Colibri Guest House

The staff at reception were kind and helped with all my questions about beaches, buses, car rental and excursions. Colibri is about a ten-minute walk from the bus stop, and getting to the village, roughly 25 minutes away, or the main attractions takes more planning or a car. We were welcomed warmly for our honeymoon, with a cool drink, a cloth and even a coconut while we waited in the lobby. The only other hotel we considered hadn't offered that. Our room was beautiful, with a terrace over the sea, and the decorations were a lovely touch each day. Bikesh (Assistant Manager) came over to chat during our meal and seemed genuinely lovely. We liked the food and service so much that we went back for dinner another night. Breakfast was delicious, and you can often spot a turtle from the tables. The infinity pool was quiet and roomy when we used it, though we wished it stayed open longer. We also came across a hermit crab and a lost Shearwater bird on the grounds, and hope visiting animals are treated with care. We have no hesitation recommending Colibri Guesthouse.

We had three rooms, each with a wide sea view, set among the houses in a lovely garden. Breakfast came with the room and was served by the pool, with a beautiful view. We sometimes ate dinner at the hotel and also tried places around the island when we had a car. The hotel restaurant is worth recommending. You can get into the sea from the resort using stairs, though the island’s beaches are probably better. For getting around Praslin, you’ll need a rental car, and reception can arrange one. I sorted everything I needed online ahead of time through the hotel website, where communication was excellent.

The garden was lovely and well looked after, and the views of the sea from both the room and the restaurant and pool were amazing. The pool in particular was quiet and relaxing. We really enjoyed our stay and would recommend the place. The staff were wonderful, arranging things for us, helping with laundry and even checking us out while reception was closed, which we’d missed. We had breakfast every day. The choices were limited, but there was everything we needed, and it was delicious with very good service. We booked the honeymoon suite, but after a change we requested, spent the first night in a superior room instead. We didn’t mind, and actually liked that room more, though each had its own pros and cons and it may just come down to personal taste. We only had dinner at the restaurant once. Maybe it was cultural, but we’re not used to eating three courses in about 45 minutes. We asked the waiters to slow things down, and they did. The beef was well done, which isn’t how we’re used to having it. We arrived on my birthday, but aside from a “happy birthday” from the receptionist, nothing else was offered. The staff were incredibly helpful overall, though there’s still some room for improvement.

The family running the place were friendly and helpful, and the food was good. It’s clean, and they really try to make you feel at home. The price was okay for what you get. The sea-view rooms need renovating, and the view from them is limited. You’ll need a car, since there’s no beach, and the pool is very small, about 50m2. I won’t be going back.