Anse Takamaka, Near cot d'Or, Baie Ste Anne, Seychelles
Situated in a lush, secluded island location with amazing views
One-, two-, and three-bedrooms bungalows with fully equipped kitchens
Spacious honeymoon suites with porches and canopy beds
Big pool with wood deck, cushioned loungers, and sea views
Outdoor lounge spaces under thatched roofs
Poolside bar and well-liked, open air restaurant
Self-catering, breakfast-only, and half-board plans available
Beachside lounging and free kayaks to borrow
Giant tortoises on the premises
Cribs, baby pool, and babysitting (extra fee)
Shallow beach waters not ideal for swimming
Remote location means its a trek to get anywhere
Villas lack TVs; most lack AC; and Wi-Fi costs extra
Iles des Palmes is a laid-back, secluded beachside resort that overlooks the bay. The remote spot is peaceful, but guests will likely need a car or bike to get elsewhere on the island. The property’s 20 private villas include spacious two-person honeymoon suites and big one-, two-, and three-bedroom bungalows. Suites have AC, but lack kitchens, while the family bungalows lack AC but feature fully equipped kitchens with fridges, stoves, counter-space, and dishes. The property has a beautiful pool with a wood deck, cushioned loungers, and thatched-roof pool bar, plus there’s a well-liked open-air restaurant. The beach is a great place for catching rays, watching wildlife, taking in views, or kayaking (kayaks are free to borrow), but the shallow waters aren’t ideal for swimming. For a bigger beach, consider the Village du Pecheur.
Scene
Peaceful resort catering to vacationing couples and families
The secluded and peaceful resort complex of Iles des Palmes is ideal for vacationing couples and families who want to get away from it all -- “all” being television, the internet, and people other than those at the resort itself. Situated on lush, green grounds studded with palm trees and thatched roof lounges, most of the spaces on the property are open-air, with close-up views of the bay, which extend over the water to the other side of the island. Hardwood furnishings, cushioned loungers, wood-beam ceilings, and beachy accents (a bamboo bar, seashells here and there) create a laid-back, natural vibe. While some parts of the property feel a touch dated, many of the facilities, like the pool and restaurant, were added or updated in 2014 and still feel fresh. The 20 accommodations on site are all separate units, with eight catering to couples and the other 12 designed for families or small groups.
Location
Lush, beautiful, and remote bayside island spot
The Iles des Palmes is situated in a secluded bay on Praslin Island, right along the beach. The area is beautiful and lush with greenery. Highlights of the old plantation property include coconut groves, giant tortoises, and excellent views. It’s out of the way, and though a bus stops right outside the hotel, it’s infrequent and most guests recommend renting a car, taxi, or bike. The village of Baie Ste Anne, on the other side of the bay, is about a 10-minute drive, as is Praslin National Park. Anse Lazio, one of the areas most popular beaches, is a 20-minute drive, as is Praslin Island Airport. Parking is free.
Rooms
Family bungalows with fully equipped kitchens and spacious honeymoon suites with AC
The 20 villas here are split between the family friendly “Colonial Quarters” and the couples-friendly “Pirate’s Cove” bungalows. Colonial Quarters all have living areas and kitchens, and one-, two-, or three-bedroom setups are available, designed for up to five guests. The 12 two-person “Pirate’s Cove” Honeymoon Suites are spacious but lack kitchens, with mini-fridges, electric kettles, and glassware instead. Units are all separate bungalows, with porches featuring lounge and dining space.
Many of the bungalows have been refurbished, with beautiful wood floors, cream-colored walls, sliding farmhouse doors, and wood-beam accented ceilings. Bathrooms are spacious, though decor is basic, with beige tiling, shower stalls, toilets, and bidets. While decor is similar in non-rehabbed bungalows, it tends to feel just a little more outdated with a bit of wear-and-tear, though everything is clean and comfortable.
The “Pirate’s Cove” couples suites feature romantic canopy beds and a separate nook for dining or sitting. The Colonial Quarters feature separate living/dining areas with full kitchens: four-burner stoves, sinks, drying racks, dishes, electric kettles, toasters, utensils, pots and pans, and half-size fridges. There’s also counter space and sitting and/or dining space. Guests can arrange laundry service and daily housekeeping is provided. Rooms also have safes, linens, and toiletries. Be aware that rooms lack televisions or Wi-Fi, and only the suites have AC. Honeymoon Suites do not accept children.
Features
Pool, restaurant, and bar with beautiful views, but beach not ideal for swimming
For a smallish resort, this property is well equipped with a beach, pool, restaurant, and bar. Everything is gathered together, and views of the bay are offered from almost everywhere. Self-catering rates don’t include meals, but there are also breakfast-only, and half-board meal plans.
The beach is small, but offers beautiful views, chances to see wildlife (like stingrays), and lounge chairs. Its shallow waters aren’t ideal for swimming, but guests can borrow kayaks free of charge to take out on the water. The real swimming spot is the big pool, situated on a raised wood deck that juts out over the sea. Cushioned wood loungers and high tables and chairs surround the pool, and some lounge chairs also sit in a covered thatch roofed area for shade. A shallower baby pool is offered for little ones, and the hotel provides cribs and babysitting for an extra fee.
The hotel also has a generously stocked poolside bar and a restaurant, La Buse. The open-air venue attracts villa guests and outside visitors alike, mainly for the excellent views, but also for the delicious food, which includes local specialties (seafood) and international dishes alike, though breakfasts tend to be basic (eggs, fruit, toast).
Generally, Wi-Fi is spotty and costs an extra fee, save in the lounge, where guests can pick up a signal for free.