Deep in the South of Mahé sits this intimate retreat. Perched along the oceanfront, the resort offers direct access to Anse Aux Poules Bleues – the Aquarium of Wonders. Discover 41 sea-facing villas and suites, as well as experiences that span sparkling pools and lush forest treks. Five unique dining venues dazzle daily, from poolside bites to fiery Creole cuisine. Disconnect and dive right into the pure bliss of our wellness spa, overlooking the crystal waters of the bay.
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Spectacular Seychelles: Experience an elevated island escape in a dream destination
The Seychelles are among the most breathtaking islands on the planet, and their pristine beaches and sensational culinary ingredients make for an idyllic getaway. | By Paul Oswell | August 30, 2023
Made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is famed for its natural beauty — from the immaculate beaches to the lush natural forests and scenic marine parks. Vanilla plants and orchids create an alluring tropical ambiance, while the relaxing atmosphere will leave you feeling refreshed. Here are some of our recommendations for making the most of your getaway in the Seychelles:
Bask in nature: Explore the islands’ white-sand beaches, spectacular parks and botanical gardens
Savor cultured cuisine: Local dishes combine fresh seafood and aromatic ingredients with African, Asian and European influences
Eco-friendly exploration: World-class conservation programs amplify environmental efforts and sustainability
Stunning scenery
All along its coast, the main island of Mahé is blessed with gorgeous white-sand beaches. The trade winds and lack of a reef at Anse Intendance beach whip up perfect surfing waves, while calmer waters, panoramic views and cozy beachside bars make Beau Vallon ideal for catching stellar sunsets. The southwest corner of the island boasts its fair share of scenic stretches of sand, too. Nestled in a protected cove, Petite Anse draws beachgoers for its powdery soft sands and memorable views of the rugged coastline, especially at sunset. Another highlight of the Western Coast Road is Anse Soleil, a small, postcard-perfect beach frequented by snorkelers and surfers.
Mahé’s interior is just as spectacular. Trek through palm forests against a backdrop of granite cliffs on the Glacis La Reserve trail, or head up to the National Botanical Garden, which stretches out across five acres on Mont Fleuri. With flora dating back 100 years, this enchanting garden is full of impressive palms, spice and fruit trees, and colorful flowers that go beyond the beach to show a different side of the Seychelles’ natural beauty.
Your concierge at Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts can help you discover Mahé’s many natural wonders by arranging private island excursions that explore everything from the peaks of the north coast to the reefs at Saint-Anne Marine National Park. The resort also offers direct access to the idyllic and secluded beach, Anse Aux Poules Bleues, known locally as the Aquarium of Wonders, while sea-facing villas and suites fully immerse you in this paradise.
Cultured cuisine
With prime access to delicious seafood, it’s little wonder that popular dishes in the Seychelles often include fresh fish prepared simply with chili, ginger, and garlic. Another staple of Seychellois cuisine, and a must-try for visitors, is octopus curry. Prepared with coconut milk, saffron, cinnamon, garlic, ginger and more, this dish is a testament to the African, Asian, and European cultures that have influenced the Seychelles throughout its history.
High-end dining on Mahé also points to this Creole culture, mixing the best of local ingredients with European traditions. Located at scenic Port-Glaud on the west coast of Mahé, Del Place Restaurant serves up Creole tapas and an unmissable red snapper signature dish — all part of the kitchen’s goût de vivre, or flavor of life. With sea views from every table, you’ll enjoy the best of relaxed island life with a sophisticated twist.
For a range of both local and international flavors, including Japanese, Italian and Creole cuisine, explore the five dining outlets at Mango House Seychelles. Savor fresh sushi at Azido and experience flavorful herbs and spices permeating the Creole dishes at Moutya. Many of the ingredients are grown in the resort’s organic garden, including ones used to create the property’s famously refreshing, homemade limoncello.
Eco-friendly exploration
To help preserve the stunning island landscapes, the Seychelles has created a more environmentally conscious tourism industry throughout the archipelago. More than half of the country is officially protected land, resulting in some of the most striking national parks on the planet.
Hire a private guide to help you navigate the glorious 7,000-plus acres (3,000 hectares) of Morne Seychelles National Park, with its mangrove-lined tropical jungles. Tours are taken on foot or by bike, keeping visitors’ carbon footprints to a minimum. Mahé’s Port Launay, the only marine park in the Seychelles accessible by both land and sea, is also worth a visit for its eight stunning beaches. Charter a yacht to explore the coves and ports, or simply lounge around as you gently cruise the blue seas.
For an immersive day of learning about the island’s ocean ecosystems and helping with conservation efforts, your concierge can arrange a day of coral gardening where marine life experts oversee live coral being reintroduced to damaged reefs. Beyond the sustainable organic gardens at Mango House Seychelles, the resort has also implemented a range of other green practices to reduce waste, including replacing plastic bottles with eco-friendly alternatives, and offering in-room guest toiletries such as toothbrushes and razors made from biodegradable bamboo.
Island life doesn’t get more seductive than it is in the Seychelles. Lush forests, secluded beaches, a tropical climate and the scent of vanilla in the air make for a heady, memorable time — and one that you won’t soon forget.
Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.
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