Beach
The private, horseshoe beach that lies at the foot of Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is one of the island’s best-kept secrets. Black granite boulders provide a dramatic backdrop to the powder-white sand and azure waters of the secluded cove. The bay is sheltered by dense vegetation and protected by an outer reef; as a result, the water is extremely calm, making it ideal for swimming and safe for families. Due to its protected position, the beach is remarkably free from erosion, maximising its picture-perfect appeal.
The beach facilities include five cabanas, located just behind the tree line, offering scope for shaded daytime relaxation and a variety of evening dining experiences.
Swimming Pools
The Resort’s outdoor swimming pool combines four pools in one and covers a total of 517 sq m (5,565 sq ft). It is located adjacent to Kannel restaurant, on the edge of the beach and incorporates both leisure and lap areas, surrounded by huge cinnamon trees. The pool area is furnished with chaise longues and benefits from poolside dining and refreshment services.
The Water Sports Pavilion
The water sports pavilion houses its own PADI dive centre, offering scuba diving with state-of-the-art equipment and certified instructors as well as snorkelling equipment and excursions. One of the nearest dive sites to the Resort is Takamaka Bay, which showcases the impressive granite structures and abundant reef life that characterise the underwater world of the Seychelles.
Other pursuits on offer at the pavilion include canoeing, kayaking and 17ft Trimaran boating. Additional beach equipment includes floating mats, inflatable balls and toys, beach rackets and accessories. To preserve the serenity of Petite Anse bay, motorised water sports are only available off-site, by prior arrangement.
Fitness Centre
The Resort’s Fitness Centre is located near to the beach. The gym contains extensive Technogym equipment with a focus on cardiovascular fitness and circuit training using free weights. The gym is supervised by instructors who also offer group classes and individual lessons such as power booster, stretch courses, weights, balance and cardio pure.
Jogging / Walking Trail
Joggers seeking a moderate course can take advantage of the Resort's jogging trail, which circles the lagoon and weaves through the gardens at the foot of the hillside. An advanced trail, more suitable for a comfortably paced walk, offers steep elevation changes and some of the most impressive views of the Resort. The routes range from 3 to 6 kilometres (2 to 4 miles).
Kids For All Seasons
The Resort’s complimentary Kids For All Seasons Programme caters to children from “potty trained” to 12 years old, from 9am to 5pm daily. It has its own ‘play and spray pool’ and dedicated ‘Kids Club Kaz’. Caring and experienced staff co-ordinate a variety of fun and educational experiences, including beach and outdoor activities, creative crafts and games.
Off-site Recreational Activities
Tennis, trekking, hiking, bird watching, mountain biking, paragliding, barbeque boat trips to neighbouring islands and deep-sea fishing can all be booked through the Resort’s Concierge.
Golf is available on the nearby island of Praslin, easily accessible by helicopter from the Resort’s own heliport or a 15 minute plane ride from Mahé. Arrangements and tee-off times can be booked through the Concierge.
The Resort’s Concierge can assist guests wishing to discover the cultural gems hidden amongst Mahé’s densely forested interior. Excursions include: escorted visits to meet local artists in their studios; private, guided tours of museums and churches; photography expeditions to remote beauty spots or batik and pottery courses.
Library
The Library occupies its own 56 sq m (600 sq ft) pavilion surrounded by dense vegetation. Guests can relax with a collection of contemporary literature, international magazines and books about the Seychelles and Creole culture. A flat-screen television is available along with complimentary high-speed internet access – for guests’ own laptops as well as through two desktop computers, each with colour-printing access. A wide selection of complimentary DVDs, CDs and books is available for guests to enjoy in the Library or borrow to use in their villa.
Art Gallery
The Resort has its own 200 sq m (2,200 sq ft) Art Gallery, which showcases local art and sculpture. Guests can meet with the exhibiting artists at the weekly General Manager’s cocktail reception, held in the Gallery.
Boutiques – On-site
The Resort has two stylish boutiques: The Vitrine, offering an elegant range of diamond and pearl jewellery, hand bags, clothing and shoes and the Four Seasons Shop, featuring a high quality range of fashion, gifts, sundries and souvenirs.
Shopping – Off-site
Victoria offers an inspiring selection of handicrafts and high-end goods: from the bustling authenticity of the colourful Sir Selwyn Clarke Market to the upmarket Kenwyn House, housing the Seychelles’ largest collection of saleable artworks, exquisite South African jewellery and boutique fashion lines. The wider Mahé region is also home to the independent studios of the many painters and sculptors who have been seduced by the island’s charm and have made it their home.
The Concierge can arrange an escort for any shopping expedition or alternatively, can recommend the best markets, boutiques, galleries or studios to visit on one’s own.