An all-villa luxury resort on Praslin's northeastern hillside featuring 86 spacious villas with private plunge pools and pavilions. Located near the UNESCO Vallée de Mai, the property offers exceptional service, multiple dining venues, and panoramic ocean views.
Raffles Seychelles occupies a steep hillside at Anse Takamaka on Praslin's northeastern coast, positioned roughly 4 km from the Vallée de Mai — a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only natural habitat of the coco de mer palm. The approach to the resort involves a scenic drive from Praslin Airport (approximately 20 minutes), followed by a funicular or electric buggy ride down the hillside to the central arrival area. The property's 86 villas and residences cascade across the granite slopes toward a private beach cove, with all accommodation carefully oriented to maximise privacy and ocean sightlines.
All villas include a private plunge pool, an outdoor pavilion, and a separate living area — the smallest units start at around 180 square metres. The design vocabulary is contemporary Creole: natural stone, vaulted timber ceilings, and open-sided living spaces that allow cross-ventilation from the trade winds. Butler service is standard across all villa categories, with butlers handling everything from arrival unpacking to private dining setup on the villa terrace.
Dining options are among the most varied of any Praslin property. Losean serves fresh seafood and contemporary Creole cuisine overlooking the beach; Danzil specialises in flame-grilled meats and wood-fired pizzas in a casual hillside setting; and the Wine Cellar hosts private dinners and tasting events for small groups. All produce is sourced from local fishermen and Seychellois farmers where possible.
The Raffles Spa features eight treatment rooms and a couples' suite, offering therapies that incorporate coconut oil, cinnamon, and ylang-ylang sourced from Seychellois producers. A fully equipped fitness centre with personal training completes the wellness offering. Water sports are available from the private beach, including kayaking, snorkelling tours, and sunset sailing. The concierge team can arrange guided walks into the Vallée de Mai, island-hopping by private charter, and helicopter transfers to other islands.
Amenities
- private plunge pools
- spa
- three restaurants
- wine cellar
- fitness center
- hillside location
- butler service
Location
Anse Takamaka, Praslin
-4.3525, 55.7639 View on map
Highlights
- All 86 villas include a private plunge pool and dedicated butler service
- Three dining venues spanning Creole seafood, wood-fired grills, and private wine cellar dinners
- Funicular access from the hilltop arrival area to the private beach cove
- Located 4 km from the Vallée de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Raffles Spa uses locally sourced cinnamon, coconut, and ylang-ylang in signature therapies
Tips for visiting
- Ask the butler to arrange a private dinner on the villa terrace — it is the same menu as Losean but with complete seclusion
- Book the Wine Cellar tasting well in advance; it accommodates only a small number of guests per session
- The private beach at Anse Takamaka is well-sheltered from the northwest trades; swimming is calmer here than on Praslin's more exposed western beaches during season
- A guided morning walk to the Vallée de Mai can be arranged through the concierge — early entry before tour groups arrive makes a significant difference
When to visit
April–May and October–November bring calmer seas and lower rates; December and July–August are peak season with maximum villa occupancy.
Accessibility
The hillside terrain is challenging for guests with mobility limitations; electric buggies and a funicular are available but some paths remain steep. Contact the resort before booking to discuss villa placement.