Acajou Hotel: Our full report

Please note: Acajou is closed for renovations from 1st November 2013 to 1st November 2014. Please ask us for the latest information.

Acajou Hotel is located alongside Praslin's stunning Anse Volbert beach (often known as Cote d'Or) on the north-east coast of Praslin Island. Acajou is French for mahogany and it is this wood (which was sourced from sustainable forests) that is the dominating feature of the hotel's log-cabin style accommodation. Acajou has 32 rooms (24 'standard', 4 'deluxe' and 4 'superior'), spread out in a well-kept tropical garden with hibiscus, frangipani, takamaka and casuarina trees, and only a few steps from one of the most beautiful beaches on Praslin Island. The rooms are located in two two-storey blocks, with our favourite 'deluxe' rooms nearest to the sea.

All the rooms at Acajou have air conditioning, safes, hairdryer, double beds, wooden bedside tables, lamps, a dressing table and a large in-built wardrobe of mahogany. The 'standard' rooms are built in two double-storey blocks, and each has its own small balcony looking over the gardens to the sea in the distance. Wooden stairs to the rear of the buildings lead up to the first-floor rooms. Inside, the rooms are spacious (approximately 29m²) if rather dark, with grey-tiled floors and wooden walls and ceilings throughout, continuing the log-cabin feel; cheerful touches come from Creole artwork and yellow-and-green curtains and bedspreads. Each room also has a TV and mini-fridge. The simple en-suite bathrooms have white suites – a single pedestal sink, loo and bath with shower and shower curtain. They are a little dated, but we understand they will be refitted during 2011.

Acajou's 'superior' rooms are – at 35m² – larger than the 'standard' rooms and slightly closer to the beach, but otherwise very similar. They also offer a few extras including bathrobes, flat-screen TVs and tea- and coffee-making stations.

Closest to Anse Volbert beach are the 'deluxe' rooms, larger still (45 m²) and with balconies that look right onto the ocean and the nearby islands. Equally spacious en-suite bathrooms have baths and separate shower enclosures. Rates for a 'deluxe' room at Acajou include a day of bicycle hire and 20% discount on a massage.

Facilities at the Acajou Hotel include an attractive pool with sunloungers set in tropical gardens, a small gym, massage room, boutique and computers to use the internet Breakfast and dinner are served in the main restaurant, and there is a beach bar and restaurant for light lunches. There is also a casino within walking distance.

Our view

This is a friendly and well-run hotel, ideally located for a relaxing beach holiday. The beach immediately beside the hotel is usually dotted with a few people, but is seldom busy by European standards. Several eateries are within easy reach and even Praslin's best restaurant, the Cafe des Arts, is only 20 minutes' walk away.

Geographics

Location: Praslin Island, Seychelles

Ideal length of stay: 3 nights or more

Directions: Acajou Hotel is situated about 25 minutes' drive from Praslin Airport and about 10 minutes' drive from the jetty.

Key personnel

Owner: Locally owned

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: There are two restaurants at the Acajou. The main restaurant serves a buffet-style breakfast and is the venue for dinner: either a la carte or – three times a week – an international or Creole-style buffet. At lunchtime, the beach bar and restaurant offers a menu that includes dishes such as tuna salad, octopus salad, spaghetti bolognese, grilled fish and chicken curry.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Special interests

Beach holidays: You won't have any problems finding your own spot on Anse Volbert, a lovely long stretch of white sand which incorporates the Cote d'Or beach – and the Acajou Hotel. The sea is a beautiful turquoise and the bay is quite sheltered so the swimming is safe and there are very few rocks and stones underfoot.

See more ideas for Beach holidays in Seychelles

Children

Attitude towards children: Acajou Hotel is family friendly.

Generally recommended for children: This property is a relaxed option, popular with couples and families alike.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: Internet facilities are available. There are telephones in the rooms and there is also mobile reception.

TV & radio: There is a television with satellite channels in each room.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The majority of the staff here are first-aid trained. The nearest medical centre is in Baie St Anne about 10 minutes' drive away.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: There are guards on-site 24 hours a day.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in the rooms.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge

Money: There are electronic safe deposit boxes in all the rooms.