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A Complete Travel Diary & Soulful Guide by the Abrahao Kohl Family
Seychelles is made up of 115 islands, each one with its own rhythm and personality. Praslin, the second-largest and second-most populated island in the archipelago, could easily be expected to feel busy or bustling—but it doesn’t.
Somehow, this beautiful piece of the Indian Ocean manages to hold on to its calm, intimacy, and a whisper-like pace that draws you inward the moment you arrive.
And nestled high above the waves on Praslin’s northern coast, we found our sanctuary: Raffles Seychelles.
It’s a large, resort-style property by design—spacious villas, cascading architecture, restaurants, pools, and sweeping views of Curieuse Island. But even with its scale, Raffles has found a way to align with the quiet soul of Seychelles. The resort doesn’t compete with nature; it leans into it, embraces it, and celebrates it with intention.
Our villa at Raffles was perched just right. Waking up to the sound of waves below and birdsong above, we felt suspended in a moment that asked nothing of us except to breathe. A private pool glistened outside, and inside, warm woods and island textures made the space feel inviting and grounded.
“This was not just a hotel,” Thomas noted in his travel diary.
“It was a villa with many rooms, an outdoor shower, and the comfiest bed ever.”
We couldn’t have agreed more.
One of the highlights of our stay was our visit to Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that locals say might just be the original Garden of Eden.
This lush, palm-covered valley is home to the coco de mer, a mystical and symbolic palm tree whose giant fruit is unlike anything in the world.
“The female coco de mer has a big bottom and carries all the weight,” Giovanna wrote, half-joking, half-wise.
“And the male one just stands tall with a light thing on top. Nature doesn’t lie.”
Our guide Derek made the experience unforgettable, pointing out rare birds, lizards, and sharing the ecosystem’s fascinating stories. This walk wasn’t just a hike—it was a step back in time, and a powerful reminder of how tightly our planet’s magic is woven into its biodiversity.
The island also gave us one of the funniest and most unexpected memories: a visit to the Tortoise Park inside the hotel. What started as a gentle walk among giant creatures quickly turned into a nature lesson with a humorous twist.
“They were SO loud!” Giovanna laughed. “It was like a real-life tortoise soap opera.”
“It was pretty disturbing and hilarious,” Thomas added. “But kind of amazing too.”
Even moments like these reminded us that nature has its own unedited rhythms—and they deserve to be witnessed with both curiosity and respect.
Another gem of Praslin is Anse Lazio, often named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And once you’re there, standing on that perfect curve of soft white sand, framed by granite boulders and palms, you understand why.
We didn’t need to do much there. Just be. And that was everything.
“It felt more like a dream than a place,” Chris reflected.
During or short stay, Raffles continuously surprised us with thoughtful touches. One morning, we were greeted with a floating breakfast in our private pool—fresh croissants, fruit, juices, hash browns, pastries, and the sound of waves in the distance.
“It was probably one of the best breakfasts ever,” Thomas wrote, with a huge smile.
“Eating in the water? That’s how every day should start.”
And before we left, the four of us took part in something quietly powerful: planting coconut trees, each with our name tagged to it. A symbol of growth, legacy, and our connection to this land.
“I loved that part,” Thomas said.
“It feels special to think that we might come back someday and see our trees grown tall with coconuts.”
Moments like this are where travel becomes something more than travel—it becomes transformation.
While Raffles is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious resorts in Seychelles, what truly stood out to us was how aligned it is with the spirit of sustainability.
From locally-sourced ingredients to the preservation of surrounding ecosystems, and support of native species, the resort is clearly making the conscious choice to do tourism differently.
It’s a place where elegance doesn’t mean excess—and where guests are invited not just to enjoy the beauty, but to respect it.
Where We Stayed: 
Raffles Seychelles – Private villas with plunge pools, panoramic views, exceptional service, and a deeply rooted respect for the island’s natural beauty.
Perks of Raffles: : 
Tortoise Park – Fun, surprising, and unforgettable
Floating Breakfast – Because why not? 
Tree Planting – Offered through the resort, and a must-do for families
Vallée de Mai – A guided hike through this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like stepping into a mythical world. Towering coco de mer palms, rare birds, and an ancient ecosystem make it an unforgettable journey into Seychelles’ natural soul. 
Anse Lazio – Often named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Soft white sand, granite boulders, and calm waters offer the ultimate pause. 
Curieuse Island Day Trip – Though we didn’t visit this time, Gisele has explored this nearby island in the past and highly recommends it. Home to free-roaming giant tortoises, mangrove forests, and conservation efforts, it’s an ideal excursion for families and nature lovers. 
La Digue Island Exploration – Another favorite from past visits, La Digue is a must-see when in Praslin. With no cars, the island invites you to explore by bicycle—passing vanilla plantations, ox carts, and some of the most photogenic beaches in the world like Anse Source d’Argent. A peaceful day trip that takes you back in time and into a slower way of life.
Family Tips: 
Early mornings are magical—wake up for the sunrise Don’t rush through excursions; they’re filled with stories Let your kids lead some moments—they’ll surprise you with what they notice
Our time in Praslin was short—but the imprint it left is forever.
Seychelles continues to show us that sustainability isn’t a strategy—it’s a way of life. And Praslin, in its gentle, unhurried way, reminds us that you don’t need to go far to go deep. You just need to show up with open eyes, open hearts, and the courage to be fully present.
With gratitude,
The Abrahao Kohl Family
Gisele, Chris, Giovanna & Thomas
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How about discovering what a family experience in the Seychelles archipelago is really like?
We’ve created a special page with stories from the Abrahão Kohl family — check it out here!
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Travel Note: Getting to Seychelles with Turkish Airlines & Creole Travel Services
A special thank you to Turkish Airlines for making our journey to Seychelles seamless and comfortable. With smooth, well-connected routes from both North and South America, Turkish Airlines offers one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to reach this remote paradise.
The layover at Istanbul Airport was a highlight in itself—modern, spacious, and filled with amenities perfect for both short and long connections. Whether you’re exploring the shops and lounges or simply resting between flights, Istanbul is the ideal gateway between continents. Flying with Turkish Airlines was more than just transportation—it was the beginning of our journey, infused with hospitality, ease, and care from the very first boarding gate.
We’re also incredibly grateful to Creole Travel Services, the outstanding local team that made every transfer and land arrangement across Seychelles smooth, safe, and enjoyable. From ferry connections and ground transportation to warm welcomes at every stop, Creole Travel brought efficiency, local insight, and that signature Seychellois hospitality to every step of the journey. Their coordination was essential to making the logistics invisible—so we could focus on simply being present.
Together, Turkish Airlines and Creole Travel Services ensured our experience was effortless from takeoff to island arrival—and every moment in between.
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