One of the most visited and largest islands after Mahé is Praslin.
Praslin Island
is somewhat quieter, and less developed than Mahé, but boasts an exotic paradise of dense vegetation and lush coconut groves.
Almost 100 years ago, General Gordon (of Khartoum) visited this island and became convinced that he had found the original Garden of Eden. He developed this theory when he saw the strange shape of the infamous “Coco de Mer.” The enormous coconut is shaped like a female pelvis, which he then identified with Eve. These coconuts only grow on the ancient giant palm trees in the Vallée de Mai nature park and are used locally as an aphrodisiac drink.
Praslin Island in the Seychelles is famous for its soft white sandy beaches, and there are far too many to name, with the exception of Anse Lazio, which has consistently been voted one of the world’s best beaches. Most beaches offer safe bathing and excellent snorkelling among the living corals, which are home to an amazing nine hundred species of fish.
Flights to Praslin
Praslin island is only fifteen minutes by a 20 seater “Twin Otter” plane from Mahé, or one hour by sea on the “Cat Cocos,” which can carry 159 passengers. This is an air conditioned catamaran, and it travels from Mahé to Praslin and back up to three times a day.
Hotels and Acommodation
Acajou Hotel -The resort is spread around beautiful Intendance Bay with its unspoiled beaches and the crystal-clear azure waters of the Indian Ocean
L’Archipel Hotel is located on the north-eastern corner of Praslin, recently renovated “L’Archipel” sits amidst tropical vegetation which forms a natural amphitheatre overlooking the clear, blue seas. Other hotels on the island include Black Parrot Suites tucked away on a little hillside overlooking the ocean, Castello Beach Hotel which is a lovely boutique hotel set beside the beach at Anse Kerlan on teh north west coast of Praslin and the five starCoco de Mer Hotel on the south west coast.
Other stylish four star hotel La Reserve Hotel, Le Duc de Praslin, New Emerald Cove and Paradise Sun Hotel. Constance Lemuria Resort is the only hotel with an 18 hole, Championship Golf Course, complete with superb Club House and Bar, in the whole of the Seychelles.
Adventures
Two unique features of Praslin island are it is the only island in the Seychelles with a Championship Golf course, and the only island outside Mahé with a Casino. It is also an excellent jumping off point to visit other islands like La Digue, Cousin, Curieuse and St. Pierre.
hire a bicycle, a taxi, go on an organised trip round the island, or hire a self-drive car from “Le Baron,” and maybe even stay at his small, air conditioned Praslin hotel on Grande Anse beach.
