Read 2 traveller reviews of Clef des Iles

Clef des Iles is a relaxed self-catering property situated right on the beach of the lovely Beau Vallon Bay, in the north of Mahé Island.

This property features four two bedroom duplex flats built in one single block on the sand - each duplex is spacious ranging from 105-125 square metres and has lovely views over the bay and Silhouette and North Island beyond.

Decorated predominantly in neutral tones, on the ground floor of each duplex there is a breakfast bar and kitchen equipped with fridge/freezer, microwave, gas hob, kettle, toaster and utensils. The kitchen is open-plan to a seating and dining area which faces the beach. The whole wall of the dining area opens up and allows lovely views onto the beach and also the breeze to circulate (although note that people wandering past can peer in!). The dining room has a large table and six chairs and the seating area contains a simple wall-hung bench, coffee table and chest. WiFi access is available if you take your own laptop and each duplex has its own television (local channels only) and DVD player.

Up the wooden stairs you will find two good-sized bedrooms which are tastefully decorated in neutral tones and have wicker and wooden furniture. The floors are also wooden and the windows are shuttered. The bathrooms are stylish and modern with mosaic tiling in the showers and basins sat on wooden worktops with mirrors over them. Each duplex also has its own upstairs balcony, complete with hanging chair!

Although the flats do not have air-conditioning, they do have fans and their design makes the most of the sea-breeze.

The owners Stephane and Marquis are very welcoming and provide a starter package of food when you arrive - usually including bread, milk, eggs, bacon and juice. They are always on hand to help organise diving and other excursions and also to advise on the local restaurants. There is a dive centre and a pizzeria right next door to Clef des Iles, and there are several other restaurants within walking distance. There is good snorkelling from this beach and the swimming is safe. Although Beau Vallon is relatively busy by Seychellois standards, you will still be able to find a nice spot for yourself as the beach stretches on for about 2km. The palm and takamaka trees provide welcome shade in the heat of the day.

Overall we felt that Clef des Iles offers very good value in a beautiful beachside setting. Simple but tastefully decorated, it's well-placed for wandering to a few local restaurants and basic shops, and you can't beat the location if lazing on the beach is your main priority! For the more active, plenty of excursions can be arranged from your doorstep.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Beach

No. of bedrooms: 4 two-bedroom duplex flats

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: You could happily spend a week or more here

Geographics

Location: Mahe Island, Seychelles

Directions: Clef des Iles is about a 25-30 minute drive from Mahé Airport. It is about 15 minutes to Victoria.

Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Room Only

Food quality: Clef des Iles is a self-catering property, although a breakfast pack is provided for you on arrival. There are several restaurants within walking distance, including a pizza restaurant next door.

Special interests

Family holidays: The relaxed, self-catering Clef des Iles has four lovely two bedroom apartments, set right on the beach of the beautiful Beau Vallon Bay. It's a simple, but great-value retreat, and you'll have easy access to the local shops and restaurants. The owners are very welcoming, family-friendly, and always on hand to arrange a variety of activities for you. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for family holidays in Seychelles

Beach holidays: Beau Vallon is Mahé's main tourist beach, lying in a deep bay on the north-western coast about 3 miles from Victoria. Even though popular, it is still relatively quiet by European standards and it offers gently shelving sands, good swimming and snorkelling. If you are there in the right season (best August - October) book a trip out to snorkel with the whale sharks with the professionally run Underwater Dive Centre a few minutes' walk away. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Seychelles

Children

Attitude towards children: Clef des Iles is a family-friendly property.

Age restrictions: None.

Activities: Babysitting can be arranged on request.

Equipment: Cots can be provided.

Generally recommended for children: Families are welcome here although note that children will require constant supervision as the property is right by the sea.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There is mobile reception and WiFi if you bring your own lap-top.

TV & radio: There are televisions in all the rooms which have local channels only.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The nearest hospital is in Victoria, about 15 minutes away. There is also a day clinic very nearby in Beau Vallon.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Fire safety: Each room is equipped with a smoke alarm. There are fire extinguishers in the common areas.

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