If you’re like me and arrived in Seychelles without your own private helicopter, this guide is exactly what you need.
Most first-time visitors go for the classic island combo: Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue — the top three out of Seychelles’ 115 paradise islands.
Mahé is the largest and most convenient island for exploring Seychelles. It’s located in the Indian Ocean and officially part of Africa (fun fact: Seychelles is closer to Madagascar than mainland Africa).
So, where should you stay on Mahé? Which areas offer good value without draining your travel budget, and where can you enjoy your dream honeymoon without worrying about your bank account?
In this guide, I’ll share our personal experience, the best areas to stay, useful tips, and real traveler insights — to help you find the perfect place, whether you’re an independent explorer or a couple looking for romantic vibes.
Accommodation Options on Mahé: What’s Available?
There are no hostels or dormitories with bunk beds here. On Mahé and other Seychelles islands, your options fall into three main categories:
1. Luxury Hotels
Resorts with prices starting from several hundred dollars per night, going up to thousands. Think private villas, beachside restaurants, helicopter transfers, and stunning grounds. But remember, all beaches in Seychelles are public, even the ones next to five-star hotels.
If luxury is your thing — go for it! I’ll list some great options later.
2. Mid-range Hotels
Priced around a few hundred dollars per night. If you prefer hotel comfort but don’t want to splurge, this is your choice.
Pro tip: I noticed that many disappointed reviews on Seychelles accommodations come from tourists who booked mid-range hotels without understanding what they were paying for. This is especially common among package tour travelers.
3. Self-Catering Apartments and Villas
This is the most popular option among independent travelers. These are fully equipped apartments or villas, usually with a kitchen, balcony or terrace, and often a sea view.
Typical size: 70–100 m², but you can also find smaller options (25–40 m²) with compact kitchens.
Prices: $70–150 per night on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.
Even travelers who could afford luxury often choose self-catering apartments for the freedom and local experience. Hosts usually help with car rentals, airport transfers, and excursions.
Important: All Seychelles beaches are public. Even if you’re not staying in a five-star resort, you can access any beach — just check in at the reception or let the security guard know you’re visiting the beach.
Also, if you’re looking for pure luxury and perfection, the Maldives might be more your style. Seychelles is about nature, beaches, and freedom.
Where to Stay on Mahé: Area Guide
Looking at the map, the capital Victoria is in the north, along with the popular Beau Vallon Beach and the port. The international airport is on the east coast.
I recommend focusing on the south and southwest parts of the island. Why?
- The best beaches are there.
- More beautiful, quiet villas.
- Less crowded, more nature.
The northern areas (around Beau Vallon) are more popular with package tourists who want to stay close to buses, shops, and walkable beaches.
Here are the best areas to stay on Mahé, listed north to south:
- Victoria & Eden Island
- Beau Vallon
- West Coast
- Takamaka
- Sainte Anne Marine Park
Victoria & Eden Island
Victoria is Seychelles’ tiny capital, located on the east coast. It’s worth a short visit for the local market, Hindu temple, and the famous Victoria Clock Tower.
Buses from Victoria can take you to most beaches on the island. But this area is mainly for business travelers or short city stays.
Eden Island is an artificial island with a yacht marina, shopping center, and luxury hotels. It’s beautiful but lacks that wild, tropical feel.
My advice: visit both places for a few hours but stay elsewhere for a better beach experience.
Beau Vallon
Beau Vallon is the most famous and popular beach area on Mahé, especially for package tourists.
Pros:
- Long, curved beach with turquoise water (though the sand is more yellow than the classic Seychelles white).
- Lots of beach bars, street food, and live music.
- Great public transport connections.
Beau Vallon is perfect for travelers who don’t rent a car and want budget-friendly accommodation close to the beach.
Personally, we found it too crowded and noisy, even in February (low season). If you’re dreaming of postcard-style beaches — keep heading south!
👉 Find hotels and guesthouses in Beau Vallon >>
West Coast
The west coast is less touristy and more scenic. It has fewer facilities but way more beauty and peaceful beaches.
It’s perfect if you love wild beaches, nature, and hiking.
Top beaches on the west coast:
- Grand Anse
- Anse Takamaka
- Port Glaud Beach
- Petite Anse
Great places to stay:
- Port Glaud
- Petite Anse
- Port Launay
👉 Search for hotels, villas, and apartments on Mahé’s west coast >>
Takamaka
Takamaka isn’t just a famous local coconut rum — it’s also a fantastic, quiet area in the south of Mahé.
Why we loved it:
- Easy to reach the best beaches by car.
- Stunning ocean views from hillside villas.
- Super peaceful and far from the busy northern spots.
Perfect for those who rent a car, love silence, and want an authentic tropical vibe.
We stayed in Takamaka for a week. There are yoga retreats, exclusive hotels, and plenty of lush green villas.
👉 Check out available accommodations in Takamaka >>
Sainte Anne Marine Park
If you can, try to stay here at least for a night or two. If not — definitely take a day trip.
Sainte Anne Marine Park is an incredible protected area near Victoria, famous for its crystal-clear waters and amazing snorkeling.
The park covers six islands, but accommodation is available on just two of them.
Top luxury stay: JA Enchanted Island Resort on Round Island (Ile Ronde) — perfect for honeymoons or romantic getaways.
Day tours are available from Victoria, most hotels, guesthouses, or even from street tour agencies — just ask your host or at the hotel reception.
Our Stay on Mahé
We rented a car at the airport and stayed in the village of Takamaka, in the island’s south, not far from the botanical garden and just 10–15 minutes by car from the most beautiful beaches.
Our villa: Residence Monte-Cristo — spacious, ocean view, perfect for 2–4 people. It was quiet, local, and incredibly comfortable. During our entire stay, we didn’t meet a single tourist, just super friendly locals.
If you’re renting a car — highly recommend. Walking from the beach is tough (it’s up on a hill), but driving is super easy. There’s parking, a local shop nearby, fresh fish sold right on the beach, a tropical garden, pool, ocean view, washing machine, and a great kitchen. It’s also perfect for long stays.
If you stay as a family or a group of four — the price per person is incredibly reasonable.
Recommended Hotels & Apartments on Mahé
Luxury
- Anantara Maia Villas — Anse Boileau, west coast
- JA Enchanted Island Resort — private island in Sainte Anne Marine Park
- Hilton Northolme Resort — Beau Vallon Beach, north Mahé
- Constance Ephelia — Port Glaud area, west coast, amazing beach and great value
Mid-range
- Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay — Beau Vallon village and bay
- Bliss Boutique Hotel — Glacis Beach, north of Beau Vallon
- Coral Strand — Beau Vallon Bay, beachfront hotel with ocean-view balconies
- Eden Bleu — Eden Island, near Victoria
Budget (Self-Catering)
- Vallonend Beachfront Villa — Bel Ombre village, walking distance to Beau Vallon Beach
- East Horizon Self Catering — near Au Cap village, east coast, 10 min from the airport
- Precious Residence — Grand Anse village, west coast
- Residence Monte-Cristo — Takamaka village, south Mahé, great base to explore the whole island
Useful Travel Resources for Seychelles
✈️ Flights: Aviasales
🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com
🚘 Car Rental: Localrent
🛍️ Travel Insurance: Hotline Finance (Ukraine)
