooms have now been extensive and stylishly upgraded and are now named the Garden Villas. And very nice and roomy they are too, spread over 2 floors with the bedroom and bathroom on the top floor and the lounge and a kitchen on the ground level.

But it’s the brand-new thatched Villas de Charme that have really raised the bar for La Digue – quite simply these are some of the most beautiful rooms that we saw in the course of our travels in the Seychelles! Gorgeous wood and stone finishes dominate and give the rooms a bang-up-to-date contemporary appeal that would look right at home in any of the most stylish new Maldives resorts. The elegant and restful palette of tans and creams make for a soothing ambience and thoughtful little touches abound – our favourite was probably the way a wooden panel operated by a clever pulley system hid the flat screen TV’s out of normal sight. The outdoor bathrooms are also wonderfully chic and trendy with the stone-clad walk-in shower a highlight. If this isn’t enough for you, then upgrade to the Villas de Charme Elegance and you also get your own private Jacuzzi on your deck.

In common with most of the accommodation on La Digue, Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie is not located directly on the beach – instead the rooms lie scattered around the thickly forested lower slopes of the mountain interspersed with massive granite boulders. Similarly the new Eden Rock Spa enjoys a lofty perch amidst the massive trees and granite boulders on the top of the forested hillside. The closest beach – the lovely Anse Severe – is just a 5 minute stroll away, or better yet a minute’s cycle on one of the bicycles that are provided free of charge to all guests to explore the island!

The one part of the resort that will lie directly on the ocean’s edge is the new restaurant/bar and infinity swimming pool which are currently being built and which promise to match the stylish sophistication of the new Villas de Charme (this complex is actually separated from the rest of the resort by the narrow coastal road) Le Combava will be the smart new seafood restaurant or if you’re in a more casual mood then the Santosha barefoot dining lounge is the place for you.

All in all there is no better place to use as a base to explore the unique delights of this gorgeous island paradise! Once La Digue has sucked you in, the  stylish Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie will make it very difficult indeed to leave!