Emirates Hotels and Resorts group is to open a conservation-focused property in the Seychelles in late 2012.

Featuring two different areas and representing a AU$280.2m (US$262.2m, £156.3m, 175.2m euro) investment - Emirates largest international investment to date - the Cap Ternay Resort and Spa will be situated in a protected area on the tropical island of Mahé.

The property will be surrounded by the forests of the Morne Seychelloise National Park and the granite rock formations of Cap Matoopa.

There will also be a Timeless Spa featuring 10 double treatment rooms providing hydrotherapies as well as a gym. It will have 4.8 million sq ft (450,000sq m) of protected nature reserve, with 1,312ft (400m) of private beach nearby.

The private resort area will be located on the forested slopes of the Matoopa peninsula, overlooking the marine reserve of Baie Ternay. There will also be one of the largest swimming pools in the Indian Ocean, covering nearly 6 acres of cascading pools, lap pools and private inlets as well as a lazy river.

The second part of the development, on Anse Souillac, will focus on water-based activities, and include a small marina and a yacht bay.Details: emirates.com