Why Go?
For an iconic Seychelles honeymoon. Stay at Raffles Praslin, in a treetop villa in utmost privacy, making memories which are sure to last a lifetime.
Honeymoon Style
This hotel is for culture-seeking couples who want a true dose of the Seychelles alongside indulging in all the luxuries Raffles has to offer. Staying on Praslin means guests can immerse themselves in island life, visit nearby atolls and experience everything this serene cluster of tropical islands has to offer.
Set The Scene
From the moment you arrive, you’re transported into another world, thanks to the open-air hotel lobby with panoramic views over the island, shimmering sea and beyond. Guests are handed a fresh coconut – with the Raffles logo etched onto the shell – to refresh after their journey. Due to the hotel’s hillside location, guests are whisked around in buggies for ease, via winding pathways through luscious greenery. The serene pool area leads onto the beautiful beach, which has beds positioned under the trees. For honeymooners, an extra-special itinerary can be arranged to include a champagne picnic at one of the nearby beaches, alongside private dinners and more.
Rooms
If you’re seeking the ultimate Seychelles treetop hideaway, Raffles is the place for you. The villas here are iconic with large terraces, private plunge pools and panoramic views of the sea and beyond – you’ll even spot nearby islands. From the moment you wake, you can take in the stunning vista thanks to the (very comfortable) raised bed. Bathrooms feature his and hers spacious sinks, a deep bath positioned next to floor-to-ceiling windows, and a large indoor and outdoor shower. Each villa is modern, with beautiful local touches and craftsmanship, including natural stone walls behind the bed. And the team at Raffles go above and beyond with personal touches and pleasant surprises – after dinner, and back in your room, you may find a drinks tray with ingredients to mix your favourite cocktail.
Food and Drink
You’ll discover three wonderful restaurants. First, The Sushi Room. This very smart modern Japanese restaurant has an open counter so you can witness the master chefs preparing exquisite plates of sushi, nigiri, maki and sashimi from the locally caught snapper, jackfish and tuna. The buzzy heart of the hotel is the Poolside Restaurant & Bar, which serves up island-inspired local cuisine. Try the Creole-style BBQ with sizzling fish brought to the table – perfect for sharing. Breakfast is served at Losean Restaurant and enhanced by breathtaking views. Here, there’s a daily buffet, combined with an impressive à la carte menu, featuring a fresh smoothie of the day (not to be missed). For a special evening to remember, book a private candlelit dinner on the beach and dine at a table creatively adorned with shells and signature florals. If you choose the surf and turf menu, the chef will personally talk you through it ahead of your dining experience. Honeymooners can also enjoy a sunset champagne picnic at nearby beach, Anse Lazio, for the ultimate romantic moment.
The Story
Raffles Seychelles first opened its sandy shores to guests in 2011 and is a showstopping property. The 86-villa resort was designed by Ross Macbeth of Macbeth Architects & Designers, and, unsurprisingly, Ross was awarded Young Architect of the Year for his master creation. It was the first resort to open in the Raffles portfolio, and is home to the world-famous signature spa. An incredible array of tropical plants flourishes throughout the resort, and having matured with the hotel, today, they provide a botanical environment like no other.
Family-Friendly
Families are made to feel at home from the moment they arrive at Raffles as all the age-appropriate amenities are thoughtfully set up in your villa – little ones may also be given a colourful local cuddly toy to cherish. There’s also a brilliant kids’ club, with lots of activities for all ages.
Spa
The spa entrance and reception sets the tone of excellence, with incredible panoramic views thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Start your relaxation in nature by taking the suspended wooden pathways through lush jungle shrubs to get to your treatment room. Open-air treatment rooms allow guests to breathe in the sea air and listen to the waves breaking on the shore, and tune into the soft hum of wildlife living in the leafy surrounds. Aromatherapy products are used throughout the spa and there is an extensive treatment list. Honeymooners receive a complimentary 30-minute treatment on arrival, but to really indulge, book the Couple’s Bliss treatment which includes a one-hour massage with aromatic oil and mini facial. Or try the Wildflower Couple’s Romance with candlelit wildflower bath, and relaxing massage afterwards.
Location
The hotel is located on the second largest island in the Seychelles, Praslin. It’s easy to get to from the main island of Mahé – you can either take a short scenic flight (15 minutes) or the ferry, which takes around an hour. The 30-minute drive to the hotel allows you to see the beauty of the island, it’s exuberantly green and has a much quieter pace of life than Mahé, adding to its charm. Anise Beach, is a 10-minute drive away, and is often namechecked as one of the best beaches in the Seychelles.
Whilst staying here, a visit to the nearby island of La Digue is a must – and just a short 15-minute ferry ride. There are no cars on the island, instead you can rent bikes and explore so much of this wonderful place in a day. L’Union Estate is not to be missed. This former coconut and vanilla plantation is home to giant tortoises and one of the most famous beaches in the Seychelles, Anse Source d’Argent. It’s said to be the most photographed beach on earth, and we can see why. Here, beauty prevails, with giant granite boulders juxtaposed with pristine, powerlike sand and crystal-clear waters. For lunch, stop at the Old Pier Cafe, which serves up local delicacies, including the tastiest coconut fish or prawn curries – or opt for the laid-back Fish Trap next to the harbour.
To book visit raffles.com; Rates at Raffles Seychelles start from €946 (approx. £797) per night on a B&B basis *seasonal rates apply.
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