Paradise Sun is nestled on beautiful Praslin Island in the unspoiled Seychelles archipelago.
The hotel offers seclusion and privacy. It’s discreetly tucked away in a protective outcrop of enormous granite boulders in the far corner on a stretch of one of the Seychelles’s finest beaches.
The pristine white coral sands of Cote d’Or Beach sweep up to the front door and warm Indian Ocean breezes whisper through the lush tropical gardens.
Paradise Sun has 80 light and airy ocean-facing rooms that capture the warmth of the Seychelles and the vibrancy of Creole architecture. There are 70 superior and 10 family/deluxe rooms. All have private balconies, satellite TV, complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning and ceiling fans, hairdryer, fridge, safe and a complimentary range of cleansing cosmetics.
The scent of full-flavoured French-Creole cuisine will guide you to St Pierre Beach Restaurant. Or, arrive barefoot and feast on delicious island-style breakfasts at the casual pool restaurant. The Beach Restaurant will serve you light lunches and snacks at your beach bed and there is also complimentary afternoon tea or coffee and cake.
As the sun sets over the ocean let the gentle waves lap at your feet and the aromatic breeze enhance your enjoyment of exotic cocktails at the Beach Restaurant Bar. Then, in the balmy evening, enjoy fun themed dinner buffets with Sega dancers moving to traditional island beats.
Paradise Sun’s spa team is well-versed in the art of soothing mind, body and soul. Enjoy a Balinese massage in the tranquil and relaxing surroundings, set against the serene tropical beauty.
When it comes to leisure activities, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Non-motorised watersports are complimentary and you can snorkel, grab a kayak, try your hand at stand-up paddling, plus there is volley ball, table tennis, board games, sun lounges and shaded areas in which to relax - perhaps after yoga or aqua aerobics classes.
Scuba adventures are on offer from the Whitetip Diver’s team, with 17 dive sites five to 50 minutes away.
Paradise Sun will keep your youngsters entertained with recreation programmes for children aged 6 to 12 and a babysitting service on request.
The hotel has free Wednesday sunset cruises. Fridays are Creole days, starting with a nature walk, then a fun coconut demonstration, Creole cooking demonstration and mutya (local dance and music), shell jewellery creation, followed by a live band and Creole buffet.
A few must-sees are close by and Mason’s Travel has a full day excursion to the renowned World Heritage site, the Vallee-de-Mai Nature Reserve, and one of the world’s top 10 beaches, Anse Lazio.
Vallee-de-Mai is extraordinary primeval forest, known as the Garden of Eden where the fabled Coco-de-Mer palm growsand where you might spot one of the world’s rarest birds, the black parrot.
The largest recorded fruit from the slow-growing palms weighed 42kg; the seeds weigh up to 17.6 kg and the male and female plants have bits that resemble human bits, hence the “love nut” nickname.
En-route from Vallee-de-Mai to Anse Lazio lunch (not included in the price) at an island restaurant.
Anse Lazio is stunning. There are nests of stingrays, colourful fishes and turtles can be spotted in the clear, calm waters of the gently curved bay.
There are several recommended boat excursions:
* Coco Island and Felicite Island: a protected marine park, with the best snorkelling from a small coral plateau - R450 per person plus R160 entrance fee.
* Curieuse and St Pierre islands: R325 per person plus R160 entrance fee.
* La Digue is a fantastic island to visit, with bicycles and ox carts the main means of transport. R450 per person including bicycle hire.
E-mail [email protected] for reservations or visit www.paradisesunhotel.com
Travellers fly Airlink between Pietermaritzburg and Joburg, and then with Air Seychelles from Joburg to Praslin Island.
Itineries are organised by local operators Mason’s Travel who partner with Thompsons Holidays to tailor your visit.
* Thompsons Holidays: visit www.thompsons.co.za or call 0861 846677 for all your itineraries, special interest requests, transfers, excursions and tours.
* Seychelles Tourism Board: The Seychelles Islands - another world: visit www.seychelles.travel, e-mail [email protected] or call 012 361 5767, head office +248 467 1300.
* Air Seychelles flies between Joburg and Mahe - and between Mahe and Praslin islands.
* Airlink offers daily flights between Pietermaritzburg and Joburg. Pietermaritzburg Airport is easily accessible and less congested allowing for quick boarding and disembarking which is convenient for business and leisure travellers. Visit www.flyairlink.com.
Adrian Rorvik, Sunday Tribune