Raffles Hotels & Resorts sails into the Indian Ocean with its first ultra-luxury resort in the Seychelles, on course for an opening in the first quarter of 2011.

Situated on the tranquil Praslin Island, Raffles Praslin is a scenic 30-minute drive from Praslin Airport and is located close to one of Seychelles' natural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai.

The resort features 86 villas with one- and two-villa suite options complemented with the signature round-the-clock Raffles Butler service. Each villa has a private plunge pool and an outdoor sheltered pavilion fully fitted with a resident bar, while the top villas feature an additional barbecue grill. Villas are built on gentle slopes, ensuring stunning views of lush greenery and the shimmering Indian Ocean from each villa. Residents can also look forward to a white sand beach, spanning 500 metres, overlooking Curieuse Island.

The spa experience will be exceptional as Raffles Spa features 13 treatment pavilions which are set among natural rock formations and high above the water, offering spectacular views. Female residents and especially brides-to-be will appreciate the spa's manicure and pedicure services as well as the bridal beauty salon. An outdoor spa garden and pavilion is the ideal venue for a rejuvenating session of yoga.

When it comes to dining, residents will have an array of restaurants, bars and countless outdoor private dining options to choose from. Curieuse Restaurant offers an extensive range of fresh seafood and grilled prime cuts; Restaurant Losean, open for breakfast and dinner, features Mediterranean favourites, regional cuisine and traditional dishes from Creole cuisine while Losean Deli creates hampers for casual picnics. Rooftop lounge Takamaka Terrace offers a comprehensive selection of premium cognacs, whiskies, wine, classic cocktails and signature Raffles cocktails.

The landscape at Raffles Praslin is marked by undulating slopes, stunning ocean views and lush scenery; lending itself to creative outdoor dining experiences from lively family picnics atop boulders and sand banks, to romantic dinners at the beach, garden, aboard a yacht or in the villa.