Joanna James
When you think of Praslin, think swaying palms, powdered sugar beaches, and a rhythm so slow and sweet it could lull even the most restless traveller into vacation mode. Although a little calmer and quieter than Mahe, Praslin holds the ability to make time feel irrelevant with its natural beauty.
The beaches on Praslin are, quite frankly, absurdly beautiful. They don’t just look like postcards—they are the postcards. A day at the beach will leave you feeling at one with nature; you can relax with warm sand between your toes and admire the contrasting colours of the dramatic boulders and turquoise waters. The calm waters are ideal for dreamers who can get lost in their thoughts for hours. It’s the kind of place where you suddenly remember the book you packed… only to ignore it completely and just watch the light dance on the ocean instead.
Beyond the beaches, Praslin is a green wonderland—and home to one of the rarest forests on Earth. The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve feels like a lost world, where prehistoric palm trees tower above and the air hums with birdsong. Plan an excursion here with your hotel like the Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, because this is the only place on the planet where the legendary coco de mer palm grows naturally, and witness the world’s most suggestively shaped seed (no elaboration, you just have to see it yourself). Walking through this UNESCO-listed jungle is cool, quiet, and otherworldly. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive black parrot, a bird found nowhere else but here.
If you’re looking for things to do in Praslin that’s a little more aquatic, snorkelling and diving around Praslin are a must. Just offshore lie coral reefs teeming with life—schools of colourful fish, lazy sea turtles, and gentle rays cruising by like they own the place. There are several smaller islands that are the ideal spots for day trips. Because of the crystal clear waters, you can get a clear glimpse of the magic below, even if you’re a beginner with the fins and masks.
For a glimpse into island life and some local flavour, a leisurely drive or bike ride through Praslin’s sleepy villages is time well spent. Along the winding coastal roads, you’ll find stalls selling juicy tropical fruits, small Creole eateries with mouth-watering fish curry, and friendly locals more than happy to point you toward a hidden cove or scenic viewpoint. The island’s vibe is laid-back and unhurried, making even a simple stroll through a coconut grove feel like a special kind of luxury.
And don’t forget the sunsets. On Praslin, evening feels like the world slowly exhaling. Find a spot along the west coast, where the sky turns soft shades of orange, pink, and lavender, reflected in the still waters. It’s the kind of sunset that doesn’t ask to be captured—though you probably will—but instead invites you to simply pause, breathe, and soak in the magic of a day well spent in paradise.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
