Les Villas d'Or

Les Villas d'Or is a sleepy gated property that caters to older couples and to families, with a long driveway through tropical grounds that lead to a cluster of colonial-style villas. The property has scrubby flora and wide lawns that are a bit rough around the edges, which makes surroundings feel untouched and natural, though some guests may see them as unmaintained and unkempt. Sand or stone paths connect villas to the pool area, and the property opens right onto the sand of Cote D'Or beach. Simple thatched huts provide shelter for outdoor seating, and there are charming wooden bench swings, and watercraft near the beach. A small reception building has a spare lobby with a front desk and a small seating area with contemporary rattan furniture, but guests don't tend to linger here long, as the beach and pool area are the main attractions. 

Les Villas d'Or is in a somewhat secluded location at the end of a long driveway, on Cote D'Or beach. There are a few other hotels nearby, but only a handful of restaurants within walking distance. Praslin National Park is under a 10-minute drive, but the main sights on the island consist of other beaches: Anse Lazio is just under 20 minutes away by car, while Anse Georgette will take about 30 minutes to reach. Praslin Island Airport is about a 22-minute drive, while the Praslin Marina is a nine-minute drive from the hotel. The island can be accessed via a daily ferry or flights from Mahé. 

All villas feature furnished wooden verandas facing the ocean, and grassy lawns with sun loungers. Decor inside is colonial-style, with tiled floors, plantation shutters, ceiling fans, and a wall of wooden doors that can be thrown open to connect living rooms with outdoor space. The kitchens are equipped with full-size refrigerators, glass cooktops, microwaves, toasters, and electric kettles, and have ample countertop space and cookware. Living rooms double as dining areas, and have attractive tables and contemporary rattan couches and chairs. Standard amenities include AC, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bedrooms have king-sized beds, vanity desks, and big closets with plantation shutter doors, and bathrooms boast bidets and large walk-in showers, but they lack toiletries. 

Amenities here are limited, which is common for all-villa properties in this category. But the hotel is set on a sandy beach, where there are a few white sun loungers and Adirondack chairs, and a wooden swing that's set back a bit. A variety of non-motorized watercraft are available to rent (as well as bicycles). Up the stone path, there's an outdoor pool that's quite small, and a sundeck with thatched pavilions that shade a few tables and chairs. There's no fitness center, bar, or on-site restaurant, but a continental breakfast served in guests' villas is available for a fee, and there are barbecues that guests can use. There's also a half-board add-on that covers shuttle service to local restaurants and dinner. Wi-Fi throughout and parking are both free.