At the southernmost tip of the east coast road on Mahé Island, just as it turns inland to cross to the west coast, is the entrance to Chalets d'Anse Forbans. Run by a long-established Seychellois family, these well-equipped self-catering chalets have been going for many years and stand beside a lovely, and very quiet, beach.
The chalets themselves are set in a large, flat, grassy garden with plenty of open space between the coconut trees and various other palms – it's perfect for children.
Chalets d'Anse Forbans has 14 chalets neatly arranged in two rows. These comprise:
Standard Chalets
The here are 12 standard chalets, each covering about 52m². All stand right beside the beach and have one bedroom – they're really designed for couples, although a third bed can be added. (Read more about a Standard Chalet here.)
Family Chalets
Chalets d'Anse Forbans has two new, larger chalets, each of which covers about 90m². With two separate bedrooms, these can comfortably accommodate up to 5 people. (Read more about a Family Chalet here.)
Chalets d'Anse Forbans is a small, family-run business and accordingly the office here is not open 24/7. Instead, someone is on-site from 8am-4pm Mon to Fri, and 8am-12pm Sat & Sun. However, the owner and her family live with a couple of minutes walk, so someone is always on hand should an emergency arise, and telephone numbers are issued as a matter of course on arrival.
When open, guests are welcome to use the office's telephone, fax and free WiFi internet connection. They can also borrow snorkelling equipment and access the library. Regardless of the time though, be sure to keep an eye out for the lovely falcons that regularly perch on the building's roof.
Although a reasonable distance from the capital city, Victoria, Chalet d'Anse Forbans does offer a lovely quiet beach and thoroughly relaxed vibe, making a stay here a more classic island experience. We recommend that guests staying here hire a car, both for exploring the island and for gathering necessary supplies.
With a beachfront location and expanses of lawn between the chalets, this is a quiet spot with space that's great for children. It's also a great base for couples wanting peace and quiet, and is not too out of the way if you want to drive yourselves around and explore.
Directions: Chalets d'Anse Forbans is located in the picturesque South-East of Mahé, 24 km south of the capital Victoria and 14 km from the airport; it's an easy drive here from either.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: The friendly Seychellois owner is Brigitte Laporte, who speaks both English and French fluently. Her family also owns the land to the north of Chalet d'Anse Forbans, where her mother and grandmother still live.
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Room Only
Food quality: All of the chalets here are self-catering only and come fully equipped with cutlery, crockery and a reasonable selection of pots, pans and utensils. Brigitte will arrange a small complimentary welcome pack (e.g. milk, juice, butter and bread) to be in the fridge on arrival, whilst some basic supplies can be picked up at the local shop, about 1.5km away.
For those staying more that a couple of days, it is well worth asking Brigitte if she is able to take you to the 'Euro Food Store' for supplies. This shop is primarily designed to cater to the hotels and stocks a terrific range of produce, unavailable elsewhere on the island. Only hoteliers can gain access, so you will need to be accompanied on your visit, but a shopping spree is likely to mean that you eat and drink a far more varied and enjoyable selection of foods during your stay.
Also worth considering, for approximately £10pp, Brigitte can arrange for a local chef to buy and cook a Creole meal in your villa. Comprising fresh fish, salads and spiced rice, this is a relaxing option and a lovely way to taste some Seychellois cuisine.
Alternatively, there are some simple restaurants within 15 minutes drive and a BBQ (small surcharge applies) in the garden for guest use too.
Drinks included: Drinks are not included.
Special interests
Family holidays: The self-catering Chalets d'Anse Forbans is run by a welcoming Seychellois owner who has three small children of her own. The two Family chalets here are inexpensive, yet comfortable and spacious, and the atmosphere is relaxed. There's lots of grassy outdoor space for children to play around the chalets and it's adjacent to a lovely usually-deserted beach. (Note that the sand slopes, non-swimmers will need close supervision in the water.)
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for family holidays in Seychelles
Beach holidays: Local legend tells that the sweeping bay of Anse Forbans, the Bay of Pirates, is home to hidden treasure from days gone by. These days, the swash-buckling plunderers are all gone and the real riches are all natural: the long beach, swaying palms and quiet appeal of this island corner. Shoreline seaweed is generally not an issue here (exc. occasional days when the true east blows), the water has a deep drop-off for proper swimming and there are very few visitors making it easy to find a private piece of seaside paradise.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Seychelles
Children
Attitude towards children: Chalet d'Anse Forbans welcomes children of all ages, and the owner has three young children of her own, so is well accustomed to the needs and demands of younger guests.
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions on guests.
Activities: Babysitting with local staff can be arranged and must be paid for separately with the individual. (Note these will probably not be qualified child minders; but will be local women who have looked after their own children.)
Equipment: Cots, high chairs and baby baths are available, but these are subject to availability and must be requested prior to arrival.
Generally recommended for children: We recommend Chalet d'Anse Forbans for families. There is a degree of flexibility in self-catering, the owner is happy to have children and there is plenty of flat, open space for outdoor family games and a lovely sandy beach on the doorstep. It is naturally critical that children are supervised constantly when near and in the water.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There is mobile reception here, and guests are welcome to use the office telephone. The office also offers fax and a free WiFi connection
TV & radio: There are no televisions in the rooms here.
Health & safety
Malarial area: No
Medical care: There is a first aid kit on the property. For serious incidents Mahé's Victoria Hospital is approximately 45 minutes' drive from Chalet d'Anse Forbans and offers 24-hour medical care.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Security guards patrol the grounds at night.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are located outside villas.
Extras
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
Money: There are safe deposit boxes in the rooms.
Accepted payment: All hotel services must be paid for using cash or credit card.
We want you to understand more about Chalets D'Anse Forbans. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
