Almost 15 years ago, Scotsman Ron Henry and his Seychellois wife, Mary, returned from London to her home on La Digue. Here, they established their immaculate little self-catering complex, Fleur de Lys, which last year doubled in size to eight carefully crafted island bungalows.
Well-spaced around the open tropical garden, each bungalow has a green tin, pagoda style roof, timber lattice work and brilliant whitewashed walls; they have clearly been built with care and well-maintained. With two sets of French doors leading onto the front veranda, one from the lounge and one from the bedroom, the buildings are designed to allow cool air circulate. Entering into the spacious open-plan lounge-dining room, the white walls, pale floor tiles and cane furniture in forest green covers give the place a light, bright and cool feel.
Every bungalow at Fleur de Lys has a well-equipped kitchen with cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, as well as a fridge, hob, kettle, and even a microwave. For those keen to make use of the self-catering facilities, there is a reasonably well-stocked (by Seychelles standards) supermarket below Gregoires Apartments, 10 minutes away. Special dietary requirements will need advance planning though, and this should not be relied upon as a European-style supermarket may be; special requirements should be bought prior to travel. Access to restaurants is easy though, or requests for local meals to be made by the staff can be arranged by the management team with a little notice.
Adjoining its lounge, each bungalow at Fleur de Lys has a double/twin bedroom and is simply furnished with solid wood furniture, crisp white linen and optional mosquito nets. The mattresses are regularly replaced making for a comfortable night's sleep and the usual work-top clutter is wonderfully lacking.
A large, spotless en-suite bathroom offers sparkling white sanitary ware and a tiled shower area. New for late 2008, a roof-top solar hot water system has been installed to provide steamy water for both the showers and kitchen.
There is air-conditioning throughout the bungalow (and a small surcharge is applied for this); ceiling fans and multiple windows to supplement the air flow. Hair driers, beach towels and a daily room cleaning service are provided free of charge, and bicycle rental and local fishing excursions can be arranged at competitive rates. There are no safes in the rooms, though one is available for guest use at reception.
The nearest beach is a mere 150m away, but with flat coast paths and traffic-free roads, bike access to some of the more picturesque coastal spots on the island are all within easy cycling distance of Fleur de Lys.
In conclusion ... Fleur de Lys offers good quality, well-priced accommodation, located within easy striking distance of La Digue's main centre and coastal attractions. It is a reliably good option on an island lacking in options for more luxurious boltholes.
Directions: Transfers on arrival can be arranged by traditional ox-cart. For those choosing to walk or cycle, take the coastal tar road heading south from the jetty. After cycling for 5-10mins, turn left at the tree-mounted 'Fleur de Lys' signpost. The reception and bungalows are on the right hand side of this gravel road.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Fleur de Lys is owned and managed by a Seychellois-Scottish couple, Mary and Ron Henry.
Food & drink
Usual board basis: B&B
Food quality: As a predominantly self-catering establishment, there is no restaurant at Fleur de Lys. However, standard accommodation rates include bed and breakfast, with Annie (the housekeeper) delivering a light tropical breakfast to the guest bungalows in the morning. Served outside each room on the veranda or at the kitchen table, it usually includes a seasonal fruit selection, juice, tea/coffee and toast.
At an agreed rate, Annie can also be requested to prepare a creole evening meal, but this must be discussed in advance.
Alternatively, there are a few hotel and local restaurants within easy cycling or walking distance.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes
Children
Attitude towards children: Fleur de Lys accepts children of all ages, and families are usually happy with the flexibility that self-catering brings.
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions on guests.
Activities: There are no dedicated children's facilities or activities at Fleur de Lys, though its shady verandas and flat gardens offer play areas for children furnished with games, books and imagination.
Equipment: A cot is available for babies and a single bed can be added to a bungalow for a young child.
Generally recommended for children: Fleur de Lys is a very cost-effective option for families visiting the Seychelles, and the clean rooms, cool lounge and proximity to the beach, cafes and medical centre are all in its favour. There is no swimming pool, as in most of La Digue's smaller accommodation options, or kid's club but it's a calm, friendly family-run establishment and certainly one of the island's better options for young families.
Notes: The property is not gated, so children playing in the garden must be aware of their boundaries. Fast traffic may not be a problem in La Digue but cyclists on the road and the nearby beach may still pose problems to children tempted to wander off.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There are no televisions or telephones in the bungalows, and email is very slow so really only for dire emergency use by guests.
Health & safety
Malarial area: No
Medical care: La Digue Logan Hospital is on the coast, just south of La Passe jetty, approximately 5 minutes from Fleur de Lys. It offers basic health care services 24 hours a day, including dental care and a child health facility. There is an ambulance available for real emergencies.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
