Praslin, La Digue and North Island in ten nights
Three islands, three speeds: a hillside pool villa on Praslin near the Vallée de Mai, bicycles and granite boulders on La Digue, and four nights on North Island, reached by helicopter from Mahé.
Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie
A former coconut plantation on La Digue with hillside villas, a spa on the granite above Anse Sévère and the island's beaches a bike ride away.
Why we love it
La Digue is the Seychelles island people remember: granite boulders, quiet lanes and a pace set by bicycles. L'Orangeraie grew out of an old coconut plantation on the north-west coast, and it is the most comfortable base on the island without paying private-island prices.
The villas sit on the hillside, built from local materials, and the Eden Rock Spa sits high on the granite with a view across the water to Praslin. Two restaurants, Santosha and Combava, and three bars keep evenings easy, and you can be out on a bike to the island's beaches straight after breakfast.
It is a resort on a lived-in island, not a secluded one. You arrive by ferry rather than seaplane, there is no kids club, and the entry rooms are garden rooms rather than villas. For a two-centre trip with Praslin or Mahé, it is excellent value.
Rooms and villas
Garden Room
A 60 square metre room in the gardens with a balcony or terrace, simple and calm, and the best value on the property.
Villa de Charme
A 70 square metre villa on the hillside, built from local materials, with a balcony and an outdoor bathroom and bath tub. Connecting villas can be requested.
Garden Suite Residence
A 100 square metre suite designed for families, with a bedroom and a large sitting room that converts for extra guests.
Villa de Charme Élégance Supérieure
A 100 square metre villa set for privacy, with a private plunge pool and a calm, Zen-inspired design, for two adults.
Presidential Villa
A 485 square metre villa with a panoramic view, a private infinity pool, a Jacuzzi and a personal butler.
Dining
Santosha Restaurant serves breakfast and a dinner buffet, and Combava is the à la carte restaurant for lunch and dinner. The Alambic Bar opposite the lobby, the Pool Bar and the Beach Bar cover the rest of the day, and the kitchens use organic ingredients where they can.
Wellness
The Eden Rock Spa sits on the heights of Anse Sévère among granite boulders, looking across to Praslin. Treatments draw on Asian traditions, and out-of-hours appointments can be booked a day ahead.
Children and families
Families are welcome, and the Garden Suite Residences are designed with them in mind. The official site does not list a kids club, so this suits families with children happy to cycle, swim and explore together.
The facts
| Transfer | Cat Cocos ferry to La Digue |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | Santosha and Combava |
| Bars | Alambic Bar, Pool Bar and Beach Bar |
| Spa | Eden Rock Spa |
| Room types | Five, from Garden Rooms to a Presidential Villa |
Where it is
Anse Sévère, La Digue, Seychelles
Nearby
A few of the things we plan for guests in Seychelles.
Coco de mer in the Vallée de Mai
The Vallée de Mai on Praslin is a UNESCO-listed palm forest and the home of the coco de mer, whose seed is the largest in the plant kingdom. Paths wind under huge fan-shaped leaves, and it is one of the few places to see the rare Seychelles black parrot. Go at opening time, when the birds are most active.
Cycling La Digue to Anse Source d'Argent
La Digue has few cars; most people get around by bicycle. Ride through the L'Union estate, past the old plantation house and vanilla, to Anse Source d'Argent, with its sculpted granite boulders and shallow water. Time it for low tide in the early morning. On the east side, Grand Anse is wilder but not for swimming when the surf is up.
Giant tortoises and mangroves on Curieuse
Curieuse is a protected island a short boat ride from Praslin. A boardwalk runs through the mangroves to Baie Laraie, where Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely around the ranger station. Most trips add snorkelling off neighbouring St Pierre, a tiny granite islet.
Journeys with Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie
Ask about Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability, suggest the right room and send a price.