What to do when on holiday in the Seychelles?

Once your aircraft starts its descent into the Seychelles International Airport you will be in awe at the most amazing diversity in landscapes. On one side of you is the pristine Indian Ocean on the other is the granitic mountain ranges and lush green vegetation and this is the start of your Seychelles island dream...

The Seychelles is by far one of the most breath taking tropical islands in the world but today we would like to take you on a tour which will include the Seychelles beaches and the activities to do on the island of Mahe.

Boat charters:
Why not hire a boat via one of the Seychelles Boat Charters on Mahe to experience a full day dive or snorkelling trip around Mahé, Praslin and La Digue or why not try a number of dive courses and dive excursions, including live aboard trips. This is a great way to explore some of the outer island around Mahe that make up the 115 Islands of the Seychelles. Day Trips to the islands like Praslin and La Digue are also possible.

Casino:
If you fancy a nice thrill of winning some money while on holiday in the Seychelles then try one of the local casinos. The closest casino to Chalets d' Anse Forbans would be the Amusement Centre which has some 200 slot machines as well as a fully licensed bar. You can relax and enjoy the gaming or watch many others enjoying themselves while having an exotic cocktail. Sounds good!!

Disco:
If the night life is something you would like to try out when in the Seychelles then you would need to make a visit to Katiolo. Katiolo, is an unique open-air nightclub on Mahé it offers its varied clientele evenings of enjoyment with a distinctly Creole touch and a lively ambiance. Katiolo is about 10 minutes drive from the Seychelles airport.

**Fishing: Why not go out and catch your own fish and come back to beach villa to have a great BBQ. Whether you fancy big game fishing or deep sea fishing the choice is yours with local Seychelles operators happy to assist you. Mahe also has some wonderful spots for fly fishing or why not just take a fishing rod on the beach sit back relax, sip your Seybrew and watch the sunset.

**Glass Bottom boats: This must be one of our highly recommended excursions- a glass bottom boat trip in the St Anne National Marine Park. You get to snorkel with the fish and feed them as well. Do not forget to bring along some bread.

Golf: If you are an avid golf fanatic then the Seychelles Golf Club which is a nine-hole course, which was built out of an old coconut plantation, would be part of your agenda for your holidays in the Seychelles. The course is situated at Anse aux Pins just off the road leading to the Reef Estate. This is approximately 15 minutes from the Seychelles Airport. You also have a course on Praslin at Le Muria Hotel.

**Horse riding: Why not try a different way to enjoy Mahe on Horse back. Enjoy Mahé's west coast - Barbarons and Grand Anse area on an Arabian horse. The stables are close to Le Meriden Barbarons hotel.

Walks and tours: A diversity of walks with different degrees of endurance are available and do enquire with Chalets d' Anse Forbans for further information. You can also obtain individual trail brochures produced by the Seychelles Ministry of Environment which can be purchased at the Antigone book store in Victoria and at the Seychelles Botanical Garden situated about 10 minute walk from Victoria.

Listed below are the Mahe walks and trails with the respective level of difficulty:
Anse Major- Mahé Easy
Cassedent- Mahé Moderate
Copolia- Mahé Moderate
Dan Gallas- Mahé Tough
Glacis La Reserve- Mahé Moderate
Glacis Trois Frères- Mahé Easy
Mare aux Cochons- Mahé Tough
Mission Lodge -Mahé Easy
Morne Blanc -Mahé Moderate
Salazie- Mahé Moderate
Vacoa Nature Trail -Mahé Easy

**Water sports: Beau Vallon beach hosts a two different companies that offer motorised as well as non-motorised watersport equipment including pedaloes, canoes, windsurfs and sailing equipment.

Attractions:
Art Galleries: The local artists are so inspired by the local Seychelles beauty you will be lost in time as you see the diversity on offer. One of the most famous artists Michael Adams who has his studio at Baie Lazare which is about 15 minutes from Chalets d' Anse Forbans is well worth a trip.

**Historical sites
The famous Jardin du Roi is a great favourite with our guests. It is located in Anse Royale which is about 3 km away from Chalets d' Anse Forbans. The spice gardens are a must see when in the Seychelles. Wonder around the tropical garden and smell the diverse scents of the Seychelles spices or else sit back and enjoy a creole meal in the lovely restaurant with fantastic view of Anse Royale Bay.
Mission Lodge is another highly recommended spot to visit. Situated just below the summit of Sans Soucis, the Mission Lodge affords one of the most extraordinary views of Mahé's west coast.

**Marine National Parks:
Port Launay Marine National Park is famous for its whale shark sightings. The reefs on both sides of the bay provide a wonderful opportunity to use your mask and snorkel.

**Museums:
The Natural History Museum situated in Victoria has wonderful exhibitions that not only illustrate the flora, fauna and geological history of Seychelles, but also enlightened us to the major environmental concerns of the Seychelles Islands.
Another museum is the National Museum of History which was established in 1964. The museum is charged with the acquisition, preservation and exhibition of historical artefacts for the public benefit.
If you would like to learn more about the history of the Seychelles then the National Archives is the place to visit. The archives are located in the Seychelles National Library located in Victoria. Regular buses are available from Chalets d' Anse Forbans to Victoria or else you can hire a car from Pirates car hire located at Chalets d' Anse Forbans to enjoy the day in Victoria.

**The Seychelles National heritage sites:
Patrimwann is the marketing umbrella-name that encompasses four of Seychelles' cultural attractions that highlight the country's Kreol heritage. All of the Patrimwann attractions are located on the island of Mahé ranging about a 20 minute drive from Chalets d' Anse Forbans. They include Kreol Institute, Domaine de Val des Près (Craft Village), La Bastille and the Ecomuseum (or Ecomusée La Planie St. Andre) which is currently under renovation. The word "Patrimwann" is a Kreol word meaning "Heritage Trail". The craft village hosts a number of small shops with curios. Worth a trip and a walk about.

**Seychelles National Landmarks: To really get a feel of the local culture then a visit to the colourful market situated in the heart of Victoria is a must. The SIR SELWYN SELWYN CLARKE MARKET which was built in 1840 and renovated in 1999, it remains the bustling heart of the capital Victoria and definitely the best place to buy fresh fruits, fish, vegetables and spices. You have to go to the market or else your trip in Seychelles is not complete. You can purchase items in the local Seychelles currency - Seychelles Rupees.

Big Ben- Seychelles is famous for its own Big Ben. You will not miss it based in the centre of the Capital Victoria close to the Seychelles Post office. Your Seychelles holiday is not complete if you have not seen the big ben!

**Nature reserves:
The most famous of the Nature reserves in the Seychelles has to be the Morne Seychellois Park. The Morne Seychellois Park is the largest in Seychelles and was created in 1979. It covers a total surface area of 3,045ha, more than 20% of the area of Mahé. It is 10km in length and between 2km and 4km wide and equipped with an extensively trail network covering more than 15km. A total of 12 different trails can be explored either by half or full day excursions.

**The Sanctuary at Roche Caiman:
The Sanctuary is a great place to visit if you are interested in the Nature of the Seychelles. The Sanctuary is an artificial wetland site (2.9 ha) resulting from reclamation work done on the east coast of Mahé in 1986.The Seychelles Sanctuary also boasts an information kiosk and a bird hide for the twin purpose of providing information and a good view of the wetlands faunal and floral spectacles.

**Tea factory: This would be a must on your list when on holiday in the Seychelles. Established in 1962, the factory is responsible for growing and manufacturing tea in the Seychelles. The Tea Factory enjoys a splendid view of the western slopes of Mahé and is undoubtedly one of the finest viewing points on the island.

**Botanical gardens in Victoria A great place for a picnic and walk around to see the local flora and fauna of the Seychelles.

**Seychelles Beaches:
Some tops beaches on Mahe Seychelles
1. Anse Forbans- a hawksbill turtle monitoring beach
2. Anse La Mouche- Long beach strip great for long walks. About 15 minutes from Chalets d' Anse Forbans over La Canelle road
3. Interdance- Banyan Tree hotel is located on this beach and it is a hawksbill and green turtle monitoring beach
4. Anse Major- well worth the hike
5. Port Launay- a nice beach for walking and a picnic
6. Sunset beach- a small beach and a bit of a walk from the road down but a lovely bay beach
7. Anse Royale - only about 2km away from Chalets d' Anse Forbans
8. Anse Soeil - A small beach but worth a visit

**Island hopping Seychelles is made up of over 115 different islands and each is unique in its own right. Most of the clients at Chalets d' Anse Forbans do a day trip excursion to Praslin and La Digue where they are able to take in all the sites including the famous Vallei de Mer on Praslin and the most photographed beach of Source d' Argent on La Digue. You can either fly with Air Seychelles or take a boat trip across to Praslin and then onto La Digue.

**Creole restaurants: If you enjoy tasting exotic foods when you travel then you need to experience the local creole cusine. At Chalets d' Anse Forbans we offer a local Chef*to cook you the Creole cusine in the comfort of your own chalet. Enjoy some fresh fish and salads. Attached A local Seychelles recipe below:
*subject to availability

Creole Recipe/Cuisines in the Seychelles:
Curry de Poulet ( Creole)
3 Cups coconut milk 1 tsp mixed spices
2 tbs curry powder 1 chopped onion
½ Pint water ½ tsp saffron or turmeric
2 tbs sunflower oil 1 chopped chicken
1 garlic clove mixed herbs, parsley and thyme
Fry onions in oil till brown, add curry powder, mixed spices, saffron and pieces of chicken. Cover and let simmer of 10 minutes. Add onions, garlic, thyme and parsley and ½ pint of water. Cook for 15 minutes. Add coconut milk and cook for 20 minutes.
Enjoy.

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Chalets d' Anse Forbans offers beach villas only a step away from the warm Indian Ocean. Family run and affordable we offer you a dream holiday.