Hotel Indian Ocean Lodge

On the west coast of Praslin, in Grand Anse, directly on the seashore. For the transfer from the airport located 2 miles away, expect 5 minutes.

The proprietor of the hotel organises some excursions to the nearby Cousin, Aride and Curieuse islands, or Praslin's feral coves. A free shuttle takes guests to the gorgeous beach of Côte d'Or, on the other side of the island which is less concerned about the problem of algae which congest the hotel's beach from May to October. Departure is at 10 am and return at 4:15 pm.

Built in 1976 and renovated in 2005, the Indian Ocean Lodge consists of 32 rooms divided into 8 bungalows of 4 rooms each, amongst tamakas, in front of the sea. In the middle a large wooden pavilion with a palm frond roof, contains the reception, a parlour, the restaurant and the bar. In the extension, a 430 ft² swimming pool with kid's pool, surrounded by a wooden floor and teak furniture. This place, sheltered under coconut trees has a magnificent panorama of the sea, and is the most pleasant in the hotel. However, it has no sports equipment.

Identically designed, the rooms are spacious (485 ft²) full of charm with their flowery fabrics, their furniture from massive wood and their large canopy bed equipped with mosquitoe nets. They have air-conditioning and a ceiling fan. All have direct telephone line, television, safe, unstocked fridge, a tea and coffee facility, a small terrace (or balcony on the upper floors) facing the garden and the sea, but offering less privacy as it is shared with the neighbouring guest. The bathrooms are not big but have a shower surprisingly furnished for two with their two separate pommels. There is also a hairdryer.

Located in the main pavilion, the restaurant is decorated with local materials but remains gorgeous with its large windows and shutters opening to the outside. During the day, it is better to sit on the shaded tables surrounding the swimming pool and beach. In Creole style, the menu consists of salads and snacks for lunch and a quite diversified buffet of international and local dishes. A Creole buffet with orchestra is offered on Saturday night, and barbecue every Wednesday.

You will not find any other hotel that close. From wherever you are in the hotel, the beach of Grand' Anse is always in the background. Surrounded by coconut trees and magnificent takamakas, filled with white sand and clear water, it is fitted with some wooden deckchairs furnished with pads, small wooden shelves, rocking armchair and parasols. Access is through a small steep staircase. From May to October, North-West trade winds however bring algae to the shore. Excursions are also organised to the nearby Cousin, Aride and Curieuse islands directly from the hotel.