New Emerald Cove

Surrounded by palm trees and flowering plants (not to mention the occasional wandering turtle), the New Emerald Cove fits the bill for many travellers' ideas of a tropical getaway. Overall, the property is pleasant, but there are some fraying edges and an overhaul will be needed in the near future. Buildings here are typical, open-air structures, and decor throughout is simple, with neutral hues alongside wood furniture, floors, and ceilings. The lobby provides wooden chairs padded with cream-colored as well as red cushions, while the hotel’s restaurant has an impressive wooden ceiling that resembles origami. A beautiful stretch of white sand beach and a lovely pool draw plenty of families and couples, though travelers should be aware that the resort is a bit dated and doesn’t offer as many amenities as other properties in the area. Also, the resort is only accessible by boat (or a steep climb through the jungle to the main road), and that means guests are forced to stay on site relatively early in the evening.

The resort's secluded, beachfront location on Praslin Island can only be reached by boat. This makes for a peaceful getaway, but also means that accessing other areas of the island (as well as off-site restaurants and bars) necessitates a good amount of planning. The resort operates a free boat shuttle service several times a day to the Praslin Marina in Baie Sainte Anne. Praslin Island's main draw is its beaches and natural areas, and there is excellent snorkeling just off shore from the hotel. Praslin National Park is a five-minute drive from the marina, while Anse Lazio, one of the island's most popular beaches, is a 15-minute drive from the dock. Praslin Island Airport is 15 minutes by taxi from the marina as well. 

Much like the resort itself, rooms are fine enough, though they could use with a bit of upkeep. We spotted stained floors, bubbling wallpaper, and worn furniture throughout when we visited. That being said, the look is reasonably up-to-date, with dark parquet floors, black wood veneer furniture, and white walls hung with nautically inspired decor (think: seashells mounted in shadow-box frames). Canopy beds are topped with striped bedspreads and rooms offer either garden or sea views. Some guests have complained that thin walls can be a problem, and textiles, like heavy blue window treatments, just look outdated. Standard Rooms have lovely, furnished terraces, while Superior Rooms draw families as they have double beds as well as two single beds. Sea view rooms are available. All rooms have mini-fridges, electric kettles for coffee or tea, safes, and air-conditioning, but no TVs or Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are a bit small, but are equipped with stall showers with rainfall showerheads and massage jets; hairdryers and toiletries are provided, and some bathrooms have pretty, green mosaic tiling.

Aside from its beautiful white sand beach that's excellent for snorkeling, the resort offers a lovely outdoor pool surrounded by a sundeck lined with shaded lounge chairs. A variety of activities can also be booked (for a fee), such as excursions, guided snorkeling tours, trekking, game fishing, and marine biology classes. The area is known for it's kite surfing conditions as well, particularly from June to October. The hotel has a beach volleyball court, but there's no fitness center on-site and though it lacks a spa, massages are available in a private treatment room. Other features include the hotel’s Hibiscus Restaurant, which serves Creole and international buffets as well as cocktails and various refreshments in the bar. Half-board rates are available, though food gets mixed reviews and entertainment options are fairly limited in the evening. There’s a small library area stocked with various reads as well as a public computer. The resort offers free boat shuttle service to the Praslin Marina several times a day, though hours are limited. Wi-Fi is free in some of the public areas, like the restaurant and bar, but service can be spotty.