Le Sans Souci: Our full report

Reached via a mountain road which winds through the tropical vegetation, Le Sans Souci Guest House stands high on the mountain slopes overlooking Victoria port and the neighbouring islands of St Anne Marine National Park. Set amongst tropical mountain gardens, this gem of a guest house is not on a beach; however it has stupendous views and an ideal location for exploring Mahé's interior.

Owner-run by the very welcoming Janine & Hugues, Le Sans Souci only has three rooms for visitors: two doubles and one family room, which has a double and twin beds. A very extensive fourth room, with some catering facilities and a massive panoramic window, is planned to open around the end of 2012.

All of the rooms are decorated in the same fresh style - white-washed and exposed granite walls, white tiled floors, simple wooden furniture and white cotton curtains and soft furnishings. Each double room has a good-sized fitted wardrobe, full length mirror, cushioned deck-chairs, double bed, and bedside lamps and tables. There is also air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, telephone, mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi throughout Sand Souci.

The rooms are all light and spacious and are accessed by sliding doors. Towards the back of the double rooms a few steps lead up to the bathroom which is in the same style and has a good sized shower, single wash-basin set in a wooden work top and toilet. There is a wall mounted hair-dryer and washing basket, and soap is provided.

The family room is almost identical to the doubles except that it is double-storey and there is a dressing room. The twin beds are on the ground floor along with the bathroom and dressing room, and upstairs you will find the double room; its own balcony has lovely views over Victoria and the harbour.

Sans Souci has a very open terrace with a lovely swimming pool adjacent to an open-sided bar and dining area where breakfast and dinner (on request) are served. Both take full advantage of the beautiful views and there are sun-beds and tables and chairs laid out around the pool. Janine's social personality makes this a very welcoming, friendly area where guests often linger to relax and chat. It's clear that this is a pleasure for Janine, not merely a job, and her approach is a big factor in making Sans Souci a real pleasure to visit.

Sans Souci Guest House is about 15 minutes' drive from the centre of the capital, Victoria, and so car hire is more-or-less essential if you are staying here – so we'll usually include it in your trip. Free transfers to and from the airport are offered, and the owners will also help you to organise any excursions or activities that you are interested in.

Le Sans Souci has not only a spectacular location in the mountains, but it is also probably the best base in the Seychelles for walking and hiking trips in the mountains and forests which cloak this part of Mahe's interior. The owners know the local walking routes well, and can provide leaflets and simple maps on the walking trails.

On our most recent visit in September 2011, we (again!) found Le Sans Souci to be very welcoming guest: Janine makes a great hostess. Although not on the beach, the setting is wonderful and Sans Souci is ideal as a base for walking in Mahé's forested mountains. Meanwhile, for it's only 15 minutes' drive to Beau Vallon Beach and, on the other side, it's 20 minutes' drive to the beaches in the Port Launey area.

Geographics

Location: Mahe Island, Seychelles

Ideal length of stay: 3 nights or more – especially if you're keen to do a lot of walking.

Directions: About 10 minutes up the mountain road coming from Victoria the turning to Sans Souci is on your left, 300m past the Chinese Embassy, just before a viewing point. It is easy to get lost one your first time here, so we'll normally arrange for the owners to pick you up from the airport. We still remember the owners venturing out to find us when we got lost on our first visit here – and doing so with smiles and plenty of understanding!

Key personnel

Owner: Owner-run by Janine & Hugues who live in a separate part of the house.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Special interests

Birdwatching: Sans Souci is a good place for seeking some of the Seychelles' endemic birds, including the blue pigeon, white-tailed tropic bird, Seychelles kestrel and Seychelles scops owl. Amongst many other species often seen, the barn owl is not endemic, but a pair nest nearby and visit Le Sans Souci regularly in the evening.

See more ideas for Birdwatching in Seychelles

Walking: Le Sans Souci Guest House is a great base for walks in the mountains in the interior of Mahe Islands. Several routes can be started from the gate of the guest house, whilst the Morne Seychellois National Park is a short drive away, and the location for many trails.

See more ideas for Walking in Seychelles

Children

Attitude towards children: Le Sans Souci Guesthouse is certainly family friendly.

Equipment: Cots, high chairs and car seats for babies can be provided on request.

Generally recommended for children: This is a relaxed guest-house which would be suitable for families. However young children must be supervised at all times as there is an unfenced pool, and there are steep drops around the sides of the property due to its mountainside location.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There is mobile reception at the guest house and in-room telephones are provided. Fax and internet services are available on request. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

TV & radio: Weather-permitting, a big screen can be set up outside for major events, but there are no TVs in the rooms.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The nearest hospital is in Victoria about 10-15 minutes away. There is a private doctor 10 minutes away who will come to Sans Souci if needed.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all rooms.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge

Money: There are key-operated safe deposit boxes in the rooms.