Coco de Mer Hotel: Our full report

Stretching along an extensive 1.8km of coastline at Anse Bois de Rose, in the quiet southwest, you will find the family-friendly Coco de Mer Hotel and its affiliated sibling, Black Parrot Suites.

The resort is perched on the hillside, not far up from the beach and sea and most of the rooms offer sea-views. Of the 40 en-suite rooms at Coco de Mer, 18 are 'Superior' rooms, right on the beach terrace, whilst 22 are 'Standard' rooms, set slightly back on the hillside. Despite the names, inside all are basically the same and offer refreshing, bright, modern interiors with maple furniture and sea-blue fabrics.

The rooms are built in blocks and therefore not particularly private. On entering, you will find that some, though not all, of the rooms are quite long and thin, with the only natural light coming from the French doors at the far side. This can give these rooms a slight corridor-like feel. These doors open out onto a small patio and lovely views to the sea. Each patio has its own table and chairs.

In the main living and sleeping area, there are large fitted wardrobes and cupboards, bedside tables, a dresser with television, beds and sofas which can be converted into beds. In the corner of the bedroom, rather unusually, you will find a corner bath with mirror surround, framed by two huge plant pots complete with up-lighters. All the rooms are air-conditioned.

The bathroom is tastefully decked out with neutral tiles and modern fittings, and offers double sinks, loo and walk-in shower and of course the ubiquitous bidet, found in virtually every bathroom in the Seychelles!

There's a raft of activities available including mini-golf, tennis, table tennis and giant chess, and it is possible to rent bicycles and snorkelling gear. There is a small gym and a free guided nature trail available which takes about 2 hours to complete. A selection of board games is available to borrow from reception.

There are hammocks and sunbeds scattered in the palm-shaded gardens and around the free-form swimming pool and there is a separate pool for toddlers. If you fancy a change to the resort's own beach, which is only a minute's walk away, a free bus service operates to Anse Lazio from Monday to Friday departing at 9am and returning at 3pm. The “Turtle Boutique" is stocked with souvenirs and gifts and well as essential toiletries and suncream.

Coco de Mer offers two restaurants which have a definite Creole vibe, largely courtesy of the extremely helpful staff. Next to the pool, there is a small bar/restaurant which offers a child-friendly a la Carte menu: for example burgers and chips, spaghetti bolognese, carbonara and toasted sandwiches are offered. In the evening, those staying on half board basis (which is recommended), eat buffet-style in the Hibiscus Restaurant.

Our view

Coco de Mer is a cheerful place which is exceedingly well run. Unusually, it appeals just as well to families as it does for honeymooners, as it offers really exceptional value (by Seychelles standards) with very good food and a wide choice of plenty of activities.

Geographics

Location: Praslin Island, Seychelles

Ideal length of stay: 3 nights or more

Directions: Coco de Mer is 5 minutes by car from the jetty if you are arriving by boat, and about 15 minutes from the airport.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Special interests

Beach holidays: Coco de Mer Hotel is just a few moments walk from the sandy beach at Anse Bois de Rose on the south-west coast. The hotel also offers a free transfer to Anse Lazio from Monday to Friday, departing at 09.00 and returning at 15.00.

See more ideas for Beach holidays in Seychelles

Children

Attitude towards children: Coco de Mer Hotel is a very family-friendly resort.

Equipment: Cots and highchairs can be provided.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: In room telephones are provided. There is mobile reception and WiFi in the main lodge.

TV & radio: Each room has its own television.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The nearest hospital is in Baie St Anne 5 minutes' drive away.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: There is 24 hour security at Coco de Mer.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all of the rooms.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge

Money: There are electronic safes in the rooms.