About La Reserve
Situated on the north-eastern side of Praslin, Le Domaine de La Réserve is right on the beach in the calm ...
... bay of Anse Petite Cour. It’s a four-star property with Seychellois owners and, refreshingly, is not part of a big chain. While in a cove that feels very private, the hotel is a relatively short walk across the headland to the buzzier Anse Volbert beach, which has a handful of restaurants.
We consider that La Réserve is at the upper end of the four-star scale. It is smart and professionally run and the rooms, especially the 'deluxe' rooms, are of a high standard. The resort is in a lovely, quiet, private setting and on various visits here we've found the staff to be very friendly and efficient, and the food some of the best we eaten on Praslin.
Our view
We consider that La Réserve is at the upper end of the four-star scale. It is smart and professionally run and the rooms, especially the 'deluxe' rooms, are of a high standard. The resort is in a lovely, quiet, private setting and on various visits here we've found the staff to be very friendly and efficient, and the food some of the best we eaten on Praslin.
Seychelles expert
Accommodation
40 Rooms
Children
Fine for all ages.
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Traveller reviews of La Reserve
5 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryLa Reserve: Our full report
Situated on the north-eastern side of Praslin, Le Domaine de La Réserve is right on the beach in the calm ...
... bay of Anse Petite Cour. It’s a four-star property with Seychellois owners and, refreshingly, is not part of a big chain. While in a cove that feels very private, the hotel is a relatively short walk across the headland to the buzzier Anse Volbert beach, which has a handful of restaurants.
Set in tropical gardens facing the sea, the 40 rooms at La Réserve are attractively arranged in groups of four, with three distinct styles. The ‘deluxe’ rooms are double-storey whereas the 'superior' rooms and family suites are on one level. When we last visited the resort, in July 2015, we considered them to be of a very high standard.
- The 32 'deluxe' rooms (68m2) are modern and luxurious. Each has its own balcony, kitted out with cushioned sunbeds, table, chairs and a useful clothes horse, and with lovely views over the bay. The bedrooms are spacious, with dark wooden furniture that includes a comfortable king-size bed, a chaise-longue, a writing desk and bedside tables, offset by floors tiled in pale beige stone. Whitewashed walls add to the rather modern feel, and colourful local artwork brightens the look. Each room has air conditioning and a ceiling fan as well as a tea and coffee station, a minibar and satellite television.
Semi open-plan bathrooms are decked with modern white suites. Twin sinks rest on granite surfaces and a large bathtub is flanked by a wet-room and separate WC – each with one glass wall. There is a huge wooden wardrobe with plenty of hanging and shelf space, an electronic safe and a hairdryer. The full complement of toiletries is provided including shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, body lotion and vanity kit. - The four 'superior' rooms (64m2) have most of the facilities of the 'deluxe' rooms, except for the bathtubs, but they have only partial sea views. The décor is different, too, a little more colourful with more of a Creole feel. The walls have exposed stonework and are panelled in wood, which has been whitewashed. These rooms also have a separate lounge area, which can make them a good option for families with a younger child who doesn't mind sleeping on a temporary bed.
- Four family suites (64m2) have the same facilities as the 'superior' rooms, but are located closest to the beach, next to the main bar and restaurant area. These rooms have timber flooring and lovely wooden furniture, whitewashed wooden panels and walls. The white and silver bedspreads add a touch of style, even if the overall feel of these rooms remains fairly traditional! A sitting area with bunk beds for up to two children can be separated from the main bedroom by a sliding screen. The relatively small en-suite bathroom with WC and a shower (no bathtub) leads off the main bedroom. Each suite has a covered terrace with deck chairs and a couple of sunloungers. We loved the bright murals – of marine life, and local plants and wildlife – painted on the separating walls of the terraces.
La Réserve has two restaurants: the L'Obrizan Restaurant, located on a jetty over the Anse Petite Cour Reef, where you’ll be served a buffet breakfast and buffet or set menu dinner, and the Pool Grill, which serves lunch à la carte. The bar here is open for drinks and snacks most of the day, and they serve complimentary tea with sandwiches and cookies by the pool every afternoon. Further dining options can be found at Anse Volbert beach, a walk of about ~1km across the headland.
In front of La Réserve is the narrow sandy beach of Anse La Cour. Although not technically private (none of the beaches in the Seychelles are), it can only be reached through the hotel or from the sea, so hotel residents have it pretty much to themselves. Sunbeds are spread out along the beach and around the absolutely huge pool, which has shallow areas that are great for children, and which we think of as one of the nicest pools on Praslin. The sheltered bay itself is calm for most of the time, and thus very good for swimming. Note that the beach disappears at high tide but there are lots of other lovely beaches a short drive away – though you'll need a car to get to these.
As with all the beaches on Praslin, at certain times of the year the current brings some seaweed onto the beach. At La Réserve the winds between November and April mean the beaches here may be affected, but they have beach cleaners who clear the seaweed each day.
Other facilities at La Réserve include a free internet service (although the connection is slow, as in much of the Seychelles), and a boutique stocking basic provisions, souvenirs and beachwear.
La Réserve runs a number of guided excursions, some complimentary. These include sunset cruises, snorkelling trips to St Pierre and Curieuse, and day trips to Vallée de Mai and La Digue. The resort is in the Curieuse Marine Park, which you can explore by borrowing kayaks or snorkelling equipment from the beach kiosk. Although there is not much in the way of coral in the bay, there are quite a few colourful fish by the rocks. (They can be seen easily from the Jetty Restaurant at night, too!).
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Families & children
- Attitude towards children
- La Reserve welcomes children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- The hotel has no age restrictions on guests.
- Special activities & services
- La Reserve can arrange babysitting at extra charge, although note that sometimes this will be done by members of staff not trained in childcare.
- Equipment
- Cots and highchairs can be provided.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend La Reserve for children. The beach is considered safe for swimming and the pool has shallow areas where children can paddle. There are also big grassy areas to play on.
- Notes
- Obvious care must be taken by parents when beside the water, both sea and pool, and on balconies.
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- Although we didn't stop for a meal at La Reserve on our most recent visit in July 2015, the food we've eaten on past visits has been some of the best that we've experienced on Praslin.
A huge buffet breakfast is served in the Jetty Restaurant. Choose from a selection of fresh fruit, cereals, bacon, eggs, hams, cheeses, pastries and toast – you name it!
Although we didn't eat lunchhere, there was a nice menu that included a selection of grilled fish and meat dishes and salads.
A buffet dinneris served four times a week, each with a different style, with a set menu on the other three evenings. During one of our stays we were treated to an Asian-style buffet: crispy-fried squid with sweet chilli sauce for starters, then hot and sour soup, then a choice of main courses including prawn-fried rice, duck with hoisin sauce, beef in black-bean sauce and vegetable chop suey. If that wasn't enough there was also a huge array of desserts – mango mousse, chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, crème caramel and banana and coconut tart. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included.
Getting there
- Location
- Praslin Island, Seychelles
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 nights or more
- Directions
- La Reserve is 20 minutes' drive from Praslin Airport.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Special interests
- Scenic walking & hiking
- La Reserve is a good base to explore the palm forests of Vallée de Mai. With towering trees, streams, waterfalls, and the coco de mer palm, Vallée de Mai is a beautiful place to explore on foot and a great place for walking on holiday in Seychelles.
- See ideas for Scenic walking & hiking in Seychelles
- Luxury safaris
- La Réserve is the perfect hideaway for those seeking a calm, relaxing retreat with a high-level of luxury and an exclusive setting due to the private beach. In the middle of the swimming pool is a restaurant, where dining on submerged bar stools is possible.
- See ideas for Luxury safaris in Seychelles
Communications
- Power supply notes
- UK -style 3-square-pin sockets are fitted throughout. International adaptors are normally available from reception, though it would be wise to bring your own, if required.
- Communications
- There is cellphone reception and IDD phones in the rooms. WiFi is available in the main areas.
- TV & radio
- There are televisions in all the rooms with a selection of satellite channels.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- All rooms have a flushing toilet and shower. The 'deluxe' rooms also have a bathtub.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The nearest hospital is at Baie St Anne, about 10 minutes' drive away. The hotel advises us that they keep a full first-aid kit on site.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The hotel is gated and there is 24-hour security.
- Fire safety
- We are told that each room is equipped with a fire alarm. We could also see fire extinguishers and fire hoses in the reception area.
Useful info
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Extra charge; the cost varies per item.
- Money
- There are electronic safe deposit boxes in the rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- La Reserve will accept Visa, MasterCard and Amex credit cards, as well as cash payments in Seychellois rupees, US dollars, euro and pounds sterling.
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La Reserve's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of La Reserve.
Other lodges in Praslin Island
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Coco de Mer Hotel
Coco de Mer Hotel is a cheerful place on the south-west coast of Praslin, which is very well run. More for families than honeymooners, it offers good value and plenty of activities.
Hotel L'Archipel
At the end of Côte d'Or, above the secluded beach of Anse Gouvernement, Hotel l'Archipel is a lovely, old-school hotel reminiscent of the island's colonial past.
When to go to Praslin Island
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit La Reserve in Praslin Island
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Seychelles in January
January is the wettest month of the year in the Seychelles: temperatures are warm, humidity levels high, and short, tropical downpours are common. Cyclone activity elsewhere in the Indian Ocean often results in heavy cloud cover too.
Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant.
Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.
For wildlife spectacles, January has definite highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.
- The wettest time of year to travel, with high humidity levels.
- Rain comes in short tropical downpours, after which the sun comes out.
- Prices over the Christmas and New Year period rise significantly.
- Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.
- Migratory birds on shore from Alaska and Siberia.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Seychelles in February
Like January, February is one of the archipelago’s wettest months. Afternoon downpours are to be expected, humidity levels can be extremely high and cloudy skies the norm.
Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.
For wildlife spectacles, February does have highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.
- Warm weather all year round.
- One of the wettest months, expect clear mornings and wet afternoons.
- Good time of year for birding, with migratory birds in residence.
- Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Seychelles in March
The heavy rains of the first few months start to die down by March, and the temperature begins to rise. Most days will be clear, with clouds sometimes gathering to a short thunderstorm in the late afternoon.
The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island.
It is possible to dive throughout the year in the Seychelles, however waters are calmest from March to November, making this a great time of year for underwater adventures.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia arrive, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore, while from March-November, a staggeringly large colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost across the island.
- Warm weather all year round.
- Rains ease off and temperatures begin to rise
- Great for diving, with warm water, good visibility, and calm seas.
- The Hawksbill turtles generally hatch around now.
- Great time of year for birding, migratory species are still around.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Seychelles in April
April is the calmest, warmest month of the year, making it one of the best months to visit the Seychelles. The wind drops, the temperature is delightfully warm and the seas are calm, offering great diving and brilliant visibility.
The birding is great, particularly on Bird Island, when migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are resident and displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. An enormous, chattering colony of Sooty Terns roost on the island from March-November.
In late April, the capital city, Victoria, comes alive for the colourful parades of the Carnaval International de Victoria, with street performances, costume parades and parties.
- One of the warmest and most pleasant months of the year.
- Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Windless periods make for lovely swimming and gentle boat excursions.
- Good value rates, outside the Easter school holidays.
- Good time of year for birding.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
Seychelles in May
May is the start of a relatively dry period and one of the best months to visit. There is little rain with plenty of warm beach days under clear blue skies.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches await elsewhere.
Birding is good, particularly on Bird Island, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing up until the end of the month, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost from March-November.
- Warm, dry weather.
- Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Calm and windless periods, make for lovely swimming & boat excursions.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Seychelles in June
June marks the change of seasons but there’s little rain at this time and lovely long, hot, clear days. Coming before the start of the European Summer holiday season, June is often a quieter time to visit, and in some cases reduced rates can also be found.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though pristine beaches await elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.
- Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
- Accommodation prices slightly lower than high season.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Seychelles in July
July is a time to bask in lovely warm days, with little chance of rain.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic, powder-sand beaches await elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.
- Warm, clear days & little rain. Sea temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Seychelles in August
Similar to June and July, August is both dry and lovely, with hot, clear days, comfortable temperatures and little chance of rain.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.
- Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Seychelles in September
September is generally a time of warm and clear days, with a little rain possible towards the end of the month, and rising humidity.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.
- Warm, clear days with a chance of rain towards to the end of the month
- A good time of for diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- It’s generally quieter and prices are slightly lower than high season.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
Seychelles in October
October is warm with calm conditions and rain increasing towards the end of the month.
During this calm season (October and November), whales migrate past the islands and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
The warm, north-west trade winds bring good underwater visibility for diving but do also tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and can make for waves and strong currents on Mahé’s north-west coast. Picture-postcard beaches abound in other areas.
For some island culture, the Festival Kreol takes places on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue in late October, with colourful celebrations of Creole heritage.
- Warm weather with rain towards the end of the month.
- A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
- Calm, windless periods are great for swimming and boat excursions.
- Hawsbill turtles are nesting and migratory whales are often spotted.
- A quiet and peaceful time with fewer visitors.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Seychelles in November
By November, the winds start to change, bringing light, warm breezes and the start of the main rainy season. Temperatures remain warm and pleasant.
The calm north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s eastern coast (Côte d’Or beaches) with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast (Beau Vallon). But elsewhere picture-perfect beaches abound and overall, the gentle winds make this a good time for water-based activities: diving, boat trips and swimming. The Seychelles Ocean Festival, celebrating marine diversity and highlighting reef protection, is held annually at this time.
Whales migrate past the islands throughout November and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
- Warm days & little wind but the start of the main rainy season.
- A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
- Ccalm, windless periods, great for swimming and boat excursions.
- Fewer visitors and lower accommodation costs.
- Good opportunities to see nesting turtles and migratory whales.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Seychelles in December
December is one of the hottest and wettest months. During this Northwest Monsoon season, short tropical downpours are the norm after which the sun does generally come out again. The rain turning the islands staggeringly lush and green.
The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season is in full swing, and by mid-December some hatchlings begin to emerge. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast, but there are plenty of other beautiful beaches.
Christmas is a huge celebration on the islands, for locals and hotels, and also within the southern hemisphere ‘Summer holidays’ making this an extremely busy and expensive time to visit, however, festivities are often fabulous.
- December is hot and wet, with regular tropical downpours.
- Vegetation is beautifully lush and green.
- Migratory birds arrive from Europe.
- Christmas and New Year are extremely busy times to visit.
- Hawksbill turtles are nesting and hatching.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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