Praslin

A wicked seductress, Praslin has lots of temptations: stylish lodgings, tangled velvet jungle, curving hills dropping down to clear seas, gorgeous stretches of silky sand edged with palm trees and a slow-motion ambience. Located 45 km north-east of Mahé, the second-largest island in the Seychelles falls somewhere between the relative hustle and bustle of Mahé and the sleepiness of La Digue. Like Mahé, Praslin is a granite island, with a ridge of small mountains running east–west along the centre. The island is 12 km long and 5 km across at its widest point. The 5,500 inhabitants of Praslin are scattered along the coast in a series of small settlements. The most important from a visitor's perspective are Anse Volbert (also known as Côte d'Or) and Grand Anse. At the south-east tip of the island is Baie Ste Anne, Praslin's main port. Praslin has all you need to decompress. But if sunbathing ceases to do it for you, another world beckons at Vallée de Mai, one of the most peculiar attractions in the Seychelles. Scuba diving, snorkelling and boat excursions to nearby islands famed for their bird life will also keep you buzzing.

Excursions

• Optional excursion to the famous Vallée de Mai Reserve, a World Heritage site