Le Duc de Praslin is a five-star-class hotel on the Côte d’Or shoreline, in the heart of Praslin’s tourist coast, with white sand outside the gardens and Anse Volbert Beach a three-minute walk away. It has ten room types, ranging from adults-only Ocean Rooms of nearly 600 square feet to Superior Rooms, a Honeymoon Suite, a Family Suite for five, and large villas that sleep six to ten with several bedrooms. Rooms have air conditioning, ceiling fans, an espresso maker, minibar and safe, and some look over the award-winning garden of orchids and giant tortoises, which gives the hotel a lush, tropical character. The dining and leisure offer is strong for the island. Le Dauphin serves themed evening buffets of Creole and international dishes, Café des Arts is a beachside restaurant, Blue Octopus is a beachfront cocktail bar, and Charcoal is a bar and tapas lounge. There is an outdoor pool, a children’s pool, and three Magna Pools that use ocean minerals and salts. Spa des Arts offers massage, scrubs, wraps and facials, and guests can borrow paddleboards and kayaks or rent bicycles and cars on site. Free wifi and parking are included.
Location and getting around
The hotel stands at Anse Volbert on the Côte d’Or, about a twenty-five-minute drive from Praslin’s airport. Curieuse National Marine Park is a sixteen-minute walk away, and boats for Curieuse, Saint Pierre and Cousin leave close by. Anse Lazio is about ten minutes by car, Anse Georgette about half an hour, and the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is a short drive.
The harbour for the La Digue ferry is nearby, so island hopping is simple. Guests leaving the Seychelles early in the morning may need to spend a night on Mahé, so plan the end of the trip with that in mind.
The rooms
The Ocean Rooms are for adults only, and they are the best fit for couples who want the beach on their doorstep. Superior Rooms and the Honeymoon Suite look onto the garden, while the Family Suite adds a bunk bed for children. The villas, with three or four bedrooms, suit big families and groups travelling together. There are no lifts, so ask for a ground-floor room if mobility is an issue.
Things to do
The beach, pools and garden fill easy days. Paddleboards, kayaks and pedalos are available, and a gym, billiards table and library offer rainy-day options. The concierge can organise snorkelling trips, bicycle hire and tours to the nature reserve and Curieuse Island, where giant tortoises roam freely.
Who it suits and what to know: Le Duc de Praslin suits couples, honeymooners and families who value beach access, garden atmosphere and good food in one place. It is a lively hotel, and guests have mentioned that weekend evenings can be noisy, so request a quiet room away from the bars. Some services, such as a pool or dining venue, can be closed for maintenance at certain times of year, so check when you book. A nightly tourist tax is added per adult. The cooler, windier season runs from May to October.
Why stay here
- ✓Beachfront on Côte d’Or
- ✓Ocean Rooms for adults only
- ✓Villas and a family suite
- ✓Outdoor pool and Magna Pools
- ✓Spa des Arts
- ✓Beach bar, tapas lounge and restaurants
- ✓Garden with orchids and tortoises
- ✓Kayaks, paddleboards and bike rental
Good questions
How far is Le Duc de Praslin from the beach?+
It is beachfront on Côte d’Or, and Anse Volbert Beach is about a three-minute walk. Curieuse Marine Park is about a sixteen-minute walk away.
Is it suitable for families?+
Yes, it has a children’s pool, a Family Suite and large villas. Some Ocean Rooms are adults only, so check the room type when you book.
How far is it from the airport?+
Praslin’s airport is about a twenty-five-minute drive away. Arrange a taxi in advance or rent a car on site.
