3 TOP Areas Where to Stay in Seychelles (+Prices)

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A vibrant aerial view of an island resort, showcasing red-roofed villas surrounded by turquoise waters and multiple small harbors.

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:

Here’s a map of the Seychelles and the best places to stay that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Mahe – best place to stay in Seychelles for the first time

A stunning aerial view of a coastal resort with red-roofed villas surrounded by turquoise water, with a small island in the distance.

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.

Street scene showing pedestrians walking past a colorful two-story building with shops on the ground floor and a car parked in front. A clear blue sky is in the background.

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!

Luxury hotel

Constance Ephelia

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

Mid-Range

Sailfish Beach Villas

A short distance away from Anse Louis Beach, these villas offer sea or mountain views, air conditioning, and free parking

Budget

Western Ocean Breeze

Situated near Port Glaud Beach, this spacious apartment features a balcony, 2 bedrooms, and 2 full baths

Airbnb

RedCoconut

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:

A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Seychelles: a cozy living room with wicker furniture, a bright bedroom with a canopy bed, and a view of a tropical resort with a large outdoor pool.

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

A pristine beach with turquoise water, backed by lush green hills and small buildings nestled among the trees, under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

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.

Luxury hotel

Story

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

Mid-Range

Lemongrass Lodge

Within walking distance of Beau Vallon Beach, this lodge offers air-conditioned accommodations with a patio and access to a garden

Budget

La Maison Hibiscus

Great place to stay in Beau Vallon on a budget, offering family rooms, free parking, and Wi-Fi

Airbnb

D&M Holiday

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

An ornate, colorful temple set against a backdrop of lush green mountains, with intricate carvings and statues adorning its facade.

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

Mid-Range

Hilltop Boutique Hotel

Enjoy a fruity breakfast at this hotel that has a garden and a terrace and offers activities like hiking

Budget

Garden Hut

This recently renovated property is close to Turtle Bay Beach and features a garden, plus provides airport transfers

Airbnb

Private Home

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

A secluded beach with white sand, large granite boulders, and lush greenery, with clear blue water stretching to the horizon.

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!

Luxury hotel

Constance Lemuria

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

mid-range

Colibri Hotel

This 3-star hotel offers rooms with sea views, access to an outdoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast

budget

Villa Rafia

A budget-friendly villa where you can rent rooms and studios with private entrances, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi access

airbnb

Veuve Noire Beach

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.

A picturesque beach scene with turquoise water, gentle waves, and large rocks along the shore, framed by lush green hills.

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)

3. La Digue – where to stay in Seychelles for couples

Aerial view of a lush green island surrounded by clear blue water, with scattered buildings along the coastline and several boats near the shore.

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!

Luxury hotel

Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie

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!