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Praslin Island is a top Seychelles vacation destination, boasting what many claim to be the most idyllic beaches in the world. That’s saying quite a bit, but should you take a Praslin vacation, you’ll understand why visitors fall in love with the sandy stretches here. As beautiful and enticing as the beaches are on Praslin Island, you could surely spend your entire Praslin vacation scuba diving, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun.

However, no Praslin vacation would be complete without a trek through the famed Vallee de Mai, which is a slice of virgin forest that UNESCO saw fit to deem a World Heritage Site. Together with the main Seychelles island of Mahe, and the Silhoutte Islands, Praslin Island is a hub for Seychelles travel and tourism, and many a Seychelles vacation package includes spending time here. You can bet that it will be time well spent, and like so many before you, you will probably find it difficult to leave.

Praslin Island is found just north-east of the main Seychelles island of Mahe, and visitors to Praslin can get here from Mahe by way of both plane and boat. This one-time hideout for Arab merchants and pirates has managed to remain overly underdeveloped, with only some 5,000-6,000 people living on it. At just 7 miles long and 3 miles wide, Praslin is hardly a large island, though it is the second-largest in the Seychelles archipelago. There are some nice Praslin hotels and resorts to choose from, and Praslin tourism provides employment for many of the island’s residents. Those not working in the tourism sector most likely earn a living fishing. Praslin Island residents live in small villages that are spread about the island, with the village of Baie Ste Anne being one of two places where you can find a Praslin travel information office. The other tourist office on Praslin Island is found at the airport. The village of Grand Anse is where the bulk of the Praslin travel agencies can be found, and it’s also home to some banks and a post office.

As mentioned before, the Praslin beaches are about as good as beaches get. The whole island is encircled by a soft, white sand shoreline that gives way to breathtakingly beautiful, blue-green waters. Many, if not most, of the Praslin beaches are quite secluded, so if you are planning a Seychelles honeymoon, they are ideal for romantic escapades. Stunning coral reefs can be found not far offshore at Praslin Island, so scuba diving and snorkeling are generally top Praslin vacation pursuits. One of the granitic islands of Seychelles, Praslin boasts a mountain ridge that runs down the center of the island, and large granite boulders are common on the beaches. Anse Lazio is probably the best-known Praslin beach, and it’s commonly named among the best beaches in the Seychelles, but it’s hard to find fault with any of the beaches here, really. When you’re not exploring the coral reefs or sunning among swaying palms during your Praslin vacation, you might look into the island’s other interesting attractions.

The Vallee de Mai is the top Praslin attraction, and it is where you will find the rare Coco de Mer palm tree. Native to only a few places, including Praslin Island and Curiese Island in the Seychelles, the Coco de Mer palm produces the world’s largest nut, which tops out at around 40 lbs. Besides the rare Coco de Mer palm, the Vallee de Mai is also home to some of the rarest birds on the planet, among them the black parrot. There are 3 main trails that wind through the Vallee de Mai, and they provide hours of fun trekking and birdwatching. On the cultural side of Praslin attractions, the George Camille Art Gallery is worth dropping in on if you have the time. Camille has had his Creole-style art exhibited in such cities as Paris and London, and you can pick up quite a souvenir or gift at his Praslin gallery. When that shopping bug hits, your Praslin travel agenda can also see you hitting the island’s Black Pearl LTD farm. When day gives way to night, the Praslin nightlife heats up, but all in all, nightlife is not a Praslin tourism staple.

Praslin Island Seychelles can surely remedy any stress that you might have, and you could hardly regret spending at least a few days here. You can make your way about the island by bicycle, or you could rent a car if you fancy the idea of heading out and about on your own. Buses are also a good way to get around during your Praslin vacation, and taxis are also available. Highly-recommended trips by boat to nearby islands like Aride Island, Curiese Island, La Digue, and Cousin Island can generally be arranged at the Praslin hotels, and many Seychelles vacation packages will include such destinations in their Praslin travel itineraries.

Praslin Hotels

Cote d’Or, Praslin
Tel: +248 23 24 00 ; Fax: +248 23 24 01
Email: acajou@seychelles.net
Website: www.acajouhotel.com

32 rooms, four interconnecting rooms

Minibar, air conditioning, direct-dial telephone,piped music, satellite TV, en-suite shower and bath, hairdryer

Two restaurants (60 and 35 covers), Creole and international cuisine, bar and cocktail lounge overlooking the garden

Balcony with sea view

Swimming pool and beach bar/restaurant, casino nearby, car hire, evening entertainment three times weekly

Massage room, internet lounge, gym, souvenir boutique, car parking, children welcome, laundry services, credit cards accepted, room service, currency exchange, safety deposit, child discount,

Excursions, diving centre nearby

Black Parrot Hotel

Anse Bois de Rose, Praslin
Tel: +248 290 555; Fax: +248 29 04 40
Email: cocodeme@seychelles.net
Website: www.blackparrot.com

12 junior suites

Minibar, air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, satellite TV, en-suite shower, tea/coffee facilities, safe

Restaurant, bar, lounge area

Adjoining beach, sea views

Swimming pool, evening entertainment, car hire

Car parking, children welcome, laundry service, credit cards accepted, room service, currency exchange, safety deposit, child discount

Tennis, gym facilities, bicycle hire, minigolf, squash, windsurfing, canoeing, snorkelling, free courtesy bus to Anse Lazio beach 3-5 times per week

Chateau de Feuilles Relais & Chateaux

Pointe Cabris, Praslin
Tel: +248 290000; Fax: +248 290029
Email: info@chateaudefeuilles.com
Website: www.chateaudefeuilles.com

The discrete and harmonious decoration creates an environment of relaxation and profound serenity. Natural materials have been priorized: precious wood, latanier palm tree leaf, glass, flax...

The rooms are very comfortably fitted with kingsize beds, air-conditioning, mini-bar, Plasma TV set, DVD/Divx player, electronic-lock safe, ceiling fan, wireless phone with direct dial-in number, Nespresso coffee machine, hairdryer, bath robes, slippers, assortment of products for skin care and bath.

The hotel restaurant offers one of the best gastronomical cuisine in the Seychelles.

Château de Feuilles is situated on this magnificent island of Praslin which is only 15 minutes from its main airport and 5 minutes from the jetty.

Serenity and evasion, thanks to our SPA facilities, which combine with elegance and naturalness, the techniques of relaxation, the aromatic baths and the massages... Swimming Pool - Our barman will too happy to serve you to a cocktail of your choice by our superb swimming pool set within the swaying palm trees and franchipani is an oasis of calmness and tranquility. Jacuzzi - Why not relax and enjoy the most precious moment in our jacuzzi where you can explore an astounded view of the deep blue ocean and the neighbouring islands.

We organize excursions to the neighbouring islands : La Digue, Cousin, Curieuse, Aride, St Pierre. Sport fans will be able to practice their favorite discipline in the midst of an exotic paradise landscape : Scuba diving (5 star Padi diving center), Snorkeling, Deep-sea fishing, Golf, Bicycle, Fitness