Raffles Praslin Resort marks three years of existence |22 February 2014

The Raffles Praslin Resort celebrated its third anniversary last Saturday, with a gathering to thank all its close partners who have continually worked with the establishment.

The five-star luxury hotel on Praslin was officially opened in February 2011, offering an additional product to the local tourism industry.

The 86-villa property from the international Raffles Hotels and Resorts provides one and two-villa suite options, complemented by the signature round-the-clock Raffles Butler service.

Built on gentle slopes, the villas offer stunning views of the lush greenery of Praslin and the blue ocean beneath.

Over the three years Raffles has generated international attention and won many awards in the process including the World’s Leading Luxury Villa Resort at the World Travel Awards 2013, Forbes Travel Guide - Top 10 Beach Resorts Around the World 2012, and Conde Nast Johansens - Luxury Spa Guide recommended for 2014.

Despite having won the numerous international awards, general manager Christoph G. Ganster outlined many plans Raffles Praslin will be undertaking in the near future, all aimed at enhancing its clients’ experience.

At the short ceremony held at the hotel’s grounds to mark its anniversary, Mr Ganster explained that there were plans to build a helicopter landing pad as well as improve the guests’ arrival area in a bid to make it more comfortable.

The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St Ange, the Seychelles Tourism Board’s chief executive Sherin Naiken and representatives from destination management companies, were among the guests attending the event to mark the Raffles’ third anniversary.

Mr Ganster also took the opportunity to thank the Minister for Tourism and Culture for all the support his ministry has given the hotel since its inception.

“Our Minister for Tourism and Culture and the Seychelles Tourism Board have supported us and done their utmost to market Seychelles in the international arena,” said Mr Ganster.

Over the last three years, Raffles Praslin has planted over 200,000 trees all over the property, giving it its lush vegetation that now covers the area.

“I was here three years ago when the hotel opened and have seen the moves and efforts made so that Raffles gets to where it is today,” confirmed Minister St Ange.

Minister St Ange noted that the hotel’s success was also largely due to its staff who remain the backbone of any hotel.

The anniversary evening at the Raffles Praslin Resort ended with the Full Moon Party at one of the open air roof top of the resort.