Finding attractions while on vacation in Africa is nothing short of a mile-long list of things to do. However, Seychelles has everything that you'll need to create the perfect vacation, all in one place. With luxurious beaches, natural attractions, and historical...
Seychelles Blog.
We intent to bring you updates on Seychelles travel offers provided by various travel partners around the world.
If you have a story on Seychelles, please share it with us.
Petite Anse Beach in La Digue Island
Petite Anse Beach in La Digue Island
Petite Anse lies next to Grand Anse in the southeast of La Digue island. These two beaches share much in common, including their deep water and lack of a coral reef, but also their beauty and relative anonymity.
The easiest way to get to Petite Anse is through Grand Anse. You make a short trek over a small hill which takes about 15 minutes. This trek may be problematic for those who have limited mobility.
Petite Anse is less busy than Grand Anse, with very only a few visitors on most days, making it great for a secluded, peaceful picnic, playing beach games, and sunbathing.
The nearest parking place is at Grand Anse, where you can leave your bicycle as well.
Signposts there will tell you that it is not safe to swim at Petite Anse. If you are a good swimmer you can venture into the water so long as you do not go far away from the beach. Also, swim only when there are people around so that you can get help if you are in need.
The driftwood shelters and trees provide shelter for children to play and adults to relax.
Toilets and a restaurant are available only in Grand Anse and you should be prepared to walk there.
Petite Anse is no less beautiful than Grand Anse and well worth a visit for its stunning scenery and lack of visitors.
Hotels nearby in La Digue
There are many hotels, homes, and other types of accommodations available on La Digue island. Here is a couple of them.
Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort and Spa
Accommodations
The accommodations here offer guests a minibar, a coffee machine, a balcony, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.
Amenities
Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie features a number of amenities. Two on-site restaurants provide guests with various dining options.
Other resort facilities include 3 bars, an outdoor swimming pool, and a tropical garden. A number of outdoor activities can be enjoyed here, including snorkeling, hiking, swimming, and cycling. A bicycle rental shop is available on the property.
The inter-island ferry is a 5-minute walk from the property. A buggy transfer from La Digue jetty can be arranged for free upon arrival and departure.
La Digue Island Lodge
La Digue Lodge is 500 m from the inter-island ferry and under 3 km from Nid Aigle, the hill offering panoramic views over La Digue and other islands.
Accommodation
The spacious accommodation includes wooden chalets with an aluminum roof, each with a view of the Indian Ocean or gardens. La Digue rooms have a balcony or terrace facing the white sand beach.
Restaurants
Breakfast and dinner are served in the main restaurant. Creole cuisine and seafood feature on the dinner menu. The pool restaurant provides snacks and the bar offers cocktails. Packed lunches can be arranged.
Other facilities
Fishing, snorkeling, and bicycles for rent are available. The hotel can arrange boat tours and give information on walking trails. WiFi is available at reception.
Le Repaire – Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
This property is 5 minute walk from La Digue’s village center and it offers views of Praslin Island.
Each room at Le Repaire is decorated with modern furniture and offers a private balcony, a private bathroom, and a sitting area.
The restaurant offers a menu based on Italian delicacies with a local Seychelles twist. Facing the sea, it is open for both lunch and dinner. Coffee shops and grocery stores can be found in the surrounding area. The ferry pier is less than 10 minute’s walk away, while bicycle rental can be found 700 m from the property.
Takamaka, Seychelles
Takmaka Beach
Takamaka
Takamaka is a tropical flowering plant and a member of the genus Calophyllum native to some equatorial region and Indonesia. These plants are mainly distributed in Asia, with some species in Africa, the Americas, Australasia, and the Pacific Islands. They are of particular importance to traditional shipbuilding of the larger Austronesian Outrigger ships and were carried with them in the Austronesian Expansion as they migrated to Oceania and Madagascar. They were comparable in importance to how oaks were in European shipbuilding and timber industries.
Many species are used for their wood. Some are hardwood trees that can reach 30 meters in height. They tend to grow rapidly. The wood has been used to build boats, flooring, and furniture, and made into plywood. This species is also planted in coastal landscaping as a windbreak and for erosion control.
Takamaka is also the name of several places in the Indian Ocean: a village in Reunion, a region of Mahé, Seychelles, and two islands in the Chagos Archipelago.
Takamaka, Seychelles
Takamaka is one of the 26 administrative regions of Mahé, Republic of Seychelles. It is located on the southern part of the island of Mahé. The population of Takamaka is estimated at around 3,000. Economic activity centres around traditional farming, fishing and tourism.
Like in all other districts, there is a primary school, health center, police station and District Administration Office, all grouped around or near the local Roman Catholic Church of Saint Mary Magdalene.
It takes about an hour to commute by public bus to the capital, Victoria, some 25 km away and centre for all administrative and commercial activities. Regular public bus service runs daily from around 05.30 to 20.00hours.
Shopping in Takamaka
There are many shopping malls in Takamaka such as Amy’s Shopping Zone, Kumar &Kumar Supermarket, SeySell, Srisha, MNL Trading, MakiShop-BeauVallon, Passjocenter, Roots Seychelles, Mike’s Store, Cocofarmsc and many more.
There are also several clothing Stores in Takamaka such as Matalan, Billabong, Quiksilver, La Plage Beachwear Boutique/Valmer Resort, Wedding in Seychelles, and many more.
Hotels in Takamaka
Paradise Chalets Yoga And Wellness
Located in Takamaka directly opposite Anse Parnel beach and the 1.7 km Anse Capucins Trail. Each chalet is built with exquisite interior design, containing a bedroom, living room with open and fully equipped kitchens and a large terrace with stunning views of Anse Parnel Bay. Every chalet is fitted with individually controlled air conditioning units in the living room and bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free WiFi and a Nespresso coffee machine. The chalets also come with a hairdryer, dressing gowns, custom designed linen from Turkey and daily maid service. Free parking is available on site for guests. A popular surfers restaurant is located right opposite the hotel.
Surfers Beach Self Catering Chalets
Situated along a white sand beach, Surfer’s Beach Self Catering Chalets offers several chalets, a restaurant and private on-site parking. The Self-catering chalets all come with air-conditioning, ceiling fans and offer free WiFi in all rooms. Each chalet has an open-plan lounge, dining and kitchenette. The lounge area features flat-screen TV and the kitchenette includes a 2-plate induction hob, a fridge and a microwave.
Demeure de CapMacon
Situated amidst tropical jungle and overlooking the Indian Ocean, guests at Demeure De Cap Macon can enjoy the view from the large veranda. It is 150m from the Anse Forbans beach. The spacious suites feature modern-colonial design with individual features such as four-poster beds, vaulted ceilings or an exposed stone wall. Each unit is equipped with air conditioning and a private bathroom. Meals can be prepared in the private kitchenette attached to each room or on the barbecue facilities.
Chez Batista Villas
Located on the Anse Takama coast, Villa Chez Batista offers beachfront accommodation surrounded by green gardens. This small hotel comprises six bungalows and 18 rooms. Guests have access to free WiFi at the restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool. It is also within easy reach of other beautiful beaches such as Anse Soleil, Anse Marie Louise, Anse Forbans and the famous Intendance beach.
Charlotte Villa
This is a 3-star property within 2 km of Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden. Each room at Charlotte Villa is air-conditioned and comes with a TV with satellite channels. Each unit has a sitting area for your relaxation. A terrace or balcony are featured in most rooms, while every room features a luxurious private bathroom with free toiletries. The guest house has barbecue facilities and offers sea views. The accommodation features windsurfing, snorkelling and diving. There are good restaurants nearby.
Banyan Tree Seychelles
Located in Intendance Bay along the south western coastline of Mahe, Banyan Tree Seychelles has direct access to the beach and offers spacious villas with a private pool. It features spa facilities, a fitness centre and a tennis court.
Banyan Tree Seychelles has luxuriously furnished villas, combining the Seychellois architecture with contemporary décor. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, each of the air-conditioned villas has a satellite TV.
The resort’s restaurants offer a variety of local and international dishes. Saffron serves Thai cuisine and Southeast Asian specialties, while La Varangue (the veranda) provides a selection of light snacks and pizzas.
Guests can relax around the infinity pool with a fruit cocktail, before enjoying a yoga session or a game of tennis. They can also experience spa treatments at one of the luxurious hillside pavilions.
A range of activities such as mountain biking, snorkeling, and canoeing are available in the surrounding area. Free bikes and a car rental service are also provided on site.
Chalets Des Vacances
Family Chalet has two double bedrooms and one single bedroom, it can accommodate up to five adults and upon request you may get additional bedding for two children below 12 years of age. The room has a spacious living/dining area. The open kitchen of this chalet is fully equipped with every-day utensils. The property offers an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking and a garden. The guest house provides air-conditioned rooms, a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, an oven, safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower.
Takamaka Sky
Takamaka Sky Villa is located in the south-west of Mahé at the main road Intendance. Just four minutes’ walk away is Anse Intendance. Takamaka Sky Villas provides spacious accommodation for families coming to Seychelles.
The property is situated 1.9 km from Anse Bazarca Beach, 2.9 km from Anse Forbans Beach and 27 km from Victoria Clock Tower. The guest house also features free WiFi as well as a paid airport shuttle service. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, towels, a fridge and a balcony with a garden view. You will also find some shops in the immediate vicinity, while the nearest restaurant, Takamaka Sky Pizza & Grill, is located right next to your accommodation.
Chalets Bougainville
Chalets Bougainville offers self-catering accommodation on the south-east coastline of Mahe Island, surrounded by tropical vegetation and only a 5-minutes drive from a restaurant, shop and Anse Royale. Rooms are fitted with telephones offering free local calls and each unit is air-conditioned and equipped with a ceiling fan. Free high fibre optic WiFi is featured in all the units. A selection of activities is offered in the area, such as snorkeling, diving, fishing and hiking. The property is near a bus stop.
South Point Chalets
South Point Chalets is a charming 3-star hotel located 10.8km (6.7mi) from the centre of Mahe Island . Local tourist attractions such as Anse Intendance Beach and Takamaka Beach are not far from the hotel. Facilities include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, babysitting or child care, safe-deposit box, front desk and wedding services.
Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino
Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino
Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino is a 3-star hotel conveniently located only 9.7km (6mi) from the centre of Mahe Island. Local places of interest include Beau Vallon Beach and Sainte Anne Beach. The resort is located on the beachfront overlooking to the breathtaking Indian Oceans.
Guest rooms
There are 232 air-conditioned rooms at Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino. Guests of the hotel can make use of the following room facilities: coffee/tea maker, in-room safe, direct-dial phone, balcony and CD player. Additional amenities in the rooms include minibar. Beds: Extra towels and bedding items can also be found in the rooms. Bathroom amenities include hair dryer and makeup/shaving mirror. Entertainment: Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino features in-room facilities such as premium television channel(s) and satellite television service and housekeeping services are provided.
Standard Room
All standard rooms are air-conditioned and have private showers, hairdryer, coffee and tea making facilities, mini bar, IDD facilities, TV with local reception and CNN, plus in-house video and music include ten non smoking rooms. Rooms are located in the main building on the first and second floors. There is no lift in the hotel.
Superior Room
All superior rooms are air-conditioned and have private baths and separate shower cubicles, hair dryers, mini bar, personal safe, coffee & tea making facilities, TV with local reception, CNN, in-house video and music include two non smoking rooms. All rooms are located on the ground floor of the main building with a sitting area.
Deluxe Room
All deluxe rooms (Chalets) spread out in 8 buildings with air-conditioned and have private baths, private balcony, hair dryers, mini- bar, personal safe, tea & coffee making facilities, TV with local reception, CNN, in-house video and music .
Garden Suite
Garden Suite is air-conditioned and has private bath and separate shower cubicle, hair dryer, mini bar, personal safe, coffee & tea making facilities, TV with local reception, CNN, in-house video and a living room located on the ground floor of the main building.
Junior Suite (Chalet)
Their Junior Suite (Chalet) comprises of 1 large bedroom with kitchenette are air-conditioned and have private bath, balcony, hair dryer, mini bar, personal safe, tea & coffee making facilities, TV with local reception, CNN, in-house video and music.
Royal Suite (Chalet)
Their Royal Suite (Chalet) comprises of two large bedrooms with Jacuzzi, living room, modern kitchenette and are air-conditioned and have private baths, private balcony, hair dryers, mini bar, personal safe, tea & coffee making facilities, TV with local reception, CNN, in-house video and music.
Hotel Facilities
Hotel Facilities include restaurants, currency exchange, gift shop, hair salon, picnic area, tennis court(s). spa services, spa tub and laundry service. Facilities for meetings, conferences and seminars are available. The Hibiscus Room can accommodate for up to 40 persons in theatre style.
The Silhoutte Bar plays live music and the other bar is in the casino area. Sand Station Beach Bar serves in the beach area.
Twice a day, a free shuttle bus to the capital of Victoria is offered to hotel guests.
Le Canton Chinese restaurant offers Cantonese cuisine with a wide selection of ala carte menu. La Canton is open daily for lunch and dinner from 12h00 to 14h00 and 19h00 to 22h00 respectively. For Italian fare is served at the rustic and breezy open air restaurant, Pizzeria which serves pizzas, pastas, salads and snacks. Pizzeria is open daily for lunch and dinner from 12h-00 to 14h00 and 19h00 to 22h00 respectively.The Parrot Restaurant serves American buffet breakfast and theme buffet dinner or the Teppanyaki corner for traditional Japanese grill. The Parrot Restaurant is open daily for buffet breakfast and dinner from 07h00 to 10h00 and 19h00 to 22h00 respectively. Tandoori Restaurant serves Indian cuisine. Indian restaurent is open daily for lunch and dinner from 12h00 to 15h00 and 19h00 to 22h00 respectively.
Casino
The in-house gaming tables operates daily from 8:00 pm till 3:00 am. Slot machines are functional from 12noon till 03:00. American Roulette Blackjack, Caribbean Poker and slots are available. There are 55 slot machines and 16 gaming tables plus there are private rooms for high-betting game tables. All games are played in Seychelles Rupees (SCR) and American Dollar (USD). The minimum on gaming tables are two and five US dollars on Black Jack and Roulette respectively. There is a bar serving snacks, special drinks and unique cocktails in the casino floor.
Beau Vallon Beach
This beach is one of the largest and widest beaches in Seychelles. The beach lends itself extremely well to watersports in a way that the smaller, secluded coves found elsewhere in the country do not. Here, visitors can surf and water-ski on the waves, and it is precisely this level of activity that caused a small town to spring up around the beach. This is a convenient spot as everything you need can be found within walking distance of the beach. Despite this bustling atmosphere, the beach itself is not particularly crowded, even during high season. On clear days, it is possible to see all the way across the ocean to the Seychelles’ third-largest island, Silhouette.
Anse La Reunion Granite Rocks
L’Union Estate
Anse La Reunion Granite Rocks is a natural wonder and is considered a national monument. The rocks cover an acre of land, forming part of the L’Union Estate. L’Union Estate houses was a traditional copra mill with a kiln. Oldest specimens of tortoises are found in this estate. This property also houses the oldest Cemetery of the former settlers on La Digue and also one of the most untouched beaches of the Seychelles and one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
A large part of the L’Union Estate Park is a vanilla plantation and in the rear area there is a farm where chili, aubergines, passion fruit and much more are grown. There is also a “Boat Yard” on the premises, here you can see how boats and ships are manufactured and repaired.
The Plantation House has now been transformed into a small museum with a small art gallery.
Granite Rocks
This extremely impressive monolith is located at Anse L’Union on the west coast of La Digue. The granite boulder was formed around 750 million years ago, by the slow cooling of molten rocks (magma) deep within the earth’s crust which gave it its especially large crystals. The magnificent shape of this formation is due to its long exposure to the natural elements of weather.
Just below the granite monolith is the tortoise pen. Here, you can see some of the largest tortoises on earth. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise is one of the longest living animals on earth. They can live up to 200 years and weigh over 300 kilograms.
Souvenir Kiosks
There are a couple of small souvenir kiosks in L’Union Estate. These sellers have everything from local spices and rums to coco de mer nuts you can take home.
Old Pier Cafe
Old Pier Cafe is set on the waterfront just near the Old Pier, another great photo spot in L’Union Estate. Old Pier Cafe offers Italian, American, Cajun & Creole, European, and Asian cuisine. The Café serves grilled ribs, grilled tilapia, burgers, fish and chips and many more and the customers can choose the additions and sauces they want. The cafe also offers its customers a lot of vegetarian options on the menu, as well as some healthy options for its dieting customers.
Veuve reserve, Anse Reunion
Nature lovers will have the opportunity to seek out the rare black paradise flycatcher, once thought to be extinct but now protected in the La Digue Veuve Special Reserve which is also home to two rare species of terrapin.
The Veuve Information Centre manages the Veuve Reserve and the environment of La Digue and has available most information on the unique flora and fauna of La Digue, especially of the Paradise Flycatcher or “Veuve”.
La Digue
La Digue island is forty kilometres (25 miles) from Mahé and 7 km (3.5 miles) from Praslin. It is the fourth largest island in the Seychelles after Silhouette. This granite island receives its visitors mainly by boat at the quaint jetty at La Passe and is a popular destination for holidaymakers wishing for a taste of the traditional. Bicycling is the most common mode of transport on the island.
The Beach
The beach is very popular, with its dazzling white sands and shaded by craning coconut palms. The beach can get crowded partially because the beach area shrinks at hide tide. Coming in the early morning and returning in the late afternoon is a great way to avoid many of the island’s day visitors. During the day a couple of shacks sell fruit and refreshments, and there are glass bottom transparent kayaks for rent.
The beach is protected by a spectacular coral reef and is lapped by calm and shallow waters that allow you to bathe in total safety. If you want to swim or snorkel, you have to wait for high tide.
Eustache Sardes House at La Digue
This is a National Monument. This is predominantly a timber constructed house and one of the real remaining examples of its kind in Seychelles.
The house once stood on large masonry pillars, but now rests on a habitable concrete basement. It has a façade verandah, with ornamental wooden balusters mansards on its roof providing adequate and habitable attic space. The design allows natural ventilation.
Where To Stay On La Digue
Hotel Chateau St Cloud is a mid-range 3 star hotel in an excellent location close enough to both the incredible southwest beaches and the port.
Le Nautique is a high-end hotel rated as one of the best waterfront accommodations on La Digue. It offers traditional Creole architecture with modern comforts including king-sized beds and rain-showers. There is an amazing outdoor restaurant and beautiful garden.
Dream Holiday is a self catering budget hotel located on the northern end of the island very close to the ferry terminal. This location is close to the bike rental shops, snack stores and even supermarkets. This hotel offers queen rooms with air-conditioning, TV, private bathrooms, and even a balcony.
Anse Source D’Argent
Anse Source d’Argent is located in the south-west of La Digue Island. It has dazzling white beaches lapped by shallow emerald waters, backed by some of La Digue’s most beautiful granite boulders and shaded by craning coconut palms.Other interesting things to see in the island are vanilla plantation, giant tortoises as well as the most dreamy coconut groves with hundreds of coconut trees.
Access to Anse Source d’Argent
Access to Anse Source d’Argent is via the Union Estate, which charges 115 Rupees (about US$8) per person each day for access. Despite it being the only beach requiring admission, recent visitors say that Anse Source d’Argent is well worth the trip. While here, you can also take advantage of Union Estate’s facilities, including the restaurant.
Don’t expect a minivan or air-conditioned bus to meet and greet guests at the ferry jetty. La Digue Island Lodge sends an ox cart to transport guests and their luggage from the ferry. Visitors may rent a bike to get around La Digue, or ride the traditional way — on an old-fashioned ox cart.
Anse Source D’Argent: The Beach
The picture perfect beach has shallow, clear water, as well as the coral reef protection, means the beach is a great spot for families, and is also perfect for swimming and snorkelling. At low tide it is difficult to swim because the water is too shallow. You can swim only when the tide is high.
The long beach is divided into many little coves and nooks, all with iconic granite boulders, lush tropical flora, white sands and turquoise waters which makes it so quintessentially Seychelles. This surreal landscape is what makes this beach so unique.
On the beach there are no eateries or hotels, so pack some snacks, towels etc if you plan to spend many hours here. Also bring cash as there are kiosks selling some souvenirs, fruits and coconut water on the beach.
Anse Source D’Argent: Accommodation
The largest hotel on the island, La Digue Island Lodge offers private chalets and bungalows as well as the many comforts of a small resort, including a swimming pool, restaurant and bars, and organized activities such as snorkeling, scuba and weekly boat excursions. Another island outpost is Choppy’s Beach Bungalows, a smaller hotel offering 10 rooms, a restaurant and planned day trips. Both hotels are walking distance from the legendary Anse Source d’Argent beach. There are other restaurants and fruit stalls nearby.
Anse Source D’Argent: Nearby restaurants
Lanboursir
This open beach-restaurant in the Union Estate offers traditional local cuisine, and is the ideal place to enjoy some delicious delicacies. Enjoy freshly-grilled fish, a salad, or one of many other culinary treats with the sand between your toes!
Le Relax Beach House Restaurant
This small hotel, located in the Beach House hotel, offers Creole cuisine, international dishes, and Indian food, as well as a beautiful view of the neighbouring island of Praslin.
Le Repaire (Le Repaire Boutique Hotel)
This Italian restaurant situated in a beautiful tropical garden next to the sea offers authentic Italian cuisine, pizza, pasta, risotto and fish & meat dishes. Don’t forget to leave space for dessert!
The currency on the island is the Seychelles rupee. But you should use foreign currency or a credit card to pay for hotels, transportation and organized tours. For other expenses, you can change money on the island to get local currency.
Sponsored ad.