A large number of reefs within the inner granitic islands of the archipelago of Seychelles could be entirely lost, unless concerted action is taken soon to control crown of thorns, warns Dr. Udo Englhardt, the expert on on the management of crown of thorns in a...
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Petite Anse (meaning ‘little cove’), also known as Anse La Liberte, is in the territory of the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. Entrance to the beach is free for all hotel guests. Outsiders wishing to go to the beach need to get approval in advance from the resort management by phone but the entrance is still free. A second option is to ask at the entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel to get to the beach. Near the western entrance to the beach, locals sell fresh coconuts and juices.
The coastline is 200 meters long and 20 meters wide with powder-soft white sand and turquoise waters. Along the perimeter of the beach, there are high granite rocks, which offer scenic views of the bay, boulders, and astoundingly dense tropical vegetation.
Petite Anse beach is only 5 meters away from Four Seasons Resort Seychelles.
The beach is suitable for beach games, sunbathing, windsurfing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and picnicking. The beach is suitable for families, as it has lifeguards around the clock, and the wind is light because there are huge rocky cliffs around the beach that prevent the wind from passing through, and therefore the waves are calm. The best time for swimming, diving, and snorkeling is October and November, as well as the period from February to May. For surfing and sailing, it is advisable to set out from October to March.
This is a well-developed beach and has dozens of modern facilities, including luxury hotels, clean toilets, washrooms, restaurants, and cafes that serve the most delicious local and European dishes. Visitors can use the hotel’s beach restaurant for food and drinks.
If you have booked the Four Seasons Hotel there are enough sun-chairs under palm-thatched umbrellas that don´t even disturb the look of the beach.
However, if you are not staying at Four Seasons you should plan to arrive early to find a spot at the parking place. Once the vehicle is parked, be ready to hike 20 minutes down the trail to reach Petite Anse. Do not forget that a more exhausting uphill journey back to the parking spot is more difficult than walking down to the beach.
Although Four Seasons is convenient, not all can afford it. There are many cheaper options available nearby. A couple of them are given here.
Maison Soleil is a three-star guest house within 15 minutes of walking distance from Anse Soleil Beach and Petite Anse Beach. The guest house offers free self-parking, and in-room kitchens, and free WiFi. Other amenities include a snack bar, deli, and laundry facilities. There’s also the convenience of an airport shuttle. Club Liberté Casino is only a stone’s throw away from this property,
Anse Soleil Resort Self Catering is within 15 minutes of walking distance from Anse Soleil Beach and Petite Anse Beach. There are four villas. All villas are equipped with a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, stove top, shower head, and safe. WiFi is available in all public areas. Limited housekeeping is also provided.
This is a five-star luxury property that is about 3 kilometers away from Anse Petite beach. It received the prestigious Conde Nast Hot List award in 2022.
Mango House is the former family home of Milanese fashion photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri. Today, it’s a 41-key boutique resort under LXR Hotels & Resorts—Hilton’s indie luxury collection brand.
Each morning cooked-to-order complimentary breakfast is served. There are three restaurants and three swimming pools. The restaurant, Muse, serves Italian cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kokoye is the hotel’s own bar.
Anse Major Beach
Anse Major is one of Mahe Island’s most beautiful beaches. Anse Major beach is a pristine, white sand beach with crystal clear, deep, turquoise water. It is located on the northwestern end of Mahe Island in the Seychelles. It’s one of the most remote beaches on the island and it is not accessible via road transport. You have to get there hiking. If you are not comfortable doing the hike yourself, you may book a guided tour.
The Anse Major trail picks up at the end of Bel Ombre Road near the village of Bel Ombre. “Calm Sorento” on Google Maps, is very close to where the Anse Major trailhead begins. To get here, you’ll need to either get a taxi or jump on the bus that runs nearly all the way to the end of Bel Ombre Road from Beau Vallon. If you tell the bus driver you want to hike to Anse Major, he will know where to drop you off. If you are going by car, you should note that there are only 5 parking lots available.Those who are staying at Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort, can just walk the length of Bel Ombre Road to the start of the trail. You can also get to Anse Major beach by boat. You can book a boat through the travel agents or your hotel.
The trail is very well marked and easy to follow. Most of the trail is completely exposed to the sun after about 10am, but there are a few points where it passes through tree cover which gives you some relief. There are lots of mosquitos along the trail, so be equipped with some form of insect repellent. Much of the trail has stunning views down to the ocean below and over to Silhouette Island. As you get closer to the beach, there is a fantastic view point where you can see Anse Major down below. The moderately challenging trail will take about 45 minutes to one hour.
You can enter the water anywhere along the sandy beach sheltered by the little bay. At either end of the beach, bedecked with granite rocks, there are excellent opportunities for snorkeling. As you move away from the beach, the water level rises progressively, while the sea bed slopes gently downwards. The water level reaches 12 to 20 feet (4 to 6 meters) in the central part of the area, but is shallower along the rocky areas encircling the bay.
Anse Major reefs are made of well-preserved corals, and full of fish. You might come across emperor, three spot and semicircle angelfish, which count among the most colorful fish species living around Mahé.
The small beach is definitely beautiful, with a few palm trees and lots of vegetation all around. The beach is 200m long and covered with fine white sand. Granite cliffs divide the territory into two parts. In the West, the width of the beach reaches 30 m, the Eastern section with a length of about 60 m narrows to 10 m. Close to the shore on three sides, rises a dense tropical forest. The sea bottom is sandy and quite shallow. Cliffs and the forest protect the shore from winds and waves. The beach is perfect for calm rest, swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling. The beach is equipped with a canopy and a toilet.
The northeastern monsoon season is from December to April when it will be quite hot and humid. The southeast monsoon is from June to October and the humidity decreases significantly, the temperature will be + 27-29 °C. The best time for swimming, diving, snorkeling is October and November, as well as the period from February to May. For surfing and sailing, it is advisable to set out from October to March.
Belle Vacance is a 2-star guest house located in Grand Anse. Belle Vacance provides concierge services, clean rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a garden. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a grill. The property has room service, a tour desk and currency exchange for guests. The air-conditioned rooms come with a desk, an electric tea pot, a fridge, an oven, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. The kitchen is equipped with a microwave, a stove top and a toaster.
Breakfast is available daily, and includes à la carte, continental and Asian options.
Diamond Plaza is located in Grand Anse, only a few steps from Grand Anse Praslin Beach, The property has a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. The rooms have a balcony, air conditioning, a minibar and a flat-screen TV. Some rooms have a sea view. An à la carte breakfast is available daily at the accommodation.
Casadani Luxury Apartment is located in Grand Anse, 2.1 km from Anse Kerlan Beach. Free private parking available on site and free WiFi. The apartment has a balcony, 1 bedroom, a living room and a well-equipped kitchen with a fridge and an oven. A TV is available. A continental breakfast is available every morning at the apartment. A paid airport shuttle service is available at this apartment. This property can accommodate up to 4 guests in each unit. Whole Foods Cafe is a 10-minute walk from the apartment.
Casadani Hotel is located close to Anse Major Trail and Beau Vallon Beach. Casadani Hotel provides free breakfast (local cuisine), a round trip airport shuttle, free self-parking and a terrace. It also serves local and international cuisine at the onsite restaurant. All 23 rooms offer comforts such as furnished balconies, free WiFi , air conditioning, in-room refrigerator and separate sitting areas. From the restaurant-terrace you get an amazing view of Silhouette and North Island and also the famous beach of Beau Vallon. This property does not have elevators. There is a casino in the vicinity and also live bands and a discotheque. The hotel has 25 double rooms.
There are three shopping malls in Anse Major: Kanna Mall, Abarna Shopping Centre and Oj Mall.
Anse Nord d’Est is a collection of smaller beaches in the north-east of the Seychelles’ largest island, Mahé. The beach is renowned for its pristine white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters and lush green vegetation that stretches along the shoreline.
This long stretch of coast is different from other beaches in Mahé. This beach has higher, choppier waves, suitable for experienced swimmers only. The area is excellent for surfing precisely because of these same waves.
This two-kilometer stretch is really a collection of smaller bays, and each is slightly different from the other. Therefore, anyone looking for a lot of variety in the same place will find Anse Nord d’Est to be a great addition to their Seychelles holiday.
North East Point beach nourishment project is the first of its kind to be undertaken here, to protect the beach from coastal erosion. Some 923 tons of sand has already been filled in the 360-metre stretch of beach just opposite the Kreolfleurage Parfums. The pilot project falls under Seychelles’ cooperation with the Japanese government and it is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).
Punto Nord Est provides plenty of activities to enjoy such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing.
This stretch of coast is about a 10-minute drive from Victoria There are some areas of parking at the roadside, so you can arrive here by hired car. There is also a bus stop near to the beach, ensuring that even those without a rental car can enjoy this area of the Seychelles’ largest island.
Opposite the beach there is KreolFleurage Perfumes where fragrances are produced on the basis of essential oils from the produces from the region.
Le Bonheur Villa, rated 3 star, is located 1 minute walk from the beach. Featuring free WiFi, a year-round outdoor pool and a barbecue, Le Bonheur Villa offers accommodation in Victoria. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free private parking is available on site.
Certain rooms include views of the sea or pool. Extras include free toiletries and a hair dryer. A flat-screen TV is provided.
The villa offers creole and international dishes.The Chef will discuss with you individual needs with recommendations.
Villa Koket is just 20 m from the beach in North East Point. It offers modern self-catering apartments. Each air-conditioned apartment includes an open-plan lounge area with cable TV and a kitchen with stove, microwave and fridge. The private bathroom comes with a shower. The villa also offers a breakfast service that can be booked on-site.Other Accommodations
Augueste Holiday Recidence and Phoenix Self Catering Luxury Apartments are two other accommodation facilities nearby. There are homes and houses also available for short stay.
There are some shops for your basic needs. As Mahe is a small island you can try numerous restaurants couple of kilometers away, offering local seafood dishes and other international cuisine.
The name “Anse Soleil” which is French, translates to English as “Sunshine Beach”, perfect for an unforgettable island holiday.
Anse Soleil is a beautiful, bright bay with gorgeous golden sand and turquoise-blue water. It is a popular destination among tourists. One of the reasons for the popularity of this beach is the availability of accommodations there.
The beach is not over-crowded, and you can find a suitable private spot for yourself and your family.
Anse Soleil is a truly stunning little beach. It is more than capable of holding its own against what else the country has to offer. In fact, the scenery here rivals any beach you could imagine, with beautiful white sand and crystal-clear water, making it well worth a visit during your Seychelles holiday.
Anse Soleil Beachcomber is the only hotel in this beach. Mango House Seychelles, Pineapple Beach Villas, My Paradise, Holiday Home, and Red Coconut Self Catering are other accommodations nearby.
Anse Soleil Beachcomber, a small family-owned hotel set in lush tropical surrounds with an unspoiled beach only metres away, is a hidden gem in the idyllic destination of Seychelles. It is located in the district of Baie Lazare on the Southwest coast of Mahe Island.
There are five standard rooms, all with a direct view onto the bay and beach which is just steps away.
Each room has its own veranda with chairs and coffee table. The rooms are all well equipped with air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, a safe box, a small refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, free WIFI and cable television. Each room has a bathroom with a shower, wash basin and toilet. The bathroom is stocked with complimentary toiletries.
There are four self-catering chalets, located on a small hill above the main hotel overlooking the bay of Anse Soleil. Each chalet has a private veranda furnished with chairs and coffee table.
The chalets are all equipped with air-conditioning in the bedroom, a ceiling fan in both the bedroom and the living area, a safe box, and free WIFI and cable television.
The chalets are best suited for those who want to do their own cooking. Each chalet has an open plan kitchenette that is equipped with a gas cooker and oven, a refrigerator, a microwave, cooking utensils and tea and coffee making facilities.
There are six villas, each with their own private pool. The villas are perched on a slope and set in a lush tropical garden. One of the villas has two bed rooms, that can accommodate four adults, and other villas have one bed room. The villa rooms are all equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fan, a safe box, a small refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, free WIFI and cable television. The bathroom has a hairdryer and is stocked with complimentary toiletries.
Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served only for the residents, but lunch and dinner can be enjoyed by non-resident visitors to the beach.
The Seychelles Natural History Museum
The Seychelles Natural History Museum is located next to the main post office in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, on Mahé Island. The building is of colonial architecture. Most of the exhibits are found on the ground floor which depict 300 years of Seychelles history, with plenty of information to put the model ships, old cannons and other historical pieces in context. Upstairs focuses on Creole culture, with displays on music, clothing, fishing and architecture. The National Museum was completely rebuilt and fitted to the modern criteria of a cultural history museum between 2016 and 2018. It is now equipped with digital displays and improved relic protection.
The National History Museum is charged with the acquisition, preservation and exhibition of historical artifacts for public benefit. Exhibits illustrating the history of Seychelles include such items as the oldest map drawn in 1517, the Stone of Possession, and object of ethnographic interest that exemplify the traditions and modes of life in times gone past. A Portuguese nautical atlas of the Indian Ocean from 1519 is one of the oldest displays. The stone of possession is the oldest monument to date in the Seychelles. Brought by captain Nicholas Morphey, it was placed at la Poudriere on the 1st November 1756. It signifies the act of possession by the French over the Seychelles islands. The stone itself has carvings depicting its French colonial ancestry.
The museum shows the history of cinnamon in Seychelles. Pierre Poivre, the son of a merchant, was born in Lyon in France. In 1772 during the last year of his tenure as intendant of Ile de France and Bourbon, he organized an expedition to Seychelles with the specific purpose of creating a spice garden . By doing this, he gave Seychelles cinnamon which became a pillar of Seychelles’ economy and a source of livelihood for hundreds of inhabitants during the 20th century.
Items related to the history include Seychelles People’s Militia, the Seychelles People’s Liberation Army and the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces. The Seychelles People’s Defence Force is the national military of Seychelles. It consists of a number of distinct branches: the Infantry Unit, Coast Guard, Air Force and a Presidential Protection Unit.
The Museum hosts exhibitions that not only illustrate the flora, fauna and geological history of Seychelles, but serve to enlighten visitors about major environmental concerns with the aim of promoting positive attitudes and actions in conserving our natural heritage. Occasionally, there will be additional exhibits upstairs but usually they are intended for school children. The museum showcases educational programmes during the school holidays.
Seven prominent aspects of Seychelles’ natural heritage are showcased through exhibits and dioramas. These displays include sections on botany, zoology, geology and anthropology. The museum’s documentation and resource center contains a wealth of research material in various formats. The museum also covers Seychelles’ history such as its political, economic, Creole culture, gifts of state, national emblems and key events of the nation-building process.
Traditional wedding ceremonies at that time are also depicted. The wedding car is decorated with frangipani flowers and colorful ribbons. At the exit of the church or the place of the party, is erected an arch with palm leaves and decorated with fresh flowers. The wedding couple crosses this arc followed by guests, all accompanied by a band playing the wedding march with instruments such as guitars, violins, banjo, drums and triangles.
Traditional games shown include Plan Kare, Ronn, Kouk , Balon Prizonyen and Set Ros.
Plan Kare is a game that originates from “Danm” but is easier version to play. This game is played by 2 Players, each having 3 ppieces . Its Objective is to put all 3 pieces in a straight line , either vertically or horizontally or diagonally, whilst preventing your opponent from wining . Each piece can be moved only once, from one point to another .” Plan Kare a Senk” is another version of the same game,but has more lines and more pieces.
Ronn originates from French Songs (Chorus), these were sung by young girls. This game was often played by moonlight whereby the children/adults would form a circle or(line) and sing whilst acting out the song. Popular and still known songs for the game are (La Bougere, Pti Marmit, Granmanman Bebe and Lapilapon).
Kouk is a game from French origin (Cache-cache/Hide and Seek). The purpose of the game is simple: while one person counts, the other player hides, after counting to 50, the person counting tries to find the others, before they manage to come out and touch the post where he/she was counting.
Balon Prizonyen was played with a ball, being passed by two players, after the ball is passed 3 times between them , then they try to hit the other children with the ball, if you are hit , you are out “out of the game” and the others still continue to play.The game ends when everyone is out.
Set Ros originates from the game of Seven Stones , this game is played by two groups of children . The children chose 7 stones and stacked them on top of each other (biggest at the bottom). One group will be defending the stacked stone , whilst the other the attackers, one team tries to stack the stones whilst the other tries to hit them with the ball, if the attacking team is hit, then they switch positions.
The museum includes contributions from partners such as the French government and some Seychellois individuals.
On Mondays and Saturdays the museum is open from 9.30 to 12:30 AM. On Tuesdays through Fridays it opens from 9:30 to 12:00 AM and closes for lunch from 12:00 to 13:00. Again in the afternoon it is open from 13:00 to 16:30.
Entrance fees for national adults and children over 12 years is Rs 25 while foreigners pay Rs 150.
The visit to this small museum will take only one hour.
The National Museums in collaboration with the National Archives and the National Library, under the aegis of the National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts is organizing a traveling exhibition entitled “The History of Slavery in Seychelles”, the exhibition will be presented in the schools in Seychelles, with the aim of educating and extending knowledge of students on the history of slavery in Seychelles.
The people of Seychelles represent an ethnic diversity that dates from the second half of the 18th century. In 1835, when the abolition of slavery came into force in all British colonies, 6,521 slaves were set free from a population of 7,500 inhabitants. This means that the population of Seychelles then must have been predominantly black.
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