Good, affordable 4 Star La Reserve Hotel - Praslin Seychelles

La Reserve is a good 4 star option on Praslin Island and offers good specials and value for money.  They also have a very hands-on approach as the owner is also involved with the running of the lodge.  The only thing I don't like about La Reserve is the ORANGE pillars.  I think it would look better in another colour. 

La Reserve has beautiful swimming pools and I think the biggest on Praslin Island.  They also have a bar and restaurant located in these swimming pools. 

La Reserve has 8 superior rooms (with showers only) of which 4 rooms are located in the granite building below.  It is very different, but there's something about it that I like.  These superior rooms have a bedroom area, lounge area, bathroom and a verandah that looks out over the ocean so it's very spacious.  These rooms are right next to the beach (see picture below) so you have a lovely location.  It is standard accommodation, but very comfortable.   

The deluxe rooms have showers and baths are are all sea facing.  It is a little bit bigger than the superior rooms and some of the deluxe rooms are situated along the garden which is next to the beach (see picture below).  They also have more deluxe rooms that are right on the beach on the other side of the hotel.   

The picture below is of the main bar area... they have a pool bar, beach bar and main bar.  They also have a main restaurant for dinner and breakfast and a pool bar for lunches.  The main restaurant offers beautiful views over the ocean.

La Reserve also has a beautiful small beach that's secluded and private and offers kayaks and snorkeling off the beach for free.  At some hotels you have to book a boat to take you out for snorkeling.  They also offer complimentary tea/coffee and cakes in the afternoon; as welll as music entertainment 4 times per week.  If you'd like to do some diving you can visit the diving centre at closeby Paradise Sun Hotel.

These are the other deluxe rooms on the other side of the hotel which are situated right next to the beach.  You will see from the pictures below that these rooms are more luxurious and modern than the superior rooms... it also costs more than the superior rooms.

 We had a lovely lunch with Chantal and Irene at the pool restaurant.

La Reserve offers discounted rates for honeymooners plus a bottle of sparkling wine.  I can highly recommend La Reserve as a good 4 star hotel for honeymooners and families. 

For more information, pictures and prices: http://www.lodgesinafrica.com/Seychelles/Praslin_Island_Honeymoon_Hotels/La_Reserve_Hotel/ 

Beautiful L'Archipel Hotel on Praslin Island Seychelles

Our first night in Seychelles was at the beautiful L'Archipel Hotel on Praslin Island (the second largest Island in Seychelles).  We were well received and showed around by the friendly staff. 

The thing that stood out the most was the beautiful beach and lovely location that this hotel has.  You can see the beach and ocean from the swimming pool area - absolutely stunning views.  See pictures below. 

We were actually very tired when we arrived at L'Archipel as our flight from Johannesburg arrived in Seychelles on Mahe Island (main island) at 05h50 and we did not sleep on the plane at all.  I think we were too excited about our trip to sleep...

On arrivel in Seychelles, we were greeted by our ground handler - Elite Club - and transferred to the Inter Island Quay to board our ferry departing at 08h30 and arriving on Praslin at 09h30.  We then had a tour of the Valley de Mai on Praslin Island, followed by a site inspection and lunch at Coco de Mer Hotel.  We arrived at L'Archipel and had a lovely cold fruit cocktil and cold towel for the heat and humidity.  At this stage we were hot, humid and over-tired... and finaly had a chance to sleep for about 2 hours after 15h30.

The friendly reception staff at L'Archipel: 

They have 23 deluxe rooms (some with showers only) and 3 senior suites and 4 executive suites.  The rooms are spacious and comfortable, but a bit old-fashioned.  Good news though is that they are doing a room refurbishment at the moment and the first 4 rooms will be finished in June 2012.  

They have two restaurants: the main restaurant inside the main building and then Lazre Corjet that has tables inside as well as outside on the sand. 

They also have lovely cocktails served in the bar area as well as the pool area...

These are the stunning views from the breakfast table:

Yip, you can sit with your feet in the sand while you enjoy a lovely breakfast and look out over the ocean...

There is something romantic about L'Archipel... I can't say exactly what, but they certainly do have a romantic atmosphere at the hotel and a stunning beach with a great location. 

L'Archipel is a great option for honeymooners.  They offer discounted rates for honeymooners as well as a welcome cocktail, special candlelight dinner and a room upgrade (subject to availability). 

For more information and pictures of L'Archipel Hotel: http://www.lodgesinafrica.com/Seychelles/Praslin_Island_Honeymoon_Hotels/L%27Archipel_Hotel/

Seychelles 5 Star Ephelia Resort at 4 Star prices...

Wow, what a lovely resort on Mahe Island in Seychelles!!!  Ephelia Resort & Spa has EVERYTHING you can dream of at really good prices. 

They have two beautiful beaches: North Beach and South Beach... I think north beach is the most beautiful beach I've seen on Mahe Island.  See pictures below for noth beach.  

They have new luxury and modern accommodation in a wide range of Junior Suites, Senior Suites, Family Villas, Beach Villas and Hillside Villas.  (the north beach pictures above are taken from the Hillside Villas).  Below are pictures of the Junior Suite which is the entry-level room at Ephelia.  The Junior Suites are a few steps away from South Beach. 

They have 5 restaurants and 5 bars across the resort that their guests can utilize which is quite a big variety.  They also have an entertainment program for every night. 

They also have the beautiful Spa de Constance which is set in tropical gardens with a lot of treatment rooms, a yoga pavillon, a thermal pool, a jacuzzi, a still pool, a hair salon and a manicure treatment room.  It is really very peaceful and tranquil and absolutely beautiful. 

Ephelia offers the following free activities: pedal boats, catamaran, windsurfing, kayaking and they also have a fully equipped gym, tennis and squash court.  They also have a kid's club, 4 swimming pools, boutique shops and a departure lounge at the resort.  You can also enjoy fishing or diving at an extra cost. 

Ephelia Resort also offers discounted rates for honeymooners and extra gifts.  I highly recommend Ephelia Resort for couples and families... it's very good value for money.

For more information and pictures: http://www.lodgesinafrica.com/Seychelles/Mahe_Island_Honeymoon_Hotels/Ephelia_Resort_-_West_Coast/