Raffles Praslin

Praslin     

For several decades, the Indian Ocean archipelago known as the Seychelles has been attracting vacationers in search of a five star holiday largely consisting of stretching out on a superb beach of fine sand. With more than a hundred islands, the choice is almost limitless, although one of these little corners of paradise often stands out from the others: the island of Praslin.

Located 45 miles north of Mahé, Praslin was once a refuge for pirates who would come here to hide their treasures. Its wild and preserved nature offers visitors fabulous landscapes, an exceptional flora and fauna and kilometers of magnificent beaches. For those staying on Praslin, the renowned Vallée de Mai nature reserve is a must visit. Classified a UNESCO world heritage in 1983, it is undoubtedly the island’s most beautiful site.

We find the famous cocos de mer, the Seychelles’ symbolic tree as well as a variety of endemic species of palms and magnificent tropical birds like the black parrot, a threatened species today.

A landscape of luxury

Located in the heart of Praslin island of, often called a veritable Garden of Eden, we find the Raffles Praslin, a resort which seems to have been created to exemplify all the possible superlatives one can use to describe a luxury hotel. Perched on the side of a hill, with superb, almost unreal views of the bay and the beaches below, the hotel proposes 86 incredibly luxurious villas each with its own swimming pool and an outdoor terrace in order for guests to take full advantage of one of the world’s most unique settings.

The Raffles Praslin was entirely designed with a landscaping concept, integrating it almost organically into its environment. The buildings do not stand out so as not to disturb the surrounding nature. Instead they are in harmony with it, creating a sober, contemporary and ultra luxurious space, since true luxury must be capable of discretion by placing the accent on the beauty around it.

Simple, pure lines outline this elegant establishment, where a feeling of well-bang and serenity can be sensed immediately. This sensation is prolonged in an organic manner in the award winning spa, the largest in the Indian Ocean region where connoisseurs flock to for its massages and especially its exclusive and divine black pearl treatment.

The hotel’s 4 bars and two restaurants will delight even the most seasoned gourmets and lovers of a filtered and chic atmosphere. In terms of gastronomy, the Curieuse restaurant, as it name implies, is designed to arouse the curiosity of guests who wish to experience the variety of tastes present in pan-Asian, Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine; a veritable journey for the taste buds to the limits of refined and inventive gastronomy.

The hallmark of the Raffles Praslin, apart from its incredible luxury, is the emotion and the history immediately felt by those fortunate enough to stay here; feelings that are reinforced throughout their entire vacation. Spending time at the Raffles is like falling in love for the first time and rediscovering the feeling of losing oneself in a venue which is enchanting, creating memories that will be part of one’s dreams…forever.

Just a few minutes from the hotel, we find the very famous Anse Lazio beach. The name may mean nothing to most people, but the incredible view might feel like a déjà vu since it is internationally renowned and recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.