Coco de Mer Hotel
Situated on Praslin’s tranquil western coast, Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites is a 52-room resort with undisturbed views of the sea and sunsets. Beauty, safety, peace, tranquility and quality, surrounded by nature, and named after the unique Coco de Mer Palm tree which, although extremely rare, occurs in abundance in the tropical forests surrounding the property.
This modern four star hotel lies in over 200 acres of natural beauty on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Spacious grounds, comfortable rooms, private location and a friendly atmosphere offering spectacular views of the surrounding islands, forested mountainsides and glorious sunsets.
The two magnificent pools, one in the unique shape of a Coco de Mer, overlook the Indian Ocean and the other – perched on a granite outcrop with a 270 degree view of the ocean – at the Black Parrot Junior Suites.
Complimentary – private bus shuttle transfers to Anse Lazio beach are available to guests several times weekly. Guests can either stroll or use the hotel’s bicycles to access the many private sandy beaches and coves that dot this coastline.
Wining and dining options include the Mango Terrace Bar and Restaurant offering casual poolside dining, which is flanked by a wall of coconut tree trunks and suspended coconuts, giving one a feel of the tropics and seaside laid-back dining. The Hibiscus Restaurant boasts private, wooden dining decks over a trickling stream and an elevated central area with ocean views and buffet counters. Live evening entertainment is provided several nights weekly. Suspended under the pool terrace of the Black Parrot Suites, The Waterfront Spa offers panoramic views of the ocean below and beyond. This sanctuary of pure relaxation offers three treatment rooms, with personalized service, designed to relax, rejuvenate and soothe your senses.
Room Stock:
22x Standard Rooms
18x Superior Rooms
12x Junior Suites Black Parrot
The Black Parrot Junior Suites additionally have an Espresso Coffee Machine, Bathrobes, Slippers & Ipod Docking Station.
Vanilla Lounge [For Day Use only]: Lounge, Private Dressing Room, Toilet & Shower Facilities, Lock-up Luggage Facilities (Maximum 4 rooms sharing)
Room Amenities:
Air Conditioning, Wi Fi Internet, Tea & Coffee Making Facilities, Mini Fridge, Room Safe, Bathroom with shower/wc, Day Couch.
Praslin has all the watersports you could ever wish for, plenty of activities to keep you fit and nature parks to explore. There's also plenty of secluded spots to have a picnic and chill out. Have fun!
Best Beaches
You probably already know that the Seychelles are dripping with incredible beach with some of the best sand traps in the archipelago to be found on Praslin Island. Don’t miss:
Anse Lazio
Where better to start than at the top of the shop. Anse Lazio is widely regarded as the best beach in Praslin. In fact, it’s also regarded as one of the best beaches in the world. Anse Lazio beach is like something out of a fairy tale. Verdant palm-thronged hills and stunning azure waters surround the stretch of powder white sand. It’s the perfect spot for kicking back under the warmth of the tropical sun. The crystalline ocean water also lends itself perfectly to some snorkeling.
Anse Georgette
Anse Georgette is one of the smaller beaches on the island. But you don’t get diamonds the size as bricks! Basically just a mini version of Anse Lazio, warm powdery sand spills over your toes as you wander down to the water. At Anse Georgette large granite boulders frame the beach into a picture-perfect retreat. Again swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters are the best pastime here (apart from chilling, of course).
Anse Volbert
Known as the Seychelles’ Cote d’Or or Golden Coast, Anse Volbert is one of the most popular beaches in Praslin. This is chiefly due to its length which means stretches out ahead of many resorts and tourist spots.
Anse Consolation
Another smaller and quieter option for a stunning beach in Praslin. Located on the island’s southernmost coast, this beach is perfect for families looking to log some time on the sand. A relatively sheltered beach, the water here is extremely shallow thanks to some large rock formations and coral reefs cutting off the bulk of the water. Absolutely ideal for the minnows to have a splash about though.
Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve
Visiting Vallee de Mai should be right up at the top of your best things to do in Praslin list. When you visit somewhere often described as the “Garden of Eden” you know you’re in for a special day. Vallee De Mai gained world heritage status back in 1983, mainly for the island’s brilliant work in keeping the vast palm forest full of rare Coco de Mer. The forest itself pre-dates history and there’s millennia of past written into its rustling leaves and creaking branches. It’s the presence of those Coco de Mer trees which ensure the park receives protected status. You can only spot Coco de Mer on Praslin and Curieuse Island – but we’ll get to that place later. While you’re in the park, we definitely recommend heading out on the Glacis Noire Trail. A wheelchair accessible track which runs through the park taking in all the special sites, culminating in a stop at the top which boasts 360° views of the canopy. Also, while you’re on the trail, keep your eye out for the rare Black Parrot. The Seychelles notoriously shy national bird, you’ll hear it but might not spot it.
Curieuse Island
We mentioned Curieuse Island before and it’s definitely worth a trip out if you’re looking for adventure in Praslin. Curieuse is just a couple of hundred metres from Praslin but it has life and history all of its own, playing host to a number of guests. From a colony of lepers back in 1833 to the free-roaming giant tortoises who called the island home today Curieuse has had its fair share of inhabitants. Although, apart from the tortoises, now only a handful of rangers and an administrator stay full time. Take the chance to see the tortoises and explore the island’s past in the old French colonial doctor’s house, which has now been turned into a visitor’s centre.