RAFFLES OPENS FIRST RESORT IN THE INDIAN OCEAN: RAFFLES PRASLIN SEYCHELLES

PRESS RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Delord
Email: jennifer.delord@raffles.com

RAFFLES OPENS FIRST RESORT IN THE INDIAN OCEAN: RAFFLES PRASLIN SEYCHELLES (PRESS RELEASE)

(Seychelles, February 11th, 2011) — Raffles Praslin Seychelles has opened on the island of Praslin in the Seychelles archipelago (a 15 min helicopter flight from main island Mahe).

Praslin is famous for its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. It is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallee de Mai, which houses the endemic Coco de Mer palms and prehistoric flora making it an environment like none other.

The luxurious Raffles Praslin Seychelles resort features 86 villas including one- and two-bedroom villa suite options with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. All villas are accompanied by private plunge pools and equipped with luxury amenities including complimentary WiFi internet access, 43-inch plasma television with DVD player, and Nespresso coffee machines.

Raffles Butlers, adept in various languages from Arabic to French and Russian, offer assistance around-the-clock, ensuring the delivery of Raffles’ hallmark style of attentive and heartfelt service. Guests are privy to a stunning white sand beach, spanning 500 metres, overlooking the crystalline waters of the Curieuse National Marine Park.
The stunning Raffles Spa, inspired by the evolution of the pearl, , embraces the wellness philosophy of transformation where the spa experience take guests on a journey that is enriching, renewing and rejuvenating.

There are 13 treatment pavilions, six open-air, which are set among natural rock formations above the water and close to the ocean. Two luxurious spa suites feature steam showers, Japanese soaking tubs, and observation decks where residents may enjoy stunning vistas in privacy. Additional spa facilities include steam room, sauna and a Spa Garden with a Pavilion for Yoga and Pilates.

Children in three age groups (0–4 years, 5–12 years & 13–18 years) are catered for by the Sugar Palm Kids Club. The club offers an age appropriate and ever-changing range of activities from arts and crafts to nature walks and meeting Timmy & Tammy the resident giant tortoises. Children receive their own welcome gifts along with their personal welcome passport.

There are a variety of gastronomy outlets from restaurants, bars and countless outdoor private dining options. For example, Curieuse Restaurant offers an extensive range of fresh seafood and grilled prime cuts, the chic Rooftop lounge Takamaka Terrace offers signature cocktails and shisha pipes under the stars and couples can choose to eat alone on a secluded beach under the stars or on board a private yacht. Personalised in-villa dining experiences will delight families and couples alike.

When it comes to leisure activities, select from a range of non-motorised water sports, diving, snorkelling, golf nearby or island-hopping excursions.

Exclusive wedding packages and indulgent romantic experiences are also available for couples who wish to celebrate a wedding, honeymoon or anniversary in one of the most romantic places on earth.

Raffles Praslin Seychelles marks Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ debut in the Indian Ocean. The group recently opened Raffles Paris — Le Royal Monceau in October 2010, and is slated to enjoy further growth with a new resort in the Maldives and Sanya, China over the course of the next twelve months.

Reservations: Tel +248 296 780
Email: bookus.praslin@raffles.com
www.raffles.com/praslin

ABOUT RAFFLES HOTELS & RESORTS

Raffles Hotels & Resorts epitomises enchanting experiences, embodying global sophistication and residential charm, imbued with heartfelt service «like a gentle breeze». At Raffles, guests arrive as residents, leave as friends and return as family.

Raffles’ relentless pursuit of service excellence has earned its hotels and resorts a legion of international accolades such as Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards.

Its flagship Raffles Hotel Singapore was voted Best Hotel in Asia for four consecutive years by readers of Ultratravel magazine by The Daily Telegraph while Raffles Beijing Hotel received top score among all hotels in Beijing in Conde Nast 2011 Gold List.

In addition, Raffles Hotels & Resorts is consistently ranked among the world’s top hotel brands in the annual Conde Nast Traveler Business Travel Awards.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is owned by FRHI Holdings Ltd, a leading global hotel company with 98 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissotel brands.

The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information, please visit www.raffles.com