Mirko La Rosa
- Jun 1, 2022
- 7 min read

Raffles Seychelles: A Luxury Retreat nestled in Paradise

Updated: Feb 9, 2023

Overview

A Luxury Retreat nestled in Paradise

Escape to the breathtaking beauty of the Seychelles and immerse yourself in the ultimate luxury experience at Raffles Seychelles. This exquisite hotel offers a world of comfort and sophistication, surrounded by pristine beaches, lush greenery, and turquoise waters.

Managed by Raffles Hotels which is it under the ALL - Accor Live Limitless Group, the hotel is located on the north-eastern side of Praslin. Helicopter transfers are possible from Mahé, otherwise Air Seychelles runs 20 daily flights or Cat Cocos runs three hour-long ferry crossings. In view of the resort is Curieuse Island, which is situated within a marine national park.

Set on a hillside overlooking Anse Takamaka bay on Praslin’s east coast, the luxurious Raffles Seychelles caters mostly to honeymooners and couples seeking seclusion. The 86 luxury villas are contemporary in style and generous in size, offering outdoor pavilions with areas to dine and lounge as well as private plunge pools.

Opened in February 2011 as the first Raffles purpose-built resort, the property was designed by Ross Macbeth from Macbeth Architects & Designers. Macbeth was awarded the Young Architect of the Year award for his work here. As coveted sanctuaries of luxurious living, the resort’s contemporary architecture integrates the practical features of the island’s alfresco lifestyle into stylish resort chic

SOMETHING ABOUT SEYCHELLES

The Seychelles is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. This group of 115 islands is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife. If you're looking for a place to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life, the Seychelles is the perfect destination.

Why Visit the Seychelles?

Beautiful Beaches: The Seychelles is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. From the white sand and turquoise waters of Anse Lazio beach on Praslin Island, to the secluded Baie Sainte Anne beach on La Digue Island, there's a beach for every type of traveler. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or simply relax, you'll find the perfect spot in the Seychelles.
Stunning Nature: In addition to its beaches, the Seychelles is also home to a variety of unique flora and fauna. From the giant tortoises of Aldabra Atoll to the rare Seychelles Black Parrot, there are plenty of opportunities to see and learn about the country's diverse wildlife. The Seychelles is also a great place for hiking and exploring, with lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes to discover.
Rich Culture: The Seychelles has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. From the colorful Creole architecture to the traditional dances and music, there's no shortage of cultural experiences to be had in the Seychelles.

When planning your trip to the Seychelles, it's important to consider the time of year you want to visit. The best time to go is from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry. Keep in mind that this is also the high season, so you'll need to book your accommodations in advance.

In conclusion, the Seychelles is a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for beautiful beaches, stunning nature, or rich culture, you'll find it all in this Indian Ocean gem. Start planning your trip today and experience the beauty of the Seychelles for yourself.

What we liked most

The hotel, like all Raffles hotels we have been, is Majestic. Absolute relax and lux perfect for couples, even with kids.

From the moment you step through the doors, you'll be swept away by the enchanting blend of Seychellois culture and colonial elegance. With its intricate wooden carvings, towering columns, and lush gardens, Raffles Seychelles is a testament to the beauty of this magnificent island nation.

The Seychelles is famous for its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, and the Raffles Seychelles is the perfect base from which to explore it all. Take a leisurely stroll along the golden beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or go snorkelling and discover the incredible coral reefs and vibrant marine life.

During the stay we had the opportunity to spot a couple getting married there, and honestly can't think of a most romantic place to get married.

Not to forget the sundowners at Anse Lazio Beach, one of the world’s top-rated that is just a 10-minute drive from the property, or the giant turtles that are for sure the oldest guests of the hotel (about 200 years)

Last but not least: personnel exceptional: very attentive and willing to solve basically any of your request. For example: we bring an inflatable watermelon mattress. It was really huge: the staff mange to inflate it and bring it wherever we asked during the whole stay

In conclusion, Raffles Seychelles is a true island paradise, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and adventure that is unmatched in the Seychelles. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, this hotel is the perfect choice for a truly unforgettable experience. Book your stay at Raffles Seychelles today and immerse yourself in a world of tropical beauty and sophistication.

Rooms

The hotel offers a range of accommodations, from spacious rooms to spacious suites, all of which offer stunning views of the tropical surroundings. Each room is tastefully decorated with an eye for detail and features a range of modern amenities, including air conditioning, satellite TV, and high-speed internet.

At 125-metres-squared even the smallest garden view villas are huge. They then ascend the categories through bayview, oceanview, pool and panoramic villas to the largest of them all the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Royal Beachfront Villa, which also has a living and dining room. They are all sumptuously appointed with king-sized beds, dressing rooms, indoor and outdoor showers and soaking tubs situated beneath picture windows offering stunning views. Unfortunately, the sense of spaciousness is lost on the deck where a lack of mature foliage fails to screen the outdoor pavilion and plunge pool from neighbouring villas.

With 86 villas ranging in size from 1,345 to 2,960 square feet (125 to 275 square meters), Raffles Praslin offers some of the largest accommodations in the Seychelles. Scattered along the sloping hillside or set close to the beach, the villas are categorized by number of bedrooms, location, and view. Villas set at the top of the hill come with panoramic views, entry-level villas are tucked among the greenery, and the largest and most luxurious, two-bedroom, villas are located steps to the beach.

The villas feature contemporary style with stone accent walls, tray ceilings, and minimalistic decor that includes white bed linens, coral patterned rugs, and sofas finished in a muted pink fabric. The oversized, light-filled bathrooms offer walk-in showers, outdoor rain showers, and huge tubs with views. The outdoor pavilions are a highlight, furnished with sun loungers, dining tables, private plunge pools, and easels with sketching paper for guests who feel artistically inclined. Round-the-clock room service and butler service are added perks.

Food and Drink

The hotel's three restaurants offer a range of international and local cuisine, showcasing the best of the Seychelles' rich culinary heritage. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two or a family meal, the Raffles Seychelles has something for everyone.

The main Losean Restaurant where breakfast is served, lacks atmosphere. In the morning the sun streams in the east-facing windows forcing guests to sit in the air-conditioned interior rather than out on the terrace. The buffet is vast and includes Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, European and English dishes, most of them competently executed. Dinner, often themed, is also served here. More romantic is the open-air, pan-Asian Curieuse Restaurant, which includes a Sushi Bar in a glass-sided room that feels a bit like a goldfish bowl. Nicest of all of the venues is the Danzil Lounge which has a sultry atmosphere and serves good cocktails.

Curieuse Restaurant

A gastronomic journey tracing through India, China and South East Asia, Curieuse, led by Chef de Cuisine Sunil Dutt, is the Seychelles’ only Asian restaurant. Infused with oriental spice and aromatic ingredients, the menu varies from Thai salads and spicy sour soup to Indian curries and traditional Chinese stir-fries.

Pool Restaurant

Showcasing fresh, local products and light cuisine, the Pool Restaurant offers a casual lunch setting, perfect for refuelling during a busy day of soaking up the Seychellois sun.

Services and facilities

Just get married here. It's seriously one of the most romantic place to get married.

The resort offers an array of services and facilities, including a 24-hour butler service for the larger one- and two-bedroom villas.

The spa has 13 pavilions, a sauna, steam room, soaking pool, yoga pavilion and a beauty salon.

The main 45-metre pool, is popular at weekend’s when locals come to lunch at one of six different restaurants and lounges. While the beach isn’t the best in the Seychelles, it’s still lovely and non-motorised watersports are offered free of charge. Other activities such as diving, golf and excursions to the Vallée de Mai can be organised by the efficient front desk. The hotel also has reciprocal arrangements with Fregate Island and Raffles Dubai.

Raffles Spa

The Raffles Spa is a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation, where you can indulge in a range of treatments designed to soothe both body and mind. With its tranquil setting and expert therapists, it's the perfect place to unwind and recharge after a day of exploration and adventure.

Steps away from the coastline of Anse Takamaka, amidst stunning surroundings, Raffles Spa carefully designed to calm the spirit and awaken the senses. The luxurious spa features 12 treatment pavilions, showcasing the spectacular view of the blue ocean, tropical gardens and dramatic granite boulders.

For those seeking a more active adventure, the hotel offers a range of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and hiking, as well as excursions to some of the most beautiful and remote corners of the island.

Meetings rooms

The perfect location for a business incentive trip or a relaxed planning meeting. Removed from the stresses and strains of day-to-day work, you’ll feel relaxed and inspired. We’ll make your meeting happen exactly the way you want it.

They offer a range of spaces for every event – from Curieuse and Losean restaurants, ideal for luncheons or gala dinners, to Danzil Lounge and Takamaka Terrace, truly unique venues for cocktail receptions.