Raffles Seychelles
Raffles is a name thatâs synonymous with class, style and sophistication. And Raffles Seychelles is no exception. This retreat, which is scattered over forty acres of hillside on Praslinâs north-east coast, feels miles away from anywhere but has everything you could possibly need. The spa is the stand-out spot; alongside the twelve treatment rooms where signature Raffles massages and treatments are carried out, thereâs an outdoor pool, open-air yoga pavilion and sauna, Jacuzzi and experience shower (think lights, sounds, aromas and changing temperatures). We love each of the resortâs restaurants, partly due to the exceptional worldwide cuisine they offer and partly because of their unbeatable settings: indoor-outdoor Losean is just steps from the sea, Curieuse is surrounded by the verdant gardens and there are no prizes for guessing where the casual Pool Restaurant is.
Praslin is the Seychelles as youâve always imagined it: white sand beaches framed by granite boulders, backed by tropical forest and washed by gentle waves. Youâll be surrounded by natural wonders: world-famous beach, Anse Lazio, is just 10 minutes away while the rainforest-cloaked hills of UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai is just quarter of an hour away in the other direction. And Raffles make it wonderfully easy to make the most of its setting. You can hire a car and take your own path, view it all from a birds-eye angle in a helicopter, visit nearby islands such as La Digue and the protected Curieuse (home to a handful of wild giant tortoises) or hike in the shadow of giants in forest nature reserves. One of our favourite ways to travel is by water and the resort delivers on this front too with a private catamaran for sun-kissed sailing days, stand-up paddleboards for peaceful but active adventures and a dive centre that offers trips below the waves.
Even with all this earthly eye candy around, it could be a challenge to drag yourself away from your pool villa. You wonât be wanting for space whichever option you choose, the main question that need to be answered what view do I want? There are the Hillside Villas which are hidden away among the verdant foliage and perfect for complete privacy. For a more far-reaching view, go for an Ocean Pool Villa or a high-up Panoramic Pool Villa. If you donât fancy lifting a finger, the One- and Two-Bedroom Villas come with 24-hour butler service.