The Arrival At Mahe
The Departure To Praslin
As soon as I got off the Air Seychelles plane, I took in a cab to catch the Cat Coco Catamaran ferry from Mahe to Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles archipelago.
We arrive at the pier under a blazing sun at 9 plus a.m. I stay in the shade, patiently waiting to embark. What a light! Incredible blue sky and white clouds! I arrive in Praslin at 11.30 am, in a landscape of postcard with turquoise waters (photo above).
The crossing lasted an hour … of pure ecstatic contemplation of the Indian Ocean (with air-con)! In the taxi to go to the Coco de Mer hotel, I am surprised by the lush vegetation, steep road and small mountains. Like Mahé and La Digue, Praslin is a granitic island.
The Charming Hotel
When arriving in the lobby of the Hotel Coco de Mer – Black Parrot Suites, I am attracted by the ocean view and the verdant gardens of this 200-hectare property.
The welcome is warm and friendly. Like Ash Behari, one of the owners and General Manager of the hotel (video below), all the staff are smiling and professional. It feels like visiting friends.
And guess where the hotel gets its name from? According to a local legend about the Vallée de Ma! nature reserve:
The Suites Black Parrot are located in the exclusive part of the hotel, on a small cliff with a pool offering a panoramic view of the ocean and beaches. My suite in pictures below.
The Island Tour
The Vallée de Mai
I really enjoy taking the road (taxi or rental) to visit the island at my own pace (sometimes exhausting for others, LOL). I am too eager for breathtaking scenery to stay on the beach of the hotel …
Thanks to my need of action, I discovered stunning coves and beaches! Beware of currents in the water (they can be dangerous), the best is to inquire before bathing.
First stop under tropical rain: the Vallée de Mai, a primitive forest with six species of endemic palms. I have an appointment with the guide Shaun Larue for a detailed visit. He begins by explaining the formation of the Seychelles granite islands (video below).
Oops I was about to forget ; ) The biggest seed of the world grows on the palm trees of the Valley of May nature reserve : the endemic iconic Coco de Mer (photo above).
Back On The Road
Anse Lazio
Crystal Clear Water
It doesn’t rain when I finally arrive at Anse Lazio considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I agree, it is superb!
The quality of the very fine sand, the crystal clear water with emerald, turquoise and deep blue reflections, the rock blocks scattered here and there and the palms and vegetation with different green tones.
Unfortunately I don’t have time to swim. I have a ferry to take to another island. To be continued…
Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.
Informations
Seychelles Tourism Board, Coco de Mer Hotel, Air Seychelles.
A guide to visit the Vallée de Mai: Shaun Larue, [email protected], tel. (+248) 2595110.
Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS
Many thanks the Seychelles Tourism Board, Air Seychelles and Coco de Mer Hotel for this beautiful invitation. Also thank you to Ash Behari and Shaun Larue. As always, these are my opinions.
