Baie Ste Anne, Praslin Island Seychelles, Anse Takamaka, Seychelles | (937) 315-4602
Huge villas with private plunge pools and ocean views
Large, two-tier infinity pool with oversized lounge beds
Private beach with calm water for swimming
Three restaurants, including pan-Asian and Mediterranean options
Beach bar, and rooftop shisha lounge with great views
A private lounge near the airport and ferry dock
Butler service is included with some of the villas
A dedicated kids' club
24-hour room service
Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort
The beach next to the hotel is small during certain times of the year
The property is large and steeply pitched, requiring a buggy ride
Getting to the hotel requires a shuttle flight or ferry ride
Dining at the restaurant can become pricey
Remote location, requiring a car to access other restaurants and nearby sights
Some villas are close together and not very private
Some villas are close to the road and within earshot of traffic noise
Butler service is not included in the room rate for all villas
Set on a hillside overlooking Anse Takamaka bay on Praslin’s east coast, the luxurious Raffles Seychelles caters mostly to honeymooners and couples seeking seclusion. The 86 villas are contemporary in style and generous in size, offering outdoor pavilions with areas to dine and lounge as well as private plunge pools. The resort has its own small stretch of white-sand beach, but Praslin is known for its beautiful beaches, and one of the world’s top-rated is just a 10-minute drive from the property. The resort’s remote location means that guests will need a car if they want to explore the sleepy island, but the amenities -- three restaurants, a spa, and the largest infinity pool in the Indian Ocean -- make it easy to stay on site. Those looking for a smaller hotel at a lower price point might enjoy the Dhevatara Beach Hotel on the west side of the island, while those seeking a comparably luxurious but more intimate option on the island should consider the nine-room Le Château de Feuilles.
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Scene
A romantic luxury resort that caters to honeymooners, offering large villas with private plunge pools, butler service, and a spa
The resort, which opened in 2011, was the first Raffles resort in the Indian Ocean; Raffles is a well-known luxury brand, and its flagship property in Singapore opened in 1887. Along the beach at Raffles Praslin is a romantic proposal spot called Karo Maryaz that has long been known to Seychelle natives. It has become popular among guests as well, and it is no surprise that the romantic resort draws many honeymooners, wedding parties, and couples celebrating an anniversary. Unlike some competitors, though, it does accommodate families as well, and is one of only a handful of luxury resorts in the Seychelles to offer a kids' club. Also, there's a bit more to do in the evenings that some of the smaller boutique properties, such as special themed evening barbecues, which may feature a pig roast, evening music or local dancers, and weekly cocktail parties with management. Overall, though, the vibe is very low-key and this is not a place for partiers; those seeking more nightlife options may prefer a resort on Mahe Island.
This is undeniably a luxury experience -- it's certainly priced like it -- and most will find that the incredible setting and spacious villas are worth the price tag. But the level of service and attention to detail is reportedly not quite at the same level as, say, the Four Seasons on Mahe Island (but then, the Four Seasons is more expensive). Food also could be better for the high prices. Some other potential drawbacks are that the property is steep and buggies are needed to get around, especially from villas high on the hillside (the placement allows for spectacular views, though); as of 2016, the resort was working on adding more buggies to its fleet to reduce wait times. Also, while many choose Praslin island specifically for its renowned beaches, the beach on the property is not one of them -- it's a bit small. The vegetation is also not quite as lush as at the Four Seasons, and the villas are spaced a little closer together. And those hoping for stunning sunsets over the ocean won't find them on the east side of the island, though sunrises over the water are beautiful.
Location
On Praslin island, a 15-minute flight or 45-minute ferry ride from the Mahe International Airport
Located on the eastern shores of Praslin island, the hotel offers colorful sunrises over the ocean and sunsets over the mountains. Getting to the resort isn’t easy, but that’s part of its charm. From Mahe, guests can opt to take a short prop-plane (or helicopter) ride to Praslin or enjoy a slower, yet scenic, ferry boat ride.While Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles archipelago of 115 islands, it is less developed, more laid-back, and less populated than Mahe. Guests who venture off the resort to explore will find three villages, dreamy white-sand beaches, and nature preserves. Many prefer it to Mahe for its famous, gorgeous beaches in particular -- Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette are considered some of the best beaches in the world. And the resort is near (and has views of) Curieuse Island, known for its huge tortoises (as well as a marine park and beach), and the resort can arrange a day trip.
It's worth noting that Mahe also has isolated, quiet pockets with gorgeous beaches, especially on the southwestern coast where the Four Seasons, Banyan Tree, and Kempisnki are located. For those seeking more restaurant, nightlife, and sightseeing options, staying around Victoria or Beau Vallon on Mahe is the way to go. Those seeking an even more isolated experience on a private island (like many resorts offer in the Maldives) might prefer a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island.
Rooms
Beachfront and hillside villas with king-size beds, huge bathrooms with soaking tubs, and terraces with plunge pools
With 86 villas ranging in size from 1,345 to 2,960 square feet (125 to 275 square meters), Raffles Praslin offers some of the largest accommodations in the Seychelles. Scattered along the sloping hillside or set close to the beach, the villas are categorized by number of bedrooms, location, and view. Villas set at the top of the hill come with panoramic views, entry-level villas are tucked among the greenery, and the largest and most luxurious, two-bedroom, villas are located steps to the beach.
The villas feature contemporary style with stone accent walls, tray ceilings, and minimalistic decor that includes white bed linens, coral patterned rugs, and sofas finished in a muted pink fabric. The oversized, light-filled bathrooms offer walk-in showers, outdoor rain showers, and huge tubs with views. The outdoor pavilions are a highlight, furnished with sun loungers, dining tables, private plunge pools, and easels with sketching paper for guests who feel artistically inclined. Round-the-clock room service and butler service are added perks.
Features
A two-tier pool, three restaurants, and the largest spa in the Seychelles
The huge two-tier infinity pool is breathtaking, and has pretty views of greenery and glimpses of the ocean. There are quality loungers, cushioned daybeds, and umbrellas. Drinks are served poolside, and there's also a poolside restaurant and bar with light fare such as salads, sandwiches, and sushi.
The resort features three restaurants, a beach bar, and two cocktail lounges, including a rooftop shisha lounge. Curieuse Restaurant features pan-Asian specialties and sushi bar, Losean offers a buffet of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, and the Pool Restaurant & Bar serves Creole cuisine and specialty cocktails such as the Seychellois version of a Singapore Sling. The casual Pti Beach Bar offers oceanfront views, cocktails, and snacks. Food is excellent, though some may feel it lacks wow factor given the high prices.
The hotel’s spa is the largest in the Seychelles, offering 13 treatment pavilions surrounded by jungle-like greenery and offering a long list of treatments, such as caviar facials and couples massages. Other activities include a variety of water sports, a small kids' club for ages 4 to 12 (babysitters can be arrange for younger children for a fee), and a recreation club for teenagers (with organized activities such as movie nights). The spacious fitness center has floor-to-ceiling windows with nice views of greenery, and holds yoga classes.
A dedicated concierge can help plan arrivals and departures as well as off-property excursions.
