Praslin

Named in honour of the Duke of Praslin (France) in 1768, the island’s pirate hideaway heritage has subsided to one of natural splendour. Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles, stretching 12 kilometres in length. It is nevertheless a much sleepier alternative to its buzzing neighbour of Mahé. Its proximity to the capital remains advantageous to guests though; the twin-engined plane ride is a mere 15 minute jaunt from Seychelles International Airport.

Praslin is famed for its pristine beaches, Anse Lazio, for instance, is almost invariably voted in the top 10 beaches in the world (Conde Nast recently voted it number 4, for example). The island’s flora and fauna are also a massive draw for visitors; the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve (World Heritage Site) is home to the infamous Coco de Mer nuts and rare Black Parrots. Praslin is also home to the Seychelles’ only, 18-hole Championship golf course, located at Constance Lemuria.