You’ve probably seen the photos. Those massive granite boulders that look like they were placed by a giant hand, the turquoise water that seems photoshopped, and the palm trees leaning at impossible angles. It’s the Seychelles. Specifically, it’s the Constance Lemuria Resort Seychelles on Praslin Island.
Honestly, though, choosing a resort here isn't just about the "vibes." It’s about whether you want to be trapped in a gilded cage or if you actually want to experience the island. Lemuria is a bit of a weird one because it’s both. It is a sprawling, high-end 5-star deluxe property, but it also feels like a nature reserve that just happens to have 105 suites and a three-tiered pool.
The Beach Situation: Not All Sand is Created Equal
People come to Lemuria for the beaches. Most resorts have one. Lemuria has three. But here is the thing nobody tells you until you’re standing there with your flip-flops: they are all completely different.
Petite Anse Kerlan is the one you’ll likely spend the most time on. It’s tucked away, calm, and perfect for that "toes in the water, drink in hand" feeling. Then you’ve got Grand Anse Kerlan. This is where the magic (and the science) happens. Between October and February, this beach becomes a nesting ground for hawksbill and green turtles.
If you’re lucky enough to be there during hatching season, you’ll see the "Turtle Man," Robert Matombe. He’s been the resort's turtle manager for years. He actually patrols the sand to make sure the nests are safe. It’s not just a gimmick; the resort literally dims the lights at night so the hatchlings don’t get confused and crawl toward the lobby instead of the ocean.
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The Anse Georgette Factor
Then there’s Anse Georgette. It is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Period.
- The Catch: It’s not "on" the resort in the way the others are.
- The Walk: You have to trek through the golf course to get there. It’s about a 15-20 minute hike.
- The Easy Way: The resort runs a golf buggy shuttle.
- The Reality: There are no toilets or bars at Anse Georgette. It is raw. It is wild. And because the resort limits outside visitors (usually only 30 non-guests per day), it feels like your own private kingdom.
That Golf Course is a Beast
If you aren't a golfer, you might think a 18-hole course is just a waste of space. You’d be wrong. The Lemuria golf course is the only 18-hole championship course in the Seychelles.
The first 12 holes are kind of what you’d expect—flat, palm trees, some water hazards. But once you hit the 13th, the terrain goes vertical. The 15th hole is legendary. You’re standing on a rocky outcrop 150 feet above the green, looking down at the white sand of Anse Georgette. Even if you don’t know a putter from a sand wedge, you should go up there just for the view. It’s arguably the best lookout point on the island.
Eating Your Way Through Praslin
Let’s be real. Eating at a 5-star resort in the Seychelles is expensive. You’re going to pay a premium. But the food at Constance Lemuria isn't that generic "international hotel" stuff.
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The Nest is the standout. It’s perched on a rocky peninsula between the two Kerlan beaches. If you go, order the Creole octopus curry. It’s authentic. They also do a coconut sherbet that is basically a religious experience.
For something more formal, Diva is the fine-dining spot. They have a serious wine cellar. If you're a "wine person," this is your spot. They do these sommelier experiences that are actually educational, not just a way to sell you a 200-euro bottle of Bordeaux.
Legend is the main spot for breakfast and themed dinner buffets. Usually, "buffet" is a dirty word in luxury travel, but they do it well. The Asian and Indian nights are surprisingly legit.
The Logistics: Junior vs. Senior vs. Villa
Most people stay in the Junior Suites. They are 52 square meters, built with wood, marble, and pink granite. They’re nice. They’re comfortable. They are exactly what a luxury room should be.
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But if you’re traveling with family or just want to flex, the Senior Suites are double the size and have whirlpool tubs. Then there are the Villas. These are 725 square meters of "I never want to go home." They come with a "Villa Master"—basically a butler who handles everything.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think that because it’s a luxury resort, it’s going to be stuffy. It isn't. It’s "barefoot luxury." You can wear your nice linen outfit to dinner, but nobody is going to look at you weird if you’re walking around with salty hair and sand on your feet.
Another misconception? That you need to leave the resort to see the "real" Seychelles. While I always recommend exploring, the resort is essentially a microcosm of Praslin. Between the giant tortoises roaming the Vallee de Shamalaya (the resort's own little garden) and the endemic birds like the Madagascar fody, you’re in the thick of it.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
- Book the Half-Board: Unless you want to spend the entire trip checking your bank balance, get the half-board (breakfast and dinner). It’s almost always better value.
- Rent the Bikes: The property is massive. Walking from your suite to breakfast can be a trek. The resort provides bicycles, and riding through the palm-lined paths is one of the best parts of the day.
- The Spa is a Must: Even if you just use the plunge pool and sauna. It’s set in a bamboo forest and feels worlds away from the beach.
- Airport Proximity: It’s only a 5-minute drive from Praslin Airport. You’ll hear the occasional small propeller plane, but it’s not loud enough to ruin the vibe.
- Turtle Timing: If you want to see the turtles, aim for December or January. That’s the peak.
If you’re looking for a place that combines a world-class golf course, three of the best beaches on earth, and a genuine commitment to conservation, Constance Lemuria is it. It’s not cheap, but for a "once in a lifetime" trip, it actually delivers on the promise.
Check the seasonal weather before booking; the Seychelles has two main seasons, and the "tradewinds" can change which side of the island has the calmest water. Usually, from October to May, the water at Lemuria is like a pond. Perfect for the paddleboards you’ll find waiting on the sand.