Mahé
Mahé - versatility in its most beautiful facets!
Most of those interested in the Seychelles have probably heard of this Seychelles island. Mahé - also known as the “Ile d'Abondance”, meaning the “island of plenty” - lives up to its name. It is the main island of the Seychelles and offers everything that makes a vacationer's heart beat faster, because hardly any other island is so diverse.
Mahé's dreamy nature extends over almost 155 km². The 8 km wide and 28 km long island is one of the most populated regions in the Seychelles. A total of around 75,000 people live here, in other words that is nine out of ten Seychellois who call Mahé their home. The small capital Victoria is located in the north of the island and around a third of the people live around it. The seat of government and administration of the Seychelles is also located in Victoria. Until the independence of the Seychelles in 1976, the country belonged to Great Britain and was under French influence throughout history and in the course of the first colonization until 1814.
Mahé is the linchpin of the Seychelles and the economic and cultural center. Almost all holidaymakers who visit the dream islands in the Indian Ocean arrive at the international airport on Mahé and stay for a few days or start their onward journey to other islands from here. Many Seychellois also come to Mahé regularly, as most of the shops, offices, trading establishments, schools, medical practices, markets and everything that daily life needs are located here. Described in this way, one might think Mahé is a typical island metropolis, but the exact opposite is the case. Despite the good infrastructure, Mahé has an idyllic character. Endless dream beaches, slopes densely overgrown by primeval rainforests and tropical flair are proof of Mahé's paradisiacal nature.
Vacationers can look forward to a unique landscape formed from imposing granite rocks, which extends from the interior of the island to the coast. It is precisely this unparalleled natural quality that attracts many tourists every year and is one of the main reasons why Mahé should not be missing on any travel route. The island has a wide range of flora and fauna that you can experience up close. The best way to explore nature is on hikes. Designated paths in reserves show the way, past untouched nature, waterfalls and spectacular views. There are countless opportunities to explore Mahé's wilderness, but the most famous hike is in the mountainous Morne Seychellois National Park. The Sans Souci Road leads you through the center of the island, past gigantic trees and dense jungle. When you arrive at the park, you feel like you are in another world. The dense green takes your breath away and you are particularly aware of the diversity of nature. If you want to hike to the top of the highest mountain in the Seychelles - the Morne Seychellois at 905 meters - you should plan at least 5 hours. The viewing platform of the Morne Blanc offers less effort, but an equally breathtaking view. At 667 meters, it is the second highest mountain on the island and from here you have a magnificent view of the west coast of Mahé, the turquoise bays and neighboring islands.
The picturesque nature of Mahé continues on the coast. Long white sandy beaches provide the typical Seychelles vacation picture and panoramas in a class of their own. The dream bays of the island offer many opportunities to enjoy the tropical sun far away from the hustle and bustle and invite you to swim in crystal clear water. The picture-perfect beach Anse Intendance is one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles, perhaps even worldwide, and you can spend the whole day here without ever feeling bored. The white sandy beach is framed on both sides by huge granite rocks. Huge palm trees line the beach and the deep blue, wild sea leaves nothing to be desired. There are countless photo opportunities here and you can pamper yourself with exotic fruits and refreshing drinks at a small bar. The lively main beach of Mahé is the Beau Vallon. Shallow water, fine powdery sand and fantastic views of the neighboring islands of Silhouette and North Island make it the most popular beach on the island for tourists and locals. You can find all kinds of activities here such as boat tours, diving and snorkeling trips and there are many restaurants and bars. Especially in the evenings, the area shows its best side, because here you have the perfect view of the sunset. Once a week, always on Wednesdays from 7 p.m., there is a lively market, which gives visitors a great insight into Creole culture and is ideal for street food and souvenir shopping.
In addition to rest and relaxation in fairytale nature, Mahé also offers an interesting cultural offer. Above all, a visit to the smallest capital in the world, Victoria, is an absolute highlight. Dotted with colorful houses, the city exudes a Caribbean flair. The streets are not as heavily built up as you might know from other capitals and since most of the houses are not built very high, you have a great view of the distant sea and the surrounding rainforests. There is a lot of hustle and bustle on the streets, there is something to see and experience everywhere, but by no means does one have a crowded cityscape. At the central Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market, you can taste the exotic range of foods and fruits, buy spices and all kinds of souvenirs and have nice conversations with the locals. A few minutes' walk from the market is the impressive Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple. The colorful roof of the Hindu church is one of the most photographed attractions in Mahé. Just as popular with visitors is the famous clock tower, which is only a few hundred meters away on Independence Avenue and is the symbol of the island capital.
Even outside of the capital, vacationers can look forward to a variety of activities. The most popular attractions include the Jardin du Roi, a botanical garden and historical spice plantation in the midst of nature and with sweeping views of the sea. The ruins of the former Mission Lodge in the north of Mahé are also a popular destination with a dream view. Visitors also get an insight into the history of the Seychelles and at the same time they are a memorial for the liberation of slaves on the islands. Almost directly next door is the Seychelles Tea Factory, where you can take a guided tour through the oldest tea factory in the Seychelles followed by a tea tasting with an impressive view. The Seychelles are famous for their rum - if that doesn't mean anything, you should pay a visit to the rum distillery "Trois Frères". The famous Seychelles rum takamaka is made here and those who take a tour can visit the various stages of rum production and, at the end, taste a selection of different types. The artificially created Eden Island offers an exciting alternative to beaches and nature. With its luxurious boutiques and the exclusive marina, it represents a skilful contrast to the usual landscape of the Seychelles. Important cultural and artistic institutions such as the Creole Institute or Le Domaine de Val des Près, provide further insights into the history and handicrafts of the Seychelles and are definitely worth a visit.
Let yourself be enchanted by Mahé's diverse wealth and discover the countless holiday options on the island. Contact us today and receive your own personal travel offer tailored to your individual needs. We look forward to making your Seychelles dream come true!
Our accommodations on Mahè
Seychelles, Mahè
There is a place that invigorates your senses and inspires your spirit - a place where you will find yourself: Far away from everyday life and directly on the pristine Anse Louis is the exclusive MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa - a diamond among luxury hotels this world. The 30 villas in Asian design offer every imaginable luxury, either with a breathtaking view over the paradisiacal bay and the sea or located directly on the beach. Your personal villa host will read your every wish from your eyes. You will find exclusive relaxation in the MAIA Spa amid tropical vegetation and typical granite rocks.
Seychelles, Mahè
The Hanneman Holiday Residence is an elegant boutique, self-catering establishment. It consists of 7 spacious self-catering apartments with all amenities, including air-conditioned bedrooms with private bathrooms and private terraces. equipped kitchen with dishwasher; Dining area; Washing machine; Satellite TV lounge; Private open-air terrace with seating and dining area, WiFi and telephone. Perfect location for families and friends
Seychelles, Mahè
The new and exotic self-catering villas invite you to an unforgettable stay in beautiful nature. Located directly on the beautiful and private dream beach Anse aux Poules Bleues on Mahé, they create the perfect atmosphere to immerse yourself in the tropical world of the Seychelles. The 8 units with a heavenly communal pool offer individual privacy, comfortable and modern furnishings and wonderful sea views from almost every room. Enjoy peace and relaxation in an exclusive location and be inspired by the breathtaking view.
Opening expected in July 2021.