praslin - an island of joy
The emerald island of Praslin is nestled in a tranquil sea. A herd of cumulus that resemble helium-filled sheep collect above. This island feels happy and is reeling us in.
Once again, little bobbing vessels tender us from ship to land where a charming port greets us with jungle spilling down the island’s sides. Birds of colorful feather and song frolic across the sky, they appear to be twitterpated.
A private transfer has arrived to pluck us out of the madding crowd for an afternoon of relaxation and quiet luxury. Our driver shares a smattering of stories as we wind along the coast.
At our destination, big wooden gates with the Raffles logo stand guard regulating this space. They are only opened after our name is found on the list. I am elated at the care taken to stay true to the words ultra-luxury, not blemished by lip service.
In the lobby, we are met by a Canadian in linen who welcomes us to an open-air lounge overlooking a view fit for the cover of an indulgent magazine. Here two mimosas are ordered and we soften into the furniture. The curated surroundings blend elegantly alongside nature and we both exhale with deep satisfaction.
After a pause to fill the senses with our surroundings, curiosity calls us towards a garden path where pomegranate and lemon grass grow wild. We pass giant seeds planted in the ground from the rare coco de mer. These seeds are the biggest in the plant world resembling a woman’s upper thighs on one side and buttocks on the other. To see them in person for the first time one has no question of the resemblance.
Coco de mer seeds develop only on female trees. Male trees have long phallic-looking flower spikes. Because of these unusual, erotic shapes, some people believe the trees make passionate love on stormy nights. According to legend, male trees uproot themselves and approach female trees. Apparently, the love-making trees are rather shy, and the story has it that whoever sees the trees mating will go blind.
Facinating!
We continue downwards past a helicopter pad and continue further into a canopy of trees. Shaded below are a dozen giant tortoises dappled in light. We are introduced, handed branches filled with leaves, and invited to feed them. Pats and head scritches are encouraged, we deliver them diligently.
One of these shelled wonders has been on this planet for nearly 150 years, he was born when the world’s first traffic light was installed. What stories has he collected over the decades?
Suddenly, a loud and strained noise pulls our attention, two rocks appear to be playing a game of leap-frog very badly. Realizing what is really going on, we applaud wholeheartedly.
A few tortoise toddlers are also on the premises and they are adorable. Contrary to the plodding adults these little guys motor around at a decent speed.
The heat is confident and poolside is calling. Oversized umbrellas shade plush towels on massive loungers, we are welcomed with a cool cloth and fresh coconuts. A swim in the layered infinity pool as birds of all kinds jet about is deliciously refreshing.
Stunning views, delicate soundscapes, and a warm breeze that caresses one’s skin is bliss. The only thing missing is lunch. Raffles delivers right, to our cabana. With a bottle of Albariño, paradise is now complete.
The afternoon sprawls like a cat in a sunbeam and our ride back is sooner than we hoped. We say goodbye to the beach, the tortoises, and our wonderful hosts and return to our ship. Refreshed from a soul-filled afternoon we are ready to watch The Reds play.
Floating off the coast of Praslin we live-stream a match from Manchester. Technology is incredible!
A smashing win and with 11 points clear at the top of the table the future needs sunglasses.
