Victoria Lupascu 
If you’re heading to the Seychelles, you’re probably looking for an island where you can spend your days sunbathing, swimming, and drinking cocktails on the beach! But since this exotic archipelago consists of over 115 islands sitting off the coast of East Africa, it’s important to know where to stay in Seychelles – this is where I come in!
To make your search easier, I compared all the Seychelles islands and highlighted the 3 best islands for your stay. Better yet, I singled out some private islands and the top-rated resorts for a honeymoon – you’ll find those in the bonus section!
The best place in Seychelles to stay on your first visit is Mahe, the largest island, where you’ll find amazing beaches and the best Seychelles hotels!
I also selected the best hotels and resorts in each price category for each of the islands I recommend. And even though the islands don’t receive as many tourists as other tropical destinations, I highly recommend booking your Seychelles hotel in advance, as the best ones are always quick to sell out!
Ready to explore the stunning Seychelles?
Let’s go!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Eager to book your stay? Here’s a list of the best hotels in Seychelles, all located in Mahe:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Mahe – best place to stay in Seychelles for the first time
- 2. Praslin – where to stay in Seychelles for nature lovers
- 3. La Digue – where to stay in Seychelles for couples
- BONUS: Best private islands for staying in Seychelles
- BONUS 2: Romantic resorts in Seychelles for honeymooners
- FAQ about where to stay in the Seychelles
- Final words on best places to stay in Seychelles
Here’s a map of the Seychelles and the best places to stay that I will be talking about in this post:
- Mahe: for first-timers
- Praslin: for nature lovers
- La Digue: for couples
1. Mahe – best place to stay in Seychelles for the first time
Grab your sunglasses and a hat. We’re embarking on a trip around Mahe, the biggest island in the Seychelles Archipelago and, most likely, the starting point for your trip. This vibrant island is the best place to stay in Seychelles if you’re traveling for the first time, as it offers the perfect combination of pristine beaches and cultural attractions.
Most of the Seychelles population lives in Mahe, which is also home to the capital city and an international airport. However, Mahe Island is not as busy as you would think. The population is still pretty low, so no need to worry about the crowds.
Mahe is home to some of the best beaches in Seychelles, like Anse Intendance (map), Petite Anse (map), and Anse Royale Beach (map), as well as some beaches on the North of the island – more on this later.
However, there’s more to what Mahe has to offer; the rainforests and mountains make this island a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Popular hiking spots on the island are the Morne Seychelles National Park (map), where you’ll discover many scenic trails and panoramic views of the ocean, and the hike to the Sauzier Waterfall (map).
But don’t think the fun ends here! I’d also recommend going for a ride on the Semi-Submarine Seychelles and visiting the Takamaka Rum Distillery (map), where you can learn more about the history of rum-making in the Seychelles.
TIP: Alcohol in the Seychelles can be quite expensive, especially if you’re drinking in restaurants and bars. Shops are more affordable, but still, spirits are quite expensive – I recommend getting some drinks from duty-free shops!
If you’re wondering how you’re going to explore all of these attractions, I have an answer for you – renting a car! This is the best way to explore the island – public transport is not that great, and the distances are too vast to walk. Getting a car means you can explore the different beaches all over the island without being restricted to the bus schedule!
You’ll see below that I will go into detail about two of the main towns on Mahe Island: Beau Vallon and Victoria and provide hotel recommendations for each. However, Mahe has plenty to offer outside of 2 towns – both in terms of attractions and accommodations.
If you’d like to stay somewhere more peaceful and avoid the towns, you should consult my recommendations for Mahe hotels outside of Beau Vallon and Victoria. But if you’re looking for more urban and touristy spots, you’ll find all the info (and recs) in the next 2 sections of this post.
NOTE: All of the Seychelles islands are stunning, so it’s very difficult to choose which one to pick for your stay. Luckily, they’re all a short ferry ride away from each other, and you can visit all of them. But many people decide to split their stay among the 3 islands – if you’re having trouble choosing, this is a great option for you, too!
Surrounded by hillside views and dreamy white sand beaches, this resort on the main island looks breathtaking! Enjoy your morning coffee in the private garden of your villa while admiring the views of the Indian Ocean. Then head for a quick dip in the outdoor swimming pool or for a massage at the spa!
Other accommodation options in Mahe
A short distance away from Anse Louis Beach, these villas offer sea or mountain views, air conditioning, and free parking
Situated near Port Glaud Beach, this spacious apartment features a balcony, 2 bedrooms, and 2 full baths
Soak up in the sun and admire the ocean views by the pool of this villa with a great backyard
Mahe is a pretty big island, so if you’ve missed your chance at any of the hotels above, here are 3 more great options in every price range, listed from most to least expensive:
- Kempinski ($$$) – breakfasts on the beach followed by super relaxing sessions at the spa center. Then head to the pool or maybe the beach and swim all day long!
- Crown Beach ($$) – Enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony of your room at this great hotel that has an a la carte restaurant and an outdoor pool.
- La Villa Therese ($) – feel at home in these well-equipped apartments near Anse Royale Beach. The accommodation also offers BBQ facilities and a garden.
1.1 Beau Vallon – where to stay in Seychelles for beach lovers
On the Northern tip of Mahe Island, you’ll find Beau Vallon, famous for its beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear waters. But not just that, fans of scuba diving and snorkeling also come here as the underwater world is pretty fascinating, so expect a lively atmosphere and a good time!
Beau Vallon Beach (map) is one of the most popular beaches on the island, so you can spend your days swimming and sunbathing, or you can rent snorkeling and diving equipment from Dive Seychelles (map) and explore the coral reefs and the marine life.
TIP: Every Wednesday, Beau Vallon Beach hosts a market featuring live music and food stalls selling local dishes – don’t miss it if you happen to be here on Wednesday evening!
Besides the beach, Beau Vallon has quite a few hotels (the best ones are featured below) and many restaurants where you can enjoy a meal after a long day at the beach.
NOTE: You can only rent snorkeling gear in certain spots, so head to reputable shops (like the one recommended above) for gear rentals.
I’m such a big fan of wooden furniture and designs! You’ll find lots of that in this resort in the Seychelles that’s set on the beach and among the lush greenery! The modern villas come with an outdoor seating area where you can relax all day and private pools so no one can disturb you!
Other accommodation options in Beau Vallon
Within walking distance of Beau Vallon Beach, this lodge offers air-conditioned accommodations with a patio and access to a garden
Great place to stay in Beau Vallon on a budget, offering family rooms, free parking, and Wi-Fi
Sunbathe by the pool or on the terrace of this great place that has air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi
1.2 Victoria – best part of Seychelles to stay for culture
Your Seychelles trip doesn’t have to be just about beaches and nature! Victoria, the capital city located in the North of Mahe Island, is a great place to explore the archipelago’s culture and history. This bustling city is also a great place to do some island hopping with the ferry from here.
While in Victoria, you shouldn’t miss the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market (map), a colorful market and a great spot to get souvenirs from your trip or some fresh produce – I recommend getting some freshly caught fish.
You should also check out the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (map), a Hindu Temple, and the Victoria Clock Tower (map), one of the most well-known historical landmarks.
The Victoria Botanical Gardens are another must-visit in the area, home to giant tortoises, palm trees, and more! And if you want to visit the island of La Digue and Praslin, Cat Cocos provides daily ferry services from July to December – more info here.
If you don’t feel like driving on your vacation, Victoria is the ideal spot for you – most of the attractions are within walking distance, so you can easily explore the city on foot.
There are no luxury hotels in Victoria, but if you have your heart set on booking a super fancy place, I recommend Story, a luxury resort in Beau Vallon, which is just 2 miles (3 km) away from Victoria.
Other accommodation options in Victoria
Enjoy a fruity breakfast at this hotel that has a garden and a terrace and offers activities like hiking
This recently renovated property is close to Turtle Bay Beach and features a garden, plus provides airport transfers
Admire the sea views from the balcony of this house that has room for 2 guests and a kitchen
Things to do in Mahe
- Visit the stunning beaches – Anse Intendance, Petite Anse, and Anse Royale Beach
- Hike around Morne Seychelles National Park and up to the Sauzier Waterfall
- Go for a ride on the Semi-Submarine Seychelles
- Learn about the history of rum-making at the Takamaka Rum Distillery
- Try snorkeling on Beau Vallon Beach
- Buy some souvenirs and fresh produce at Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
- Check out the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple and the Victoria Clock Tower
- Explore the Victoria Botanical Gardens
- Hop on a ferry to La Digue or Praslin
2. Praslin – where to stay in Seychelles for nature lovers
Welcome to the 2nd largest island in Seychelles! Praslin perfectly combines all of the aspects that the other 2 islands offer: beaches and nature. Praslin is a very serene island and a great spot to explore the flora and fauna of the archipelago. The island is situated Northwest of Mahe – just 1h away by ferry.
The palm-fringed beaches like Anse Georgette (map) and Anse Lazio (map) and the stunning nature attract people from all over the world! Praslin is just like one of those places in the movies – the island’s center is filled with trees and mountainous landscapes, while the edges are made of beautiful beaches.
One of the best ways to explore the Seychelles Islands, especially Praslin and La Digue, is to rent a bike and start exploring each corner. Of course, you can also hike, and with all the trails and jungles here, you should certainly do that, too! If you decide to rent a bike, there are a couple of places where you can do so – here and here!
The Vallée de Mai National Park (map) should be your top priority. It has waterfalls and many unique animal species, such as birds and turtles. I also suggest going for a trek through Fond Ferdinand (map), a palm forest, and hiking the Mont Plaisir to Anse Georgette Nature Trail (map).
NOTE: Praslin has a small domestic airport that accommodates flights from Mahe; Air Seychelles offers daily flights from Mahe to Praslin (and vice versa), and the flight takes only 15 minutes!
Ever heard of the lost land of Lemuria? This resort may not come from there, but it sure does it justice! At sunset, you can enjoy a nice dinner near those peculiarly shaped rocks (so Lemurian) and admire the views. Featuring a 3 leveled pool, a spa center, and modern villas, this hotel is a keeper!
Other accommodation options in Praslin
This 3-star hotel offers rooms with sea views, access to an outdoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast
A budget-friendly villa where you can rent rooms and studios with private entrances, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi access
Enjoy your stay in Seychelles at this accommodation that has a private terrace and a pool
For most tourists, Praslin is the second choice after Mahe, so it can get busy at times. If you’ve missed your chance at one of the hotels above, I’ve made another list with some more unique options:
- MC Self Catering ($) – a self-catering apartment offering access to a terrace, air-conditioned rooms, and barbecue facilities.
- Paradise Sun Hotel ($$$) – this fantastic resort offers live music performances and themed nights, table tennis, and breakfast and dinner included in the price.
- Anse Kerlan Beach Chalets ($$) – a beachfront guest house with an outdoor dining area overlooking the sea, offering car rentals and free parking.
Things to do in Praslin
- Bask on the beaches of Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio
- Spot cute birds in Vallée de Mai National Park
- Embark on a boat tour to Curieuse & St. Pierre
- Admire the panoramic views from Fond Ferdinand
- Hike the Mont Plaisir to Anse Georgette Nature Trail
- Spend a relaxing day on Cote D’Or Beach (map)
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3. La Digue – where to stay in Seychelles for couples
This is the 3rd-largest island in the Seychelles Archipelago, but oh my, it’s SO beautiful! Located Northwest of Mahe (1h 45 mins by ferry) and West of Praslin (a 20-min ferry ride), La Digue is one of the best areas to stay in Seychelles if you’re planning a romantic getaway, with its peculiarly shaped rocks and relaxed atmosphere!
La Digue is a pretty secluded island (I love that). There is no airport, just a few vehicles and most visitors come by ferry from Praslin. The atmosphere is so lovely here, super laid-back, that you’ll feel like sunbathing on the beautiful beaches all day long with your partner. Make sure to snap a picture at sunset, you’ll want to remember this one!
Now that we’ve moved to the beach chapter, I think it’s the right time to stay so that you’ll find some of the best beaches on this island! Anse Source D’Argent (map) and Anse Cocos (map) are just some of the famous beaches that stole the hearts of many tourists, recognizable for those peculiar rocks!
FUN FACT: Anse Source D’Argent is the most photographed beach in the world! This beach has also been called the ‘Garden of Eden,’ and it’s considered to be the world’s best beach!
Just like Mahe Island, this place also has lush forests that you can explore all day long. You can hike, as there are many trails, walk, or do what most people do: rent a bicycle so you can easily check off all the spots on your things to do in the Seychelles list!
You should also visit L’Union Estate Farm (map), a colonial coconut plantation, try some local food at Chez Jules Restaurant (map), or take the ferry to Mahe or Praslin!
Spend a romantic evening by the infinity pool or in the hot tub during your stay in this beachfront resort. Each room has its minibar and a balcony from where you can admire the views, and the resort also organizes live music shows!
Other accommodation options in La Digue
This lovely guest house provides a shuttle service, bike rentals, access to a shared lounge, and a delicious complimentary breakfast
The units at the apartment complex are air-conditioned, and guests get access to free Wi-Fi and parking
Perfect for a romantic getaway, this secluded villa has a backyard, a kitchen and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in La Digue
- Take many pictures on Anse Source D’Argent Beach
- Relax and sip on a cocktail at Anse Cocos Beach
- Go on a guided tour to Anse Marron and other hidden gems
- Visit the L’Union Estate Farm
- Sample the local food at Chez Jules Restaurant
- Swim in the bluest waters at Grand Anse Beach (map)
- Hop on a ferry to Mahe or Praslin
- Grab a drink at Bikini Bottom (map) and catch a stunning sunset
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$350 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$200 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$120 |
| 📍 Best area: | Mahe |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Constance Ephelia |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Sailfish Beach Villas |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Western Ocean Breeze |
BONUS: Best private islands for staying in Seychelles
One of the best (and most lavish) ways to enjoy the Seychelles is by staying on a private island. There are quite a few private islands in the Seychelles archipelago, so I handpicked the 3 best private islands and listed the upscale resort where you can stay on each island!
- Desroches Island: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles – for your stay on Desroches Island, the Four Seasons is the ideal choice, providing spa and wellness services, a year-round outdoor pool, and 3 on-site restaurants. S$3000, and they’re listed from most to least expensive:
- North Island: North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort – stay on the tiny, lush North Island at the villas dotted along the island’s untouched beaches. Each villa was handcrafted from wood and provides ultimate privacy and upscale amenities.
- Denis Island: Denis Private Island Seychelles – a small and serene island, Denis hosts a resort offering beachfront cottages, an outdoor pool, and various water sports facilities.
BONUS 2: Romantic resorts in Seychelles for honeymooners
There’s nothing like a honeymoon on a secluded beach at a romantic resort, right? Seychelles has long been a top destination for honeymooners who are looking for a private island getaway. Even the royal family thinks so!
FUN FACT: Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, spent their honeymoon in the Seychelles.
So, if you’re planning your honeymoon or a romantic trip, take a look at the list below, featuring the best luxury resorts for an extra special getaway:
- Anantara Maia Luxury Resort – soak up your own private infinity pool at this luxurious resort on Anse Louis Beach, then continue your honeymoon with some massage treatments and tropical flower baths.
- Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa – enjoy a luxurious stay at this beachfront Beau Vallon resort, where you can spend a relaxing day at the spa, order room service, or have a romantic dinner at one of the 3 restaurants on-site.
- Raffles Seychelles – at this romantic Praslin resort, couples can start the day with a tasty and free breakfast, work out side-by-side in the fitness center while enjoying a stunning view, and unwind in the spa.
- Four Seasons Resort Seychelles –this resort is near Petite Anse Beach and offers spa services, villas with private pools, and delicious food. Put on your swimsuits and head over to the pool, get some cocktails, and enjoy an epic sunset.
- Acajou Beach Resort – just steps away from Anse Volbert Cote D’Or Beach on Praslin Island, this resort has dedicated honeymoon packages that includes a bottle of sparkling wine and discounts on many of the offered services.
FAQ about where to stay in the Seychelles
🤔 Which part of Seychelles is best to stay in?
When visiting the Seychelles, the best place to stay is the island of Mahe, with its pristine beaches, lush nature, and amazing accommodations like the Constance Ephelia and Sailfish Beach Villas.
👨👩👦👦 Where to stay in Seychelles with family?
The ideal spot for a family stay in the Seychelles is Mahe, the largest island in the archipelago, offering a wide variety of family-friendly activities. However, I also recommend island hopping on your family vacation and visiting all 3 major islands: Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
💑 Where to stay in Seychelles for couples and those on a honeymoon?
The top spot for a couples getaway to the Seychelles is La Digue, with its beautiful beaches and great hotels like Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie and Calou Guest House. For a honeymoon, check out the Anantara Maia Luxury Resort on Mahe and Raffles Seychelles on Praslin.
💰 Are there budget-friendly accommodations in the Seychelles?
Yes. Each of the islands has some great budget accommodations – Western Ocean Breeze on Mahe, Villa Rafia on Praslin, and Chez Mera on La Digue Island.
🏖️ Which island has the best beaches in Seychelles?
Mahe hosts some of the most impressive beaches in the Seychelles, including Beau Vallon Beach, Anse Major, and Anse Intendance.
📅 What is the best month to visit Seychelles?
The best time to visit Seychelles is from April to May or between October and November. During these periods, the weather is drier and less windy, and the temperatures are quite enjoyable.
🌞 What is the typical weather in Seychelles in summer?
The summer temperatures in Seychelles average around 27-30°C (81-86°F) and are accompanied by occasional short-lived tropical showers.
⏳ How many days are enough in Seychelles?
The perfect amount of time to spend in the Seychelles is 10 to 14 days. This should give you enough time to explore all of the islands, relax on the beautiful beaches, and try some water sports.
Final words on best places to stay in Seychelles
Are you ready to travel to the Seychelles? Hopefully, my guide on where to stay in the Seychelles was helpful for planning your vacation, and you’ve already decided which island and hotel are the perfect choice for your trip.
In case you’re having a hard time trying to decide which accommodation to pick, here are my top 2 favorite hotels in Seychelles, both located in Mahe:
- Constance Ephelia – an upscale resort with a private beach, 2 swimming pools, and 5 restaurants
- Sailfish Beach Villas – comfortable beachfront villas providing access to high-speed Wi-Fi and free parking
You’ll need a few months (at least) to plan this holiday, so I highly recommend booking your accommodations in advance to enjoy a stay at a top-rated hotel at the best price!
In case you have any other questions about what is the best place to stay in Seychelles, leave me a comment below – I’ll make sure to answer super fast!
Enjoy your stay,
Victoria
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