We visited Raffles whilst Island hopping around Praslin, La Digue & Mahe over a few weeks – thank you to Seyexclusive for the wine waiting for us on arrival! it helped us slip nicely into the Island vibe!
So, where to start – what a wonderful, wonderful hotel – we will never, ever forget this magical place – with it’s contemporary landscape and middle eastern influence.
From the moment we arrived to the very moment we left – Raffles and it’s staff never put a foot wrong – the staff were engaging and accommodating – with the service being personal without being intrusive.
We stayed in Villa 170 in a panaromic pool villa which was absolutely beautiful, with it’s thoughtful landscaping that blended into the hills and considered interior options – it was clean and immaculate with a private sun deck and plunge pool, lounge space, oversized bed, double sink, bath overlooking the sea, outdoor tropical shower, indoor shower, twin dressing space, large TV (sorry to mention this but it was perfect for the other half who wanted to keep up with the Premier league) yoga mat, outdoor seating area and two sun beds. It’s also great that the room had a mix of UK plug sockets (it’s a small thing but very useful!) also well stocked mini bar and complimentary Nespresso – also worth mentioning that water is complimentary (across the hotel so in the room, pool side, beach etc) – there is a laundry and pressing service – but the hotel does offer an in room iron solution.
The main spaces are very well styled – from the main reception area to the spa – all accessible by buggy – just to note the resort is very steep in places so the buggys are essential to get around depending on where your villa is – but we never waited more than 5 minutes for one (and you can book for a certain time too – the buggy team are awesome – very chatty and knowledgable) – on a transport note the hotel took us out to a restaurant – Bon Bon Plume – which I totally recommend on Anse Lazio – using the hotel jeep, which was a really great price.
The pool area is stunning with two enormous infinity pools (approx. 40m) large double sun beds and individual sun beds. There is a great restaurant and pool bar where we ate most lunchtimes – I’m a vegetarian and there were lovely big salads and snacks to choose from.
From there you can wander down to the beach where there are a limited number of beds right by the shore – the beach is incredible – the sand is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. We were offered fresh fruit and water all day whilst relaxing.
For eating and drinking there is breakfast in the Losean Restaurant where you can eat indoor or outdoor. There is a large fruit, continental, Asian buffet as well as a menu that includes smoothies, sushi, eggs benedict, omelettes etc and any refreshment you can think of from coffee and tea to Prosecco.
There is Takamaka Bar (which wasn’t open when we visited – but is stunning), Danzil Bar – serving lovely cocktails and a snack bar menu – we had salads and burgers here and we had signature Praslin Slings (to die for but SO strong!) There is also Curieuse, Pan Asian & Losean restaurant where you have breakfast that at night is a fine restaurant – we ate out under the stars on the full moon which was enchanting.
On the Friday there was a Tandoori night which was a large buffet – incredible – the smells! And there was a band playing on the Thursday night at Losean – the entertainment is just as you would expect – very low key and fitting with the resort.
Highlights were
– Coconut (in a coconut!) and Iced Tea on the beach
– Taking the bikes from the resort and stopping for a picnic on the beach
– Signature Praslin Sling – just heaven – the fabulous Mohammed mixed these perfectly every time
– Complimentary water and fruit on the beach
– The panoramic villa – we would just lie in the bed watching the ocean – dreamy
– 60 minute massage with the fabulous Elizabeth in the spa – sensational
