When General Gordon of Khartoum, a famed 19th century British officer, first found the isolated island of Praslin in the Seychelles archipelago, he claimed he had at last found the Garden of Eden. Those lucky enough to travel to this tropical paradise would be quick to agree. Praslin is a deep green jungle covered haven surrounded by the best beaches in the world. The sun, sea and sand are a big draw, but you’ll also find botanical curiosities, rare birdlife and the gentle pace of traditional Seychellois island life waiting at every turn.
One of the Seychelles’ most popular destinations, Praslin is home to stunning natural beauty and intimate hotels and resorts.
Food & drink
The best area for dining is Côte d’Or, a long stretch of beautiful beach which boasts most of the island’s stand-alone dining establishments. Many of these restaurants and bars are set in the glorious natural setting of the island, on the soft white sands, in the rich jungles, or high up on the mountaintops – the perfect place to pair a gorgeous view with an exquisite menu.
Be sure to stop by The Café des Arts Restaurant, which has earned a positive reputation by creating mouth-watering dishes served in a remarkable setting. Seafood and epicurean dishes are the main attractions, and fresh ingredients served to perfection with friendly service. During the day it serves as relaxed beach dining, but at night the atmosphere transforms into an elegant high-class restaurant with a lavish décor. Looking for the gourmet treatment? Look no further.
Many restaurants on the island will be a part of a resort or hotel. You can explore each one and dine even if you are not a guest, but a choice of the resorts may offer full-board or half-board meal packages that may be better value for money while still offering authentic and delicious cuisine.
Beaches & water sports
Praslin is home to the best beaches in the world – this is not hyperbole! Anse Lazio beach has been voted among the top ten beaches countless times for many years, and won TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards just this year. This beach is unlike any other, a real-life paradise. With 600m of plush white sand, shallow and clear turquoise water, incredible natural granite boulders, alongside swaying palm trees, Anse Lazio is the perfect beach to sunbathe, swim, and relax. Despite its fame, the beach feels uncrowded, unspoiled and serene.
Another gorgeous beach is Anse Georgette. Unlike the immense Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette is a small bay between lush mangrove and bright blue sea. Anse Georgette is a public beach but set within the grounds of the beautiful Constance Lemuria resort. You need to inform the resort before coming, as they limit the number of people visiting each day. This ensures the beach remains well maintained, comfortable and secluded.
Nature & wildlife
Much of the island is part of the Praslin National Park, a refuge for Praslin’s rare plants and birds. The dense and mysterious jungles are home to a host of unique fauna and wildlife to be discovered! Head off on your own adventure on foot, or with a guide who can help you spot some of the shyer creatures in the trees, like the blue pigeon or the endangered and elusive black parrot.
Vallée de Mai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the park, where the endemic coco de mer palm grows. Their seeds, which take seven years to ripen, are the largest and heaviest seed in the plant world and once worth their weight in gold. These unusually shaped seeds are a local legend on Praslin, with some natives claiming the palms can live up to 500 years!
Activities & adventure
If staring at the beauty of Praslin isn’t enough, there’s also plenty to do. The Lemuria Resort Golf Course extends alongside the iconic white beaches and dense jungles, so you can experience the natural splendour all while working on your drive. Professionals and newcomers alike will all enjoy playing the 5.5 km course.
Praslin has around twenty diving sites, where the tide is often higher, the fish larger, and the dives more adventurous than other Seychellois diving. Most reefs do not exceed 24 metres in depth, offering a shallow dive with amazing rock formations and a wide host of fish. You may even see grey reef sharks, yellow fin tuna fish, and stingrays!
There are also a host of boats, catamarans and water taxis to be hired that can take you on exciting fishing excursions or further out to sea for a wilder diving experience.
History & heritage
The island was first named “Isle de Palmes”, by explorer Lazare Picault in 1744. During this period, the isolated and uncharted nature of the archipelago made it the perfect hideaway for pirates! The islands continued to be fought over by France and Britain throughout the 1700’s but were ultimately ceded to Great Britain under the treaty of Paris in 1814. It gained independence in 1976 yet remained within the Commonwealth of Nations. The Seychellois pride themselves on the peaceful ethnic and racial melting pot of their country, with its Creole mix of East African, European, Indian and Chinese heritage.
Best places to stay
Hotel L’Archipel offers guests seclusion and tranquillity paired with traditional Creole hospitality and charm. The family run boutique hotel is located on the east coast of Praslin and is nestled in colourful tropical gardens with winding pathways leading down to a white sand beach. An informal and intimate atmosphere means the property is a popular choice for honeymooners and couples looking to enjoy the relaxed pace of Seychellois island life.
Constance Lemuria is an exclusive resort that combines a modern approach to design and quality with the natural beauty of its idyllic setting. The turquoise of the sea contrasts beautifully with the white sandy beaches and the green vegetation that surrounds the resort. The calm simplicity of the hotel will appeal to guests who enjoy the highest standards of understated luxury and refined elegance.
At the quiet-end of a 2km stretch of white coral-crushed sand, bordered by granite boulders, Paradise Sun’s collection of charming ocean facing French-Creole bungalows peek out from tropical flowering gardens. The turquoise horizon is interrupted only by the postcard beauty of St Pierre Island and bobbing sail boats.
“To travel is to live.”
Hans Christian Anderson
Author Anna WilliamsCategories News, Seychelles