When you imagine a stay at the Seychelles, you probably think of newly married couples and expensive resorts. And yes, that image is partly correct. The density of five-star hotels per square meter is one of the highest in the world and the environment is so paradisiacal that it also attracts many honeymooners. At the same time, it is also a very suitable destination for a family holiday where the sky is not the limit in terms of budget. Before we highlight this option, however, a bit of worth knowing about this beautiful country.
Austronesians native to Borneo may have inhabited the Seychelles between A.D. 200 and 300 before finally settling on Madagascar. Arab traders knew the islands but never colonized them. These Arabs traded in nuts of the famous ‘coco de mer’ that can only be found in the Seychelles. The Seychelles were rediscovered in 1501 by Vasco da Gama. Between 1756 and 1794, the islands were under French administration and under Mauritius. At the beginning of the 18th century, the pirate Levasseur hid here for a while. Explorer Picault mapped out the main islands and named them Iles de la Bourdonnais, in honour of Mahé de La Bourdonnais, governor of Mauritius back then. In 1756, the French named the islands after Jean Moreau de Séchelles, the finance minister under Louis XV. Hereafter the archipelago came into British hands and in 1814 it officially became a British colony. Many freed slaves came to live in the Seychelles. The islands have been popular holiday destinations for the (British) elite since the 19th century.
One of the stunning little islands of the Seychelles
The Seychelles consist of 115 islands. These are spread over an area of 400,000 km² of sea, and classified into two groups. The Central Group, also known as the Granite Islands, is where most of the population lives, and this is where most tourists go. This includes the islands with the granite formations so typical for the Seychelles. The main island is Mahé; it’s the largest with only 154.7 km². Besides Mahé the main islands are Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette. To the north are two more islands, sometimes separately referred to as the Northern Coral Group.
So, after this introduction let’s get back to where to stay in the Seychelles in case your budget is not unlimited. Villa Koket is a self catering accommodation and we are having an amazing time here. The owners are a local family, running a complex of 8 newly built modern apartments located on the northern coast of Mahe in a quiet surrounding in the village of Northeast Point.
Time to relax
The rooms are beautiful, spacious, and exceptionally clean. We are given two sea view rooms on the first floor which have everything you need. Gas stove, microwave, toaster, pots, kettle, cutlery- it is all there, so if you choose to cook by yourself, you are well provided. There is AC present in the bedrooms and a windmill in the main room. Every apartment has a terrace with sun loungers, fresh towels in the bathrooms, a small table with chairs in main room, internet available 24/7, TV, a very comfortable bed, money safe, etc. The whole villa area is fenced so it feels very safe. There’s an outdoor BBQ for the guests to use. The pool is genuinely nice with an outdoor shower which is handy when coming back from the beach. One of the biggest pluses is that the owners provide us with four massive beach towels (in addition to the towels in the bathroom) that we use every single day, also for our days to the beaches nearby.
The rooms are cleaned every day and anything we need or ask for is provided. We have a magnificent view of the sea and are within walking distance to the beach. At night, it is just priceless to have a drink at the balcony, looking at the ocean, and listening to the waves crash. There is a nice supermarket just a 5-minute walk away. We particularly like the ‘at home’ feel of our apartment. Although all apartments are self-catered you have the option of a daily breakfast.
The beach in front of Villa Koket is beautiful, but not the best one for swimming on Mahe. You might see little crabs on the stones besides. And our girls really love to challenge the waves in the evening.
Owner Brian helped us to rent a car during our stay which was most helpful as you need a car to get around the island easily. And let’s be honest: instead of staying your time on a luxury resort, it’s really nice to explore the island and its people. And we find that the locals are friendly and generally helpful and courteous. The everyday pace of life is much slower than back home and we enjoy it every minute.
With our car we go out every day. To start with, of course, to discover the beautiful beaches of the island. There are around forty, so where do you put your towel? The entire west coast of Mahé is a succession of outrageously beautiful 'anses' or beaches in the Seychellois. Some beaches may be more spectacular than others. The most famous beach is Beau Vallon beach. This ‘heaven of sand’ is in the north-western part of the island and is above all very cosy. From a touristic point of view, the beach and surrounding area is very developed. There are many facilities, and it is bursting with accommodations, so it is also quite busy. North you will find Sunset Beach, known for its beautiful sunsets, but we are truly impressed by the variety of fishes we find while snorkeling here.
Down under
On the east side you will also find a series of fantastic, more quiet beaches. From Petition Anse, Anse Major, Anse Soleil and Anse lazaire; just the drive along the coast to the beaches is beautiful. Meander along the roads under a roof of green palms and go from beach to beach. Park the car near your beach of choice and plop down. The sunlight reflects in the azure blue water and on the snow-white sandy beach, so you can really use a good pair of sunglasses.
Close to the highlights mentioned above is the picturesque Cape Lazare or Pebbles cove (next to Anse Lazare). Lazare Beach is named after the mentioned explorer Picault. According to legend, he 'discovered' the beach in 1742. This small and fine bay is an ideal family beach. Small children can play endlessly here, there is no strong wave current and the beach is extremely clear.
With all those great beaches you would almost forget that the island of Mahé is also an Eldorado for the hiker. We ourselves walk the Copolia trail in the Morne Seychellois National Park located in the north-western corner of the island. Very popular with tourists and locals alike, this trail is one of the most popular ecotourism activities the country has to offer. Most tourists visit the trail mainly because of the spectacular view. From the top of the mountain one can see the Seychelles International Airport as well as the Ste Anne Marine Park and the entire east coast. In short, a truly breath-taking view! The Morne Seychellois is with its 905 meters height not only the highest point of the island, but also the highest point of the archipelago.
WOW
# If you are looking for a very well maintained, clean and friendly little place which is not a luxury resort but offers great relaxation, and you are fine with renting a car and exploring other options for lunch/dinner (not on site), then look no more.
# Villa Koket is, one of few places where you can still enjoy tranquillity and serenity. All apartments are designed to offer a high level of comfort and have self catering facilities.
# We honestly don't believe you could find a better deal on Mahé in Seychelles!
