Beach "Anse l'Ilot"

Facts:

• 110m x 20m - very few visitors
• Water is fairly shallow and calm
• The beach can disappear at high tide
• Quiet, hard-to-spot beach on Mahé
• Restaurant, spa, and small shops within walking distance

Map:

At a Glance:

• Quiet, secluded little beach in the north-west of Mahé, just north of Glacis.
• Can easily be reached by car or bus, with both parking and a bus stop nearby.
• Good for families thanks to the relatively shallow water, although parent supervision is advised.
• Restaurant and spa located at the Bliss Hotel, about 450m away. There are also a few small shops within walking distance.
• Good beach for swimming and snorkelling. The drop-off is about 50m offshore.

Description:

Anse L’Ilot is a real hidden treasure, in the north-west of the Seychelles’ main island, Mahé. In fact, it’s so hidden that it can be difficult to spot from the road, which is probably the main reason for its lack of visitors. The beach is often empty, so holidaymakers who decide to venture to Anse L’Ilot will probably find themselves alone on this beautiful bay. However, make sure you go at low tide, because the beach can disappear at high tide, being completely submerged by the waters of the Indian Ocean. Access is relatively painless, thanks to the nearby bus stop and parking. The parking spaces can be found at the L’Ilot Beach Chalets, which, as you can imagine, are not far away at all. The bus stop is located on the main road, about 100m away from Anse L’Ilot. The beach itself is really beautiful, with all the kinds of things you’d expect from a Seychelles beach: pristine golden sand, clear ocean water, stunning palm trees, and so on. There is also a restaurant and spa located within 500m of the beach, at the Bliss Hotel, and there are some small shops next to the road that runs past the beach, so you won’t run short of supplies during your day at the beach. The water here lends itself particularly well to swimming and snorkelling, as it is not too deep, and is really nice and clear. The water is also generally safe for children, especially between June and September, although parent supervision is advised, as there is a sharp drop-off about 50m from the shore. There is also no protection from a coral reef here, so during the winter months, the ocean can be choppy and the waves taller, making swimming and snorkelling a more difficult task than at other times. Finally, while the coconut trees that line the beach provide ample shade for visitors to the beach, anyone sitting under them should be extremely vigilant and watch out for falling coconuts, which can cause real damage. Anse L’Ilot can be best summed-up as a quiet, secluded beach with plenty of stunning scenery and facilities to keep you happy. Great for couples who want some alone time to relax on the sand, as well as for families to enjoy a peaceful day at the beach, Anse L’Ilot is well-worth a visit for those who can find it!