In January 2011, Raffles Praslin Seychelles will open on the island of Praslin, where guests can enjoy water sports, island-hopping and golf. Through April 30, 2011, the introductory Best Available Rate will include round-trip airport transfers, buffet breakfast for two, 60-minute Raffles Spa treatment for two and a complimentary visit to a local attraction with a four-night minimum stay.
Praslin
Among the resort's greenery and grounds is the Raffles Spa, which offers sweeping views from the windows of the 13 treatment pavilions. Spa treatments and services include rejuvenating body massages, deep cleansing facials to uplifting hair and beauty services. Inside the Spa Pavilion, guests can practice yoga at their own pace or with a private instructor.
Activities
On the northereastern tip of Praslin, the resort has an expansive white-sand beach for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking and sailing. Close to the island of Curieuse, the shoreline of Seychelles' Anse Takamaka reaches out to the Curieuse Marine National Park where guests can get a glimpse of the region's marine life.
Avid golfers can take a swing at the island's 18-hole championship golf course, whose par-70 course is enhanced by its surrounding plantlife. For a full view of the island, guests can take a chartered helicopter ride over the area.
At the Sugar Palm Club, younger guests can snorkel with the turtles and enjoy other activities like arts and crafts where the recreation team at the kids' club is targeted at toddlers, children and teenagers.
Vallée de Mai
When guests visit Vallée de Mai, one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, they can try a coconut off one of the wild Coco de Mer palms, exclusive to Preslin, as is the rare Seychelles Black Parrot at Vallée de Mai, once believed to be the original site of Eden.
Island Hopping
A 15-minute flight takes guest to the capital city, Mahé, where they can explore the markets of Victoria, visit the city's historical colonial buildings and tourist attractions and experience first hand the area's sandy beaches. There's also a a 10-minute taxi boat ride to Curieuse to explore the mangrove swamps with the park rangers, bird-watching or snorkeling around the coral reefs.
Meanwhile, a 20-minute ferry ride from Praslin will take guests to the popular La Digue, where they can rent a bike to properly tour the area. Travelers can get a glimpse of the giant tortoises and the endangered Black Paradise Flyercatcher native to the island. We hear the beach on Anse Source d'Argent, as well as the copra plantations at L'Union Estate, are a nice touch as well.
Visit www.raffles.com.