Seychelles, an archipelago of timeless beauty, is situated in the western Indian Ocean 480 to 1600 km from the east coast of Africa. The republic of Seychelles is comparatively a young nation having been inhabited by the French only in 1756. It is in this cluster of islands that paradise on earth is believed to be found.
One of the inner islands of the 115 islands of this archipelago, Praslin was named after Duc de Praslin the French minister of marine in 1768. it lies 45 km north east off the main island of Mahe. This tropical retreat treasures some of nature’s best kept secrets yet guarded and untouched by human influence.
Praslin gets its fame from its pristine secluded beaches. Some of these beaches are framed by age-old granite boulders while others are surrounded by powder soft white sand running down to meet clear turquoise waters. The climate of Praslin is inviting. It is warm and without extreme making it a year round destination for beach lovers and sun worshippers.
Through a series of excursions one may discover the exquisite wonders of this island. Explore the flora and fauna as you take the trail through the lush green forests such as Glacis Noire. Take a guided walk around Vallee de Mai one of Seychelles two UNESCO world heritage sites. This well preserved primeval forest that convinced General de Gordon (of Khartoum fame) it was the Garden of Eden, will have you transported back in time. The world’s heaviest nut, the legendary Coco-de-mer grows high on ancient palms in this mystic prehistoric forest. Vallee de mai is also home to 6 species of palm endemic to Seychelles.
Pamper yourself with a natural pedicure even as you listen to the soothing rhythm of the lapping waves at any of Praslin’s gorgeous beaches. Surrender to the sun kissed allure of the soft sand at Anze Lazio or Anse Georgette, two of the world’s top ten beaches. Say aye! as you take the trail to Cote d’Or a favourite haunt of pirates before the arrival of the French settlers. Perhaps you may get lucky and find a buried treasure there.
Head down to the Anse Gouvernment for some water sports. Go snorkeling or swimming at Anse Boudin or take a boat ride in a glass bottom boat. You can be a part of the many activities hosted on the island year round. Test your fishing skills at the Sailfish or La Digue Offshore Fishing tournaments or dive into the calm clear waters at the Subios diving festival. Apart from the many tours, walks and trails, Horse riding, golfing is also available for anyone looking for more inland activities.Even after two hundred years since its inhabitancy Praslin has remained true to its multi ethnic roots. The ethnic diversity together with racial harmony is clearly visible in its culture, art, architecture and festivals. Different goodies could be bought or local delicacies could be savoured at the cultural bazaars that the island hosts every month or at the eco tourism festivals such as the Festival Kreol.
Praslin provides many venues even for a night of dance and music, scrumptious dining and relaxing spas. If you are a leisure traveller looking for a Praslin Hotel try out the Raffles Praslin Seychelles. This Seychelles hotel is an all-villa luxury hotel seeking to give its guests an escape where warm native Seychellois hospitality meets lavish comfort.
