For many years the Paradise Sun has been a firm favourite amongst South Africans holidaying in the Seychelles. Sure, the fact that the resort is owned and run by the South African owned Southern Sun hotel group has certainly helped, given the group’s good reputation in this country. But ultimately the success of this resort can largely be chalked up to that old favourite – “Location, Location, Location”! Nestled in the quietest and most attractive corner of the stunning Cote d'Or beach on Praslin Island, this laid-back and friendly beach hotel offers a tropical island paradise for couples and families alike.

The resort features 80 French-Creole style rooms – 70 Superior Rooms and 10 more spacious Deluxe Rooms which are perfect for families as they can sleep 2 kids (at no extra cost!) – which are housed in 26 separate bungalows (some single storey, others double storey) all facing the ocean and surrounded by the resort’s lush tropical gardens. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with air-conditioning, private balconies, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. All boast a very distinctive traditional French colonial Creole style, with dark wooden floors, shutters, high ceilings and stone-clad walls amongst the prominent features. We find them charmingly traditional in style, but if you’re someone who prefers contemporary minimalism then you may want to look elsewhere (the resort is due to undergo a major renovation in late 2024 which may change the resort’s look and feel considerably)

The main attraction of the Paradise Sun however, must be the stunningly beautiful beach – this is the perfect place to simply relax on the white coral sand whilst gazing out over the blindingly blue waters of the bay studded with a couple of picturesque islets like St Pierre or nearby Chauve Souris. If you’re feeling more active, the balmy turquoise water is perfect for swimming, or perhaps you could enjoy some of the variety of water sports on offer (the resort offers complimentary kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and snorkeling equipment)

Further afield, you may want to explore the famous Vallee de Mai (home to the near mythical coco de mer nut) You may also join a boat trip to nearby islands such as Curieuse, La Digue, or Cousine, where you can enjoy more snorkelling, see giant tortoises, rare birds, and more stunning beaches. There’s also a free weekly sunset cruise offered by the hotel, where you can soak up the stunning views of Praslin from the water as the sky lights up in shades of pink and orange all around you! In keeping with the Creole theme of the Paradise Sun, you can also explore the authentically styled Creole house hidden in the gardens to get a feel for how the islanders traditionally lived, learn to sega dance or perhaps even learn how to cook some traditional Creole dishes!

Talking of food, the resort offers delicious Creole and international cuisine, as well as live entertainment at least 4 evenings a week - you can enjoy a hearty breakfast served in the dining area alongside the swimming pool, but the main attraction has to be lunch at the sand floored St Pierre restaurant, located right on the beach and boasting superb views over the bay! At night you’ll delight in live cooking stations and a range of themed evenings such as Italian, seafood, BBQ and Creole. The bar is a great place to mingle with other guests and enjoy live music, dancing, and shows whilst sipping on a delicious rum-based cocktail or ice-cold beer!

The Paradise Sun is definitely a great choice as a family holiday – the calm waters of the bay are perfect for young kids to enjoy themselves safely, whilst there’s also a load of different activities to ensure that they’ll never get bored – from table tennis to volleyball and football as well as a full calendar of events and activities planned by the resident entertainment team, such as cooking demonstrations. And of course, whilst the kids are being kept occupied, that’s the perfect time for you to sneak off to the resort’s Spa, to indulge in a relaxing massage or other pampering treatments!