Nestled into the cliffside and beach on the west coast of the Seychelles main island of Mahé, Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas overlooks gorgeous Anse Louis beach. With its see-it-to-believe views, the resort’s allure is in its secluded Bill Bensley landscaped grounds, fringed by palms, Takamaka trees and massive granite rocks. A hideaway forest spa, eclectic cuisine served anywhere, anytime, and an excellent team of private villa hosts enhance the castaway experience.

The resort’s Beyond All Inclusive concept also includes adventure and exploration activities. Residents enjoy complimentary daily yoga and Qigong and non-motorised watersports including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing. The resort curates special experiences for kids – from spa baths, massages and sparkly manicures, to treasure hunts, cooking classes and crab hunting.

Stretch out on soft white sands, sunbathe, swim, snorkel the coral cove, and dream. When ready to look beyond the stunning villas and the beach, Anantara Maia connects travellers to alluring experiences.

Take a tour of the resort gardens to learn about the wide variety of endemic plants and discover the medicinal virtues of lemongrass, cinnamon, avocado, starfruit, and Grobonm leaves – traditionally an infusion to treat sore throats, yet under the craftmanship of Anantara Maia mixologists, its delicate peppermint and lime flavour enhances gin cocktails.

The Seychelles is one of the most beautiful places in the world to dive and the south of Mahé has at least sixteen world-class dive sites, including Baie Lazare, one of the country’s best sites to learn to dive. Dive Resort Seychelles, staffed by an experienced team of professionals, offers a comprehensive range of PADI dive courses.

INSPIRED EXCURSIONS

Visit the island’s capital, Victoria, a 30-minute drive from the resort. Stroll through the tiny charming town which boasts an architectural blend of French and British heritage, take in the colonial style plantation houses, The Clock Tower, or Lorloz as it is better known in Creole, the Bicentennial monument, Bel Air Cemetery, and stop by Carrefour des Arts for local art and craftwork.

Explore the vibrant Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market, a hive of stalls and shops selling exotic fruits, spices, and vegetables. Early Saturday morning is the best time to visit, with fishmongers displaying an impressive variety of freshly caught seafood, from barracuda to blue marlin.

The Botanical Gardens are a 10-minute walk from the town centre. Established over a century ago, this verdant tropical oasis features endemic flora and fauna including the Seychelles’ famous Coco De Mer trees and giant Aldabra tortoises. Walk amidst indigenous orchids beneath a shady canopy of rare palms and fragrant spice and fruit trees.

On the return journey, make a pit stop for rum tasting at the Takamaka Distillery, or for a real taste of plantation life and a game of pétanque, visit the herb gardens of La Plaine St André.

Hiking is a popular activity in Mahé. Trek through the granite mountains and dense rainforests of the Morne Seychellois National Park. Here, the focus is small footprint and wild beauty.

NATURE’S COASTAL PLAYGROUND

Visits to Praslin and La Digue islands are easily accessible for Anantara Maia guests. Take a boat to Praslin anchoring at Anse Lazio beach, famous for its clear gem-blue waters with easy access to Anse Georgette and the uncrowded pleasure of snorkelling in the St Pierre Marine Park. Long sun-drenched days, delicious rum cocktails, and lunch beachside at BonBon plume restaurant make for an outdoor celebration.

Trips are tailormade to each guest’s preference and a private two-hour guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Vallée de Mai forest to see the rare coco de mer palms can be included on the trip.

La Digue is framed by picturesque granite boulders. Cycle around laidback La Passe and enjoy lunch at Chez Jules, a charming water’s edge restaurant. On the northern tip of the island, snorkel in the natural rock pool found on Anse Marron beach.

Anantara Maia guests can also embark on exclusive island-hopping helicopter flips. Whilst on Praslin experience Anse Lazio beach which consistently ranks in the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. A scenic helicopter flight to Aride Bird Island is an extra-special journey giving guests a rare opportunity to see endangered birdlife and relish the uncrowded pleasure of snorkelling in translucent sapphire sea water, before savouring a stylish picnic lunch on the private beach.

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas is committed to bringing story collecting travellers closer to the magnetism of the Seychelles.

Share