Anse Takamaka Praslin, Seychelles
Opened
2011
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Wellness ResortOutside the door
The house
AccorGranite-slope villa resort
Secluded villas cling to a steep granite ridge, where golf buggies ferry guests between dense jungle and Anse Takamaka beach.
“The Raffles Praslin is an 86-villa resort with spectacular ocean views, butler service and a private plunge pool in each villa.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Thirteen treatment pavilions and soaking-tub suites sit perched among granite boulders.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Forbes Travel Guide, Condé Nast Traveler and Tatler.
Each room is actually a private villa built into the island's bright forest. All of the accommodations face out, with some looking toward the Indian Ocean.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Anse Lazio's white sand sits just along the coast, and the protected palm forests of Vallée de Mai lie inland.
1 of 4
The rooms
Deep soaking tubs look out through picture windows at granite boulders, and each terrace has a private plunge pool.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The main infinity pool gazes across the bay, flanked by cushioned loungers and lush hillside gardens.
The spa
Open-air treatment pavilions look across the water from the hillside, using products from Biologique Recherche and Aromatherapy Associates.
The gym
TechnoGym cardio machines look out over the bay through floor-to-ceiling windows in the 24-hour fitness centre.
At the table
Lawn tables look out across the bay, and Danzil Bar serves rum cocktails beneath suspended paper lanterns.
Eighty-six villas, all with butlers and private plunge pools, set along cement "streets" for golf carts that ferry guests up and down a stony green hill falling to a powdery white sand beach.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.