As a long-time and frequent guest of the Indian Ocean Lodge, I was very excited to see what the new IOL, which had been completely renovated and remodelled, would look like and how it would affect me during my visit in November 2024. It had just reopened 5 weeks earlier. When I arrived at the hotel by taxi, I was very impressed by the new exterior of the IOL. I really liked the old hotel, but the new one is really a very successful upgrade. It starts at the reception and continues through the restaurant, the lobby, the toilets, the garden and the two new pools, which are now positioned right next to the rooms. The entire complex is now very open, modern and equipped with high-quality furniture. The bar in particular is now much bigger, nicer, stocked with many well-known drinks and with very good bartenders like Denis. There is always a wonderful view of the sea and Grand Anse beach from the hotel complex and the rooms. |The food at breakfast and dinner is, as usual, very high quality and varied and, to my taste, even better than before. The upgrade to a 4-star hotel is also definitely noticeable in the service. In addition to the tried and tested staff that I have known for a long time, there are also some new faces from other countries. The staff are generally very nice, helpful and provide a very good service. Everything takes place in a very friendly atmosphere and a smile towards the guests is a matter of course. It is also possible to have an interesting conversation with the employees at any time, if time permits. | |Anita, who is responsible for reservations, has been very well known and trusted by us for years and is always reliable. Of course, we also got to know the new manager, Peter Alvis. He is a young, nice and likeable man who manages the IOL well and will certainly take it to the next level||The entire kitchen team, led by Finette and Tony, deserves special mention for the excellent job they do. We would like to mention other staff members such as Taciana, Camilla, Michelle, Mariska, Florentina, Ch. Vasa and especially Samantha, who is always present and has a good sense for the guests' wishes. ||When my wife became ill, it was a matter of course for the hotel to call a doctor to the hotel. Once again, many thanks for that. ||We had a wonderful 18 days at the IOL and felt exceptionally well in all areas. It's almost like a second home. ||Thank you very much for your hospitality. One thing is sure, we will be back in a year's time to the now even more beautiful IOL.||Unfortunately, I was only able to write this review now because I was unable to do so for a few weeks...
Read moreI have spent 1 Week with my mom in this hotel. Having only 32 room, each of them facing the Indian Ocean, just being completely refurbished, makes the hotel to a great choice on the Island Praslin. Every corner of the hotel has been renewed / updated, the boho-chic-style with it´s bright colours makes it to a comfortable and chic boutique hotel. The overall rating on Tripadvisor is not representative, as it includes the ratings before the total makeover of the hotel.||The staff is very attentive and friendly. Special thanks to Anita Michaud-Payet (FO and Reservations Manager) who took very good care of us. Samantha, Babu, Vinay (but all other staff as well) in the restaurant were always there for us, Dennis (barkeeper) prepared the best bloody mary ever, but also the kitchen team (unfortunately I don´t remember on their name) made maximum efforts during breakfast and dinner. The dinner was mainly offered in Buffet -style, ( one night á la carte) the food is well described (on eco-friendly banana leafs), each night different theme. |After the dinner the chef asks the guests, if the food was okay. ||3x per week there is live music during dinner time. Luckily other guests were in a dancing mood too, it was great fun :)||The two brand new swimming pools are good alternatives for a refreshing swim, should someone dislike to swim in the ocean. Depending on the monsoon there is indeed seaweed on the beach, but that´s nature. The hotel puts efforts to clean the seaweed on a daily base.||Closeby the village Grande Anse offers ATM, money exchange office, supermarket, even a tiny coconut oil factory. |Overalll we had a wonderful time, we found the hotel offering a great value...
Read moreA relaxing stay in a gorgeous location||Indian Ocean Lodge is the oldest hotel on Praslin Island. It had been, and partially still, under a major renovation. The result of this renovation is a dreamlike hotel nestled in the middle of a beach looking over the immensity of the Indian Ocean. The atmosphere is peaceful and joyful at the same time. ||Nonetheless, the best part of the hotel is the staff. Everyone is welcoming and eager to help or suggest without being intrusive. The team members always greet you with a smile and ask about your daily experiences. Tasiana at the reception is able to help you organise your day between a thousand things to do. However, her team is as good.||The restaurant is simply fantastic. Samantha is knowledgeable about any dishes on the menu and very professional. Fiorentina and Vassa are super attentive and quick to satisfy any requests. Everybody is able to enjoy the experience of a dream life holiday.||Last but not least, I want to mention the impressive capability of Chef Finet and all the members of the kitchen staff. Here are just a few names of incredible food artists:|James, Dave, Kevin Son, Ruben, Tony. Thank you all.||The food is tasty, delicious and delicate. As a vegan, I am always very critical and demanding but trust me if I say this restaurant could be a 3-star Michelin.||In conclusion, this hotel is ideal for anyone who wants to experience a unique style of life deeply linked with the rhythm of the island.||Thanks again...
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