Praslin, The Seychelles
The Island of Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles Archipelago, lying 44 kilometers north east of Mahe Island. Similar to Mahe Island Praslin is a granite island but somewhat less mountainous, its highest point being only 370 meters. Praslin is a perfect tropical island, it has 8,000 year old coral reefs to explore, plenty of untouched forest, and some extremely rare animal and plant life, such as the Black Parrot and the endemic Seychelles Bulbul. The striking Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is known for the unique coco de mer and vanilla orchids. It is also believed that Vallée de Mai was the Biblical "Garden of Eden".
The beaches on Praslin are better than those on Mahe, due to their width and length they offer wonderful swimming and snorkeling. Praslin gives rise to some of the most beautiful beaches within the whole of the Seychelles. Amongst the best beaches are those of Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Anse Kerlan and Anse Volbert.
The hotels offer lavish calm and peaceful surroundings, with some bungalows directly on the beach. Hotel Acajou seeks to introduce a new concept of living in the midst of nature. Coco-de-Mer Hotel is a beautiful, stylish hotel, named after the unique coco-de-mer palm, it has a four star grading, modern facilities and a friendly atmosphere. La Reserve Hotel is located on the secluded private Anse Petit Cour Bay on the north-western side of Praslin; this hotel is set in the middle of a large tropical garden. L'Archipel Hotel is set in a tropical garden at the end of a private drive, the 30 rooms and private suites of this hotel are laid out in an amphitheatre of coconut trees and flowers facing the ocean. Lastly, the Lemuria resort is a 5 star luxury resort with its own golf course. The first of its kind, it enjoys an idyllic location on the Northwest coast of the island.