Raffles Seychelles Review | Luxury Villa Resort on Praslin Island
Overview: Travelling to the Seychelles During Covid Restrictions
This trip marked our first long-haul holiday since Covid, and after careful research, we chose the Seychelles — a destination that welcomed international travellers with relatively manageable entry requirements. The added bonus? A direct flight from London with British Airways, and at the time of travel, the Seychelles was listed on the UK’s quarantine-free travel corridor, making the journey even more appealing.
Originally, we planned to spend five nights each across three different islands and resorts. However, entry requirements and flight schedules shifted several times between booking and departure. One major change was the introduction of a mandatory Covid test on day 6 (instead of day 5), which made us rethink the itinerary. In the end, we opted for a full week at Raffles Seychelles, ensuring we comfortably met the testing requirement without island-hopping disruptions.
Under the current rules, travellers arriving from a Category 2 country couldn’t leave their resort until receiving a negative day 6 test result. We had our test this morning, and assuming we don’t hear back within 24 hours, we’ll be free to explore beyond the resort from tomorrow.
Not all approved resorts handled the quarantine period the same way. While some imposed strict movement zones within the resort or restricted use of facilities like gyms and restaurants, Raffles offered a much more balanced approach. Guests were free to enjoy the entire property (aside from leaving it), with all restaurants open, spa treatments available (in a limited capacity), and only alternating gym access based on country category. Temperature checks were done at breakfast daily, staff wore masks at all times, and hygiene measures were in place — but the overall experience still felt relaxing and relatively normal.
For future travellers, I’ll also be writing a separate post about the pre-travel Covid testing process in the UK (we’ve now got a system that works), and another on what it’s like to fly long-haul with Covid-era travel restrictions.
Hotel website: https://www.raffles.com/seychelles/
Would I stay here again? For sure - would just make sure we were staying in one of the highest villas and better being on the 2xx side (the resort is split into 100’s numbered villas on one side and 200’s on the other side). So easy to get to direct from Mahé using the helicopter service from Zil Air, equally accessible by scheduled flights from Air Seychelles.
Book Raffles Seychelles with VIP Perks
If you’re dreaming of a luxury escape to the Seychelles, I’d be delighted to help you plan your stay at Raffles Seychelles — a serene all-villa resort on the island of Praslin. When you book through The Private Traveller with my affiliation as a Fora Travel Advisor, you'll receive exclusive Virtuoso benefits that elevate your experience at no additional cost.
🌴 Preferred Perks Include:
🛏️ Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
🥐 Daily breakfast for two guests
💳 $100 USD resort credit to use during your stay
🕰️ Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
📶 Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort
Whether you're staying during a longer island-hopping adventure or planning a peaceful one-resort getaway, Raffles offers privacy, pristine beaches, and impeccable service — and these perks make it all the more rewarding.
📩 Start planning your Seychelles escape today — submit a travel request or email me at dave.gillan@fora.travel.
Note: Benefits may vary slightly based on availability and seasonal offers, and are only available when booking through a recognised luxury travel advisor.
Location
Was somewhat nostalgic in that coming to the Seychelles for the very first time many, many years ago I stayed at what is now called Le Domaine de la Réserve (I think back then it was maybe called something different) - this was a last minute change to a vacation which should originally have been to Egypt, but had to be cancelled due to safety concerns. Once we were settled in the villa at Raffles, I could see in the distance, a few bays around the coast, a collection of small thatched buildings and what looked like a covered deck extending into the ocean - I soon realised that this was indeed where we had stayed (memorable for a couple of reasons - I stood on a sea urchin, had to go to the Praslin clinic for treatment and a very kind elderly lady in the resort lent me her walking stick to get around; also that the hotel’s [eagerly awaiting building of] a large swimming pool which had been newly completed before we arrived, couldn’t be filled because of water shortages at the time. At that point, Raffles would not have been built, I think this opened around 2010/2011.
Raffles itself is in a perfect location, I’ve only ever stayed on the (smaller than the mainland) island of Praslin; accessible from Mahé (home of the international airport) by both boat, regular scheduled flights with Air Seychelles or equally accessible right to your resort by the super-efficient Zil Air helicopter and private plane service. This trip we’re also going to be visiting Denis (Private) Island and also staying on the mainland to make it easy for an early-morning return flight at Constance Ephelia. We’ve travelled before with Zil Air (last trip we landed direct on the golf course at Constance Lemuria) and this time we were whisked away from the main airport on arrival to the Zil Air terminal, just a very short drive away, were weighed and check-in extremely promptly and after only a few minutes wait were on our way in a private helicopter direct to Raffles. A brilliant way to travel, and to arrive!
Being built on the hillsides, Raffles affords stunning views from many of the central buildings and most of the villas (Garden villas though, you will only get the ultra-green jungle landscape) and there was a very efficient buggy service to take you to/from wherever you wanted to go. Anyone with mobility issues should check how accessible individual villas are, especially the higher-level villas were a bit of a hike to get to, but as I say we used the buggy service most of the time and on calling one it could be there within minutes - very efficient. We only had a problem once when buggies didn’t arrive (twice) when we were on our way to a spa appointment, but apart from that they would usually turn up very promptly.
Accommodation
There are 86 villas in total spread across this resort - initially we were allocated villa 108 which on first look was incredible. The large pool deck and seating areas had spectacular views, and the inside of the villa was equally fabulous as well. We soon realised though that depending on which way you looked, there was also the view over a car park, maintenance yard and what looked like the electricity generators and/or sewage workings. There was also the constant noise of generators and someone welding equipment. As soon as we complained, we were told that we could move to another villa on the other ‘side’ of the resort later, but at no point was it mentioned that this villa allocation had only been temporary because of our early check-in - had this been the case, it would have been perfectly understandable to have a vastly inferior view to begin with. When later noticed that a nearby villa in that same area (and same disappointing view) had been turned into the Covid-testing clinic.
On moving later that day, the transformation was incredible and the extreme disappointment on arrival (partially) forgotten - I even asked on check-in if the villa we had been allocated had a great view, and I was assured it had. Although the villa itself was the same (lounge area, raised bedroom platform with a massive king-size bed, dressing area, spacious wardrobes and storage, desk area, huge bathroom with shower, WC, bidet, twin sinks and a deep tub with one of the best ocean views) the resort took on a very different vibe with the outlook and lack of constant drone noise from the generators.
Throughout the resort (pay more to go higher and get better views, if they matter to you) the villas (all with private pools) vary from Garden View, Partial Ocean View, Ocean View and Panoramic Ocean View with also One or Two Bedroom options which also include a larger lounge area and separate bedroom. The villa we had (laterally #280 which I would highly recommend) was superbly appointed, had an incredible amount of space with a decent sized pool (with another wow view) inside and out, was spotlessly clean from arrival and refreshed to the same exacting standards each day (though no turn-down service, but could be requested). There was everything you could ask for, a daily supply of complimentary cookies or snacks, constantly refreshed mineral water, a well-supplied minibar (chargeable) and complimentary tea/coffee, lots of pristine white fluffy towels, bathrobes and Asprey ‘Purple Water’ toiletries as well as a full range of eco-friendly amenities. Although we never used it, as well as a large indoor shower area there was also a private (screened) outdoor shower too.
Food & Drink
The choice and standard of food throughout was just exceptional - breakfast was always in the main Losean Restaurant, unless you wanted in-villa dining. Most mornings we enjoyed a late breakfast in the restaurant; there was a choice of teas, coffees and juices served to your table, with a full (served) buffet available - there were food stations for fruit, smoothies, cheeses; bakery, pastries and toast; cereals, muesli etc.; eggs and hot foods; pancakes and waffles station; and also a full Japanese/Asian selection too. Although at all food stations the food was visible, you would be served by a staff member wearing a mask and no food was self-select. One of the days we also had a floating breakfast - had never necessarily thought about this before but had seen them posted a lot on Instagram.
At lunchtimes, we would invariably just have a snack lunch poolside, or eat in the pool bar & restaurant - there was a great choice of food from snacks, starters and main courses with a full vegetarian selection. With a full breakfast after a late start some mornings, we might also just skip lunch altogether and wait for the delicious dinners.
On arriving at the main (Losean) restaurant for breakfast every morning there was a board advising what special dinner option there was apart from the routine (a la carte option) at Losean every night. This could be served in either the Sushi Room down near the beach/pool, in the Curieuse Restaurant (again adjacent to the pool) or on the beach. Options while we were there was a Bollywood Night (great choice of indian starters, salads, curries including lots of vegetarian options, a tandoor section with a proper naan clay oven, then a full selection of indian desserts); Tapas night, Crab-shack and clam night, Lobster and seafood on the beach, Sushi Night etc.
As a vegetarian, I had no problems whatsoever - normally there was a great choice of food and the menus could be adjusted accordingly, the only (slight) issue we had was on Tapas night which was meant to be served as a full menu selection, albeit most of the options were meat or seafood. It was no problem however, I was given the Losean (main) restaurant vegetarian menu and was able to select from there, and the food being brought to the other restaurant.
For drinks, there was the pool bar open throughout the day and evening and also the Danzil Bar Lounge under the main reception and adjacent to Losean. There was a great selection of cocktails and gin selections (a personal favourite) in all restaurants too. Service overall was great, just one night there seemed to be a whole series of problems in Losean (air-conditioning wasn’t working, so maybe everyone was just ‘angsty’) and so many tables were complaining. Our only complaint that night was getting spaghetti carbonara when in fact I’d ordered a vegetarian pasta from the vegetarian menu, and the ridiculous length of time it took to have each course served. This was not representative or breakfast every morning, nor dinner on other nights.
Facilities & Service
There was a great choice of things to do - as much as you wanted to do, or just sit back and chill. Good choice of treatments at the spa (and exceptional location) as well as the gym which you could book in advance, and this had the most amazing view. The day was split into a morning and afternoon sessions; Category 1 and 2 country residents would alternate on each day. Each villa had its own pool on the outside deck, most with incredible views, but there was also a dual-level (massive) pool down at the beach. You could borrow bikes from adjacent to the main pool and although much of the resort was very hilly (where all the villas were located, and best accessed by the plentiful supply of hotel buggies to and from the restaurants, pool etc.) there were still paths around the resort that were good for cycling, as well as investigating the nearby areas once you were out of the quarantine period.
The beach was well serviced with loungers and canopies, and also had a big selection of watersport options like paddle boarding, snorkelling and kayaking; all dependent on sea conditions. If you play chess there is a large-scale outdoor chess board and Petanque court. I’m also writing a separate blog post on what it’s like spending a quarantine week here (heads up, it was no imposition) and this has lots more details of things you can in the resort.
Service throughout the resort was incredible - everyone was very friendly from reception to the buggy staff (with the hilly location, buggies were used a lot); all restaurant staff so helpful and particularly too in the Spa. The villa was serviced to perfection each morning, everywhere in the hotel was exceptionally clean and felt particularly safe Covid-wise (gym too which I went to a few times - perfectly sanitized after each use, with the most amazing ocean views). As nice as it was to have the private space of the villa, the pool restaurant, bar and pool lounger service was excellent during the day too - toilets there were maintained to an incredibly high standard of cleanliness throughout the day.
ThePrivateTraveller’s top tips (any areas for improvement?):
If you’re allocating guests a temporary villa, let them know it’s temporary so they’re not hugely let down by being allocated what they surmise is a very inferior choice.
May sound minor, but trying to sign checks and add gratuities on a woven folio is problematic.
Not necessarily specific to this resort or hotel, but some do seem to handle the issue much better - many of the prime sunloungers (double bed style) at both the main pool and beach would be reserved from early morning with a bag, book, shoes etc. and then be left unattended for hours on end. It was a large resort but not 100% full when we were there and with each villa having their own pool deck, this ‘lounger-bagging’ seemed a bit unnecessary.
ThePrivateTraveller’s absolute highlights:
Food - great selection and choices, especially for a vegetarian, excellent standard. Only had one issue when we went to the Tapas night and there was nothing for a vegetarian (some resorts always try to establish this from the off, or pre-arrival) - no problem though, I was able to order from an extensive dedicated vegetarian menu from the main restaurant.
Spa - decent choice of treatments (albeit quite limited with Covid restrictions) in a stunning location. Personal choice was an ocean-view spa suite (not air-conditioned, but open on three sides for natural cooling). You can read the detailed spa review here from my alter-ego This Man’s Journal. As well as a great deep-tissue massage, we also went back for a reflexology foot massage which was excellent too. The location of the spa rooms were exceptional as was the service.
Views - we did have some mixed weather, which was to be expected for December, but the views from the (second) villa were amazing and having the private pool there too was just exceptional.
Useful website links:
Hotels
Raffles Hotels https://www.raffles.com
Raffles Seychelles https://www.raffles.com/seychelles/
Le Domaine de la Réserve https://domainedelareserve.sc
Constance Hotels https://www.constancehotels.com/en/
Constance Lemuria Seychelles (Praslin) https://www.constancehotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/seychelles/lemuria/
Constance Ephelia (Mahé) https://www.constancehotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/seychelles/ephelia/
Leading Hotels of the World https://www.lhw.com
Denis Private Island http://denisisland.com
Travel
Zil Air https://zilair.com
British Airways Book Flights, Holidays, City Breaks & Check In Online
Air Seychelles https://www.airseychelles.com
Other
Seychelles Tourism Board https://www.seychellestourismboard.travel
The Private Traveller’s Seychelles travel itinerary https://theprivatetraveller.com/blog/travel-itinerary-seychelles
Asprey London | Since 1781 https://www.asprey.com/uk/purple-water.html
Raffles Seychelles Spa https://www.raffles.com/seychelles/spa/
This Man’s Journal Spa Review https://theprivatetraveller.com/journal/spa-review/raffles-seychelles
Final Thoughts on Raffles Seychelles
Our stay at Raffles Seychelles was a perfect blend of barefoot luxury and thoughtful service, all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most beautiful island landscapes. Despite the Covid-era travel complexities at the time, Raffles managed to offer a sense of normality and comfort — without compromising on safety, space, or serenity.
From the spacious private villas and warm hospitality to the turquoise waters of Anse Takamaka, it’s easy to see why this resort remains a top choice for those seeking tranquillity and refinement in the Indian Ocean.
If you're considering your own escape to the Seychelles, I’d be delighted to help you book with exclusive VIP perks — including upgrades, daily breakfast, resort credit and more — through The Private Traveller and my affiliation with Fora Travel.
📩 Start planning your trip today — submit your travel request or email me directly at dave.gillan@fora.travel.
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