Constance Lemuria Praslin Island: What Most People Get Wrong

Constance Lemuria Praslin Island: What Most People Get Wrong

You’ve probably seen the photos. Those impossibly white beaches, the granite boulders that look like they were hand-placed by a set designer, and the kind of turquoise water that makes your eyes hurt. Most people look at Constance Lemuria Praslin Island and see just another high-end resort in the Seychelles. They think it’s just about expensive cocktails and infinity pools.

Honestly? They’re missing the point.

This isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a 101-hectare chunk of land that feels more like a private nature reserve that happens to have a 5-star hotel attached to it. If you’re planning a trip, or even just dreaming about one, there are a few things about this place that nobody really tells you until you’re standing there with sand between your toes.

The Anse Georgette Factor

Let’s talk about the beach. Not just any beach. Anse Georgette.

Most "resort beaches" are manicured, crowded, and a bit soul-less. Anse Georgette is different. Because it’s tucked away at the edge of the Constance Lemuria property, it’s basically gated off from the rest of the island. Yes, it’s technically public—all beaches in the Seychelles are—but you have to hike through the resort’s golf course to get there, or arrive by boat.

The resort limits outside visitors to about 30 people a day. That means if you’re staying at the hotel, you’ve basically got one of the world's most beautiful beaches as your private backyard.

Kinda wild, right?

There are no buildings on the beach. No bars. No loud music. Just you, the Takamaka trees, and water so clear you can see your own shadow on the seabed. But here’s the kicker: the waves can be brutal. During the monsoon seasons, especially the northwest monsoon, the swell at Anse Georgette isn't for the faint of heart. It’s gorgeous to look at, but if you’re not a strong swimmer, stick to the shoreline.

Why Constance Lemuria Praslin Island is a Golfing Weirdo

Usually, "island golf" is a marketing gimmick. A couple of flat holes near the water and that’s it.

Constance Lemuria is the only place in the Seychelles with an 18-hole championship course. And it’s weird. In a good way.

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The first 12 holes are what you’d expect: flat, palm-fringed, and relatively chill. Then you hit the 13th hole and the world tilts. The course starts climbing into the hills. By the time you get to the 15th hole—the signature par-3—you’re standing on a rocky ridge looking down at a 150-foot drop to the green below.

It’s terrifying.

If you slice your ball here, it’s gone into the jungle. Forget trying to find it. Just enjoy the view of Anse Georgette from the tee box. Even if you don’t play golf, grab a buggy and head up there for sunset. Most guests don't realize you can just go up there to look at the view. It’s probably the best vantage point on the entire island of Praslin.

The Turtle Man is the Real VIP

Forget the general manager or the head chef. The most important person at the resort is Robert Matombe.

They call him the "Turtle Man."

Since the resort sits on Grand Anse Kerlan—a major nesting site for Hawksbill turtles—the hotel has to play by nature’s rules. Between October and February, these massive, ancient creatures crawl up onto the beach to lay their eggs.

Robert manages the conservation program. He’s been doing it for decades.

  • He patrols the beaches every morning.
  • He marks the nests to keep people from stepping on them.
  • He helps the tiny hatchlings find their way to the ocean when the lights of the resort confuse them.

If you’re lucky enough to be there during a hatching, it’s a life-changing experience. The resort actually dims the lights and pulls back the beach furniture to make sure the turtles feel safe. It’s one of the few places where "eco-luxury" isn't just a buzzword on a brochure. They actually walk the walk.

Eating Your Way Through the Rocks

Dining at a resort this size can sometimes feel a bit "buffet-heavy." You know the vibe: endless trays of lukewarm pasta and fruit salad.

Lemuria avoids this by leaning into the geography.

The Nest is the restaurant everyone talks about, and for good reason. It’s perched on a rocky peninsula between two beaches. You’re literally dining on top of granite boulders with the spray of the Indian Ocean hitting the rocks below.

Get the Creole-style seafood. It’s caught locally, usually that morning. And don’t skip the coconut sherbet. Seriously. It’s their signature for a reason.

If you want something a bit more "city" (which is a weird thing to want in the Seychelles, but hey), Diva is the spot. It’s near the golf course and has a massive wine cellar—over 20,000 bottles. It feels very sophisticated and "urban chic," which is a fun contrast to the barefoot-and-salty-hair vibe of the rest of the resort.

A Few Brutally Honest Tips

  1. Transport is a thing: The resort is huge. Like, really huge. You’ll be calling for golf buggies to get from your suite to dinner. If you like walking, great. If not, be prepared to wait 5-10 minutes for a ride during peak times.
  2. The Price Tag: Look, it’s expensive. A bottle of water or a basic lunch will cost you way more than it would at a local guesthouse in Grand Anse. You’re paying for the exclusivity and the service.
  3. The Bicycles: They have free bikes. Use them. It’s the fastest way to get around and honestly the most fun.
  4. The Kids Club: Surprisingly, this is a great place for families. Most 5-star spots in the Seychelles feel a bit "adults-only," but Lemuria has a solid kids' program that actually teaches them about the island's ecology.

What Most People Miss

The "hidden" gem of Constance Lemuria Praslin Island isn't actually on the resort map. It’s the trail to Anse Lazio.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a path that leads from Anse Georgette over the hills to Anse Lazio. It takes about an hour and a half. It’s sweaty. It’s steep in parts. But you get to see the interior of the island—the real, rugged Praslin—before popping out at another world-famous beach for a cold drink.

Just make sure you tell the concierge before you go. The trail isn't always perfectly marked, and you don't want to be that tourist who gets lost in the jungle after three mojitos.

Is It Actually Worth It?

People always ask if these big-name resorts are worth the hype.

If you just want a bed and a beach, go somewhere cheaper. There are plenty of lovely spots on Praslin for a third of the price.

But if you want to wake up to the sound of fruit bats chirping in the palms, play golf on a cliffside, and maybe watch a baby turtle start its life journey on a beach that looks like a screensaver? Then yeah, it’s worth it.

The service can be a bit slow sometimes—it’s "island time," after all—but the sheer scale of the nature here is something you can't find at smaller boutique hotels.

Your Next Steps for a Lemuria Trip

  • Check the season: If you want to see turtles, book between November and January. If you want the calmest water for snorkeling, April and October are your best bets.
  • Book Anse Georgette early: Even as a guest, let them know which day you want to spend there so they can prep a picnic or a buggy transfer.
  • Pack for the hike: Bring actual shoes, not just flip-flops, if you plan on doing the 15th-hole viewpoint or the trail to Anse Lazio.
  • Talk to the staff: Ask about the "Turtle Man" patrols. Engaging with the conservation side of the resort makes the stay feel a lot more meaningful than just sitting by the pool.