The Coco de Mer actually consists of 2 linked resorts – the Coco de Mer itself with its 40 rooms and the Black Parrot Suites, a more upmarket section of 12 suites located spectacularly on a headland slightly separated from the main resort. With the Black Parrot Suites only accepting guests over the age of 14, the Coco de Mer is obviously the family friendly option here. But peace and tranquility is definitely the natural way of things here – unlike the much busier stretch of beach that is the Cote D’Or in the north of the island, there are no other restaurants or resorts anywhere near the Coco de Mer to disturb your peace.

What you do get to enjoy is one of the prettier locations of any resort in the Seychelles – 200 acres of natural forest covered hillside (including some rare specimens of the unique coco de mer palm from which the resort takes its name) plunges spectacularly down to the azure waters of the bay, where a series of small, private sandy coves lure sun worshippers and swimmers – there’s even decent snorkeling with plenty of fish to be seen around the rocky headlands and the jetty.

But it's the recent addition of a spectacular jetty/pool that has become the Coco de Mer's new signature feature with its rim-flow swimming pool perched above the waters of the bay below. It's a chic and stylish space with loads of space to chill, with very contemporary sails providing welcome shade if you fancy a bit of shelter from the sun! But our favourite part has to be the suspended netting lounging areas where you can recline comfortably whilst gazing down on the water below!

Guests also get to enjoy another gorgeous swimming pool on terra firma (with separate toddler’s pool) perched just over one of the beaches if you fancy your water chlorinated as opposed to salty. Stretching away from this pool alongside the beach you find a terrace lined with palm trees where hammocks and loungers invite you to chill out with a good book or catch up on some shut-eye. So whether you prefer to be land-based or on the jetty there's plenty of space to find your own private space to relax!

There are 2 different room types at the Coco de Mer (18 Superiors and 22 Standards) but they are identical inside with the differentiation based purely on location – the Superiors are positioned in a row right on the beach terrace whilst the Standards are in a second row slightly higher up the hillside but still no more than a stone’s throw from the ocean. They are definitely some of the nicest rooms on the island too – recently refurbished in a classy palette of marine blues and beige, they look sophisticated and elegant. One of the nicest features (especially for honeymooners and other romantics) has to the large baths located in a corner of the bedroom itself! There’s more than enough space too, with a separate lounge area overlooking your (not very private) veranda area.

The strip of beach here boasts lovely sand but is on the narrow side, especially when the tide is up. One thing that also has to be noted is that from around May to October the prevailing south- east winds mean that seaweed does wash onto the beaches of the southern coast of Praslin – the staff here work tirelessly to keep at least one of the resort’s beaches swept clean during this time, but the resort does also supply free transfers to the absolutely gorgeous Anse Lazio beach in the north of the island which is unaffected during this time.

Your stomach is also well taken care of – the Hibiscus Restaurant is where breakfast and dinners are served and an extended new deck means you get the chance to enjoy lovely views out over the ocean if you fancy. Breakfast is a lovely spread including everything from a wide range of fresh fruit to pancakes and the full spectrum of eggs. Dinners are mixed with set menus with a choice of courses on some nights alternating with themed buffets – feedback from guests regarding quality and quantity is consistently good. Our favourite place though has to be the light, airy and contemporary Mango Terrace Bar and Grill next to the swimming pool, where a selection of delicious light lunches ranging from burgers to toasted sandwiches and outstanding pasta is on offer. One huge plus point is that drinks prices at the Coco de Mer are around 25% cheaper than at other resorts on Praslin – a very welcome break for South Africans travelling on our wimpish Rand!