Hotel New Emerald Cove

On the east coast of Praslin in Anse La Farine, accessible only by sea. It takes 30 minutes including 10 minutes by boat, to reach the hotel from the airport, located about 6 miles from the landing dock of Sainte Anne bay.

Isolated on its private island that can be reached only through a short boat ride, the New Emerald Cove gives a healthy feeling of isolation. Indeed the absence of an access road ensures quiet and valuable privacy. A free boat shuttles from the wharf of Sainte Anne Bay 10 times a day from 7:30 am to 11 pm. On arrival, you are warmly received and handed a refreshing towel and delicious coconut milk served directly in a coconut. Two giant turtles - running free - stroll around the estate: you can to trace them! Incidentally, from November to December, you might be lucky to see sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach. The hotel offers a one-hour snorkelling tour with Francesca, an enthusiastic Italian guide who will teach you everything you have always wanted to know about fish and coral. Once out of water, why not take a walk, which in 1 hour and 30 minutes will take you through a woody hill filled with vanilla, cinnamon and other spices, to enjoy a magnificent panorama from its peak, before walking down to the village of Anse La Blague. The hotel also organises tours on board its 47 ft long sailing catamaran, to the nearby Curieuse, Aride, Marianne, La Digue, Petite Soeur, Grande Soeur, Coco, Saint-Pierre, Félicité, Cousin and Cousine islands, along with picnics or barbecues on the beach. Afternoon tea is also served in the bar everyday from 5 pm with tea, coffee and small cakes for those who are a bit hungry. Finally, to satisfy TV lovers (none in the rooms), two rooms are available, including a big one with a giant screen and another also used as a games room and a library.

Lodging tips

People looking for calm should go to block 800, the most isolated that guarantees greater tranquillity.
The 14 superior rooms are more suitable for families. Two times bigger and located on the beach, they enjoy a panoramic sea view but have neither terrace nor balcony. They have a double bed and a single bed. A second single bed can be set in the room on request.
The 28 standard rooms, which are cheaper, have a spacious terrace facing the sea or garden.

Ideally located between a wooded hill and a white sand beach with clear water, the New Emerald Cove comprises many bungalows in Creole traditional architecture amounting to 42 rooms spread in a huge tropical garden. Opened in 1996, the establishment was significantly renovated in 2002 and blends perfectly with the landscape, so that it is hardly noticeable from the sea. Its swimming pool, between the sea and the restaurant, is worth a visit. 2,690 ft² wide and 8 ft deep, it is one of the largest in Praslin. All around, there are two showers as well as about thirty wooden deckchairs furnished with pads and parasols. Towels are available at the front office.

The rooms are divided into two categories: 14 superior rooms measuring 540 ft² located on the first floor and 18 standard rooms of 270 ft², located on the ground floor of the bungalows, with a terrace facing either the garden or the sea. All have a safe, separate air-conditioning, a fridge stocked on request and direct telephone line. However, TV lovers will have to move to one of the halls set aside for that purpose, where they can select from 300 DVDs. The rather small bathrooms are equipped with a bathtub with shower, a bidet and non separate toilets. Many mirrors give the impression that the bathroom is larger. Hairdryer, bathrobe and guest supplies are provided. Finally note that breakfast can be served in bed at no extra cost.

Receiving mostly Italian and French guests, usually more demanding when it comes to food, the hotel's restaurant is obliged to propose quality menus, with a wide variety of Creole, Mediterranean and international specialities. The marmalades are homemade and the fruit juice is fresh and squeezed. Under a vast Creole-style wooden roof, the Hibiscus restaurant serves breakfast as a buffet, lunch à la carte, and dinner either as a buffet or à la carte. This gorgeous open wooden building also has a bar, which offers, along with traditional cocktails, an afternoon tea every afternoon around 5 pm. A soft piano-bar entertainment takes place three times a week. Indeed, the guests of the New Emerald Cove seek peace and generally go to bed at 10:30 pm.

Protected by the coral reef, the hotel's beaches have a favourable location all year round and, unlike most beaches in Praslin and Mahé, they are not covered in algae during a part of the year. The magnificient lagoon of Anse La Farine (its fine, white sand is a common feature in the place), its turquoise water and its multicoloured fish are available to you. The hotel's beach has all the equipment needed on a beach including two showers, some thirty plastic deckchairs and parasols. Those seeking tranquillity can take refuge on the small wild creek located behind the landing dock. The view on Félicité, La Digue, Ronde, Frégate and Mahé islands is magnificent.