Paradise Sun

Set on beautiful beachfront grounds, this upscale hotel provides a relaxing stay for beach-loving tourists. The picturesque grounds are one of the highlights here, studded with palm trees, lush plants, and trim green lawns. Interiors are breezy and pleasant, mixing natural materials like stone walls, thatch ceilings, and wood details with refreshing turquoise hues, though they're not particularly modern. The partially open-air lobby is filled with wicker seating, while the lounge/library area has cool wooden padded loungers under a sloped thatch ceiling. Guests spend most of their time outdoors though, and the grounds offer plenty of lovely spaces to lounge in -- the main attraction being the beach. It's a gorgeous stretch of shore and one of the main draws of the hotel, attracting both vacationing couples as well as families with kids. The property does a good job catering to both, though there's only one pool, and it can get a bit busy with children. 

The hotel occupies a scenic beachfront location in Anse Volbert, Praslin's main beach on the northern shore in the center of the island. There are a number of hotels and guest houses lining the shore in the area, and a couple of dining options are within walking distance. A car is necessary to explore the island and reach other beaches like Anse Lazio (15-minute drive) and Anse Georgette (32-minute drive). Nearby attractions include the Vallée De Mai Nature Reserve, which is a 12-minute drive from here. The Praslin Museum is just two minutes away by car or an 18-minute walk. The Praslin Island Airport is about a 25-minute drive across the island. Travelers must take a 20-minute flight from Mahe's international airport to reach Praslin, or there's a 15-minute ferry. The Praslin marina is a 12-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms here are spacious and have large furnished terraces. Decor is a bit lackluster, but the spaces are pleasant and inviting. Exposed stone walls add a rustic touch, and large beds are topped with green throws and some are framed by pale turquoise walls. Sleek and simple wooden furniture and exposed wood beams complete the look. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, electronic safes, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, but guests complain of a poor connection in some rooms. All rooms include a large, furnished terrace with either ocean views or views of the lovely garden grounds. 

Bathrooms are also fairly simple and past guests have noted cleanliness issues in the bathrooms. Deluxe Rooms add tubs but Superior Rooms only provide walk-in glass showers. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. 

The main highlight here is the gorgeous stretch of shore that guests have direct access to. The white sandy beach is beautiful, as is the clear turquoise water. There aren't any loungers on the sand, but there are sunbeds as well as tables and chairs on a terraced area by the shore. Some water sports equipment -- like canoes, kayaks, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboards -- is available for free. The hotel also has an attractive outdoor pool with a kids' section that's surrounded by a wooden sundeck, with umbrella-shaded loungers lining the edges. This area can get busy with kids. 

The on-site beach restaurant serves an a la carte lunch menu as well as buffet dinners. All rates are half-board and include buffet breakfasts, dinners, and afternoon tea. 

The on-site spa employs Indonesian therapists trained in Bali and offers a varied menu of treatments as well as nail services. The treatment rooms have lovely outdoor shower areas, and the couples' treatment room features an outdoor soaking tub. Though the property lacks a gym, a number of fitness classes like yoga and aqua aerobics are available.

Other on-site facilities include a beach volleyball court and a diving center on-site with a small diving pool. The hotel offers a free sunset cruise once a week. Babysitting services are available for a fee, and kids' activities and recreation programs are offered daily. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.