Beau Vallon Beach
Nestled between lush green mountains and the turquoise shimmer of the Indian Ocean, Beau Vallon isn’t just one of the oldest but also one of the most beloved beaches in the entire archipelago. Unlike many of the smaller, secluded coves, Beau Vallon has a vibrant, almost cinematic charm. Here, the ordinary and the magical blend effortlessly: fishermen haul in their morning catch while, by afternoon, locals and visitors alike swim in the warm water or stroll lazily along the promenade. The beach is wide, open, and public — a rare luxury in the Seychelles, where many shores are ruled by resort boundaries and “guests only” signs.
Thanks to its sheltered bay, the sea here is calm — perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. It’s no surprise Beau Vallon is considered one of the best starting points for underwater adventures, whether you’re watching colorful reef fish just off the coast or heading out by boat to explore nearby islands.
In the evening, the beach transforms into a stage for sunsets so dramatic they could have been painted by a slightly overenthusiastic artist with too many colors on their palette. With its lively mix of restaurants, markets, locals, and travelers, Beau Vallon is the perfect place to experience island life in all its shades — relaxed, spirited, and deeply rooted in Seychellois culture.
The first place we headed for in the Seychelles was also our home for the coming weeks: Beau Vallon Beach. Our holiday house sat slightly above the shoreline, nestled in a landscape so green it could make a botanical garden blush with envy.
Getting there? A small adventure in itself. Our rental car — a Renault Kwid that had clearly seen better clutch days — was eager to prove it still had life left in it. Left-hand traffic? Yes, they drive on the “wrong” side here, but let’s be honest: with the relaxed pace of the Seychellois, it can hardly be called traffic. It’s more of a gentle, leafy crawl through a thousand shades of green — wellness for the eyes, you might say.
After about 25 minutes, it appeared: that first glimpse of the turquoise sea, separated from the road only by a thin strip of white sand. That sight alone made the long flight across half the planet worthwhile.
Uphill with the Renault – or: Driving School, Revisited
Reaching our holiday house required tackling a side road narrower and twistier than a mountain goat’s hiking trail. The very first ascent was a test: juggling the clutch, forcing the gear in, and praying the transmission would show mercy. For a brief moment, I was transported back to my driving lessons — except back then, there wasn’t a jungle on either side or a view of the Indian Ocean to distract me.
Will the Kwid and I become friends? We’ll see. For now, it’s a kind of pragmatic relationship: he drives, I pray.
Even before we arrived, our host Jennifer had already sent us photos, directions, and a generous dose of island calm via WhatsApp. And indeed — everything worked out perfectly. The moment we texted that we’d arrived, she appeared just a few minutes later.
Her warm “Welcome!” came straight from the heart, and our little house turned out to be a true oasis: spotless, well-equipped, and radiating that special kind of charm that instantly makes you feel at home. The next few days? We wouldn’t just spend them here — we’d enjoy them.
Arrived — but still not quite believing it
Our first day in the Seychelles unfolded at an unhurried pace — which, after a twelve-hour flight, was hardly surprising. We thought we’d handled the trip fairly well, but our bodies had other plans: “Thanks for the adventure,” they said, “but now let’s lie down and pretend to be furniture for a while.”
Here at the equator, the sun bows out around 6 p.m., and by 7, there’s really no alternative but to welcome the night. For jetlagged Europeans, that translates to: eat something, stretch your legs, let the soul drift. And that’s exactly what we did. After a quick supermarket run — where paying by credit card works just fine — we had everything we needed to survive the first few days. Island coffee, toast rolls, butter, and jam for breakfast are non-negotiable. The stores are well-stocked, by the way; no need to panic — paradise comes with groceries.
A short walk along Beau Vallon Beach — or as I now call it, “wellness for the eyes” — was all it took to realize that we’d really made it. Turquoise water, palm trees whispering in the breeze, and that unmistakable scent of salt, warmth, and adventure. Afterwards, we sat down in a small beach restaurant, and over a simple dinner it finally sank in: this isn’t a screensaver — this is real.
Seven and a half thousand kilometers from home, we suddenly found ourselves in a small corner of paradise. It still felt surreal, like a dream with a hint of jetlag. But it’s in moments like this that you understand why you travel: to launch yourself out of everyday life and start anew somewhere on a tropical island. And so our first day in the Seychelles ended early — not with beachside cocktails or wild adventures, but with a simple good night. Honestly? It couldn’t have been more perfect.
The next morning, our sense of adventure was fully recharged. Having stocked up the night before at the little supermarket — coffee, toast, jam, the essentials — we enjoyed breakfast on our terrace. And with every sip of coffee, it became increasingly clear: today was a beach day. Sun, sea, and the simple realization that we were really here — in a place we’d dreamed about for so long.
Beau Vallon Beach isn’t just any beach. It’s the beach — the signature image, the postcard scene you conjure up on grey November days in the office when you’re longing for “just the sea.” Powdery white sand slipping between your toes, water so warm you can walk straight in without hesitation, and a serenity that makes you forget the world — this was exactly how I’d imagined paradise.
Despite its fame, the beach feels surprisingly laid-back. Finding a quiet spot is effortless, and with just a few steps, you can claim your own little piece of shoreline. Walk a bit further toward the granite boulders and you’ll find small sandy coves that feel like private sun lounges — without fences, signs, or anyone trying to sell you knock-off Ray-Bans. No loud tour groups, no blaring music — just people who, like us, want to soak it all in: the sea, the light, the nature literally lapping at their feet.
Still, life hums gently around the edges of Beau Vallon. Small stalls offer coconuts, fresh fruit, and cool drinks — low-key, friendly, never pushy. Across the small coastal road, there’s a mix of guesthouses, shops, bars, and restaurants. The cuisine is distinctly Creole, with seafood lovers in for an absolute treat. The fish is so fresh it could practically introduce itself. Even the most reluctant “not-really-into-fish” eaters might start to reconsider. My own opening act: a tuna steak paired with a dark, creamy Guinness on our first evening — simply perfect.
Later, we wandered along the little promenade. On both sides, souvenir stands lined the way — not flashy or crowded, but charming and relaxed. Much of what’s sold is visibly handcrafted: colorful sarongs with African patterns, small wooden carvings, handmade jewelry. Of course, the classic flip-flops and T-shirts are there too — tourism is alive and well — but the overall vibe remains pleasantly authentic.
What I especially loved was the street food culture. Tiny takeaways with handwritten menus posted outside serve honest, flavorful food — at prices a fraction of what you’d pay in a sit-down restaurant. Curry, fresh fish, sweet treats — everything simple, delicious, and full of local spice.
Our first proper evening in the Seychelles — and honestly, how else could we have spent it than the classic way: barefoot on the beach, cocktail in hand? Beau Vallon Beach sets the stage perfectly for such moments: fine sand beneath your feet, waves rolling gently to shore, and a sunset so theatrical it really ought to charge admission.
It’s that daily ritual that never gets old: the universe’s heat lamp slowly sinking into the sea, as if it had finally decided that it, too, had earned a well-deserved break. The horizon bursts into color — orange melting into pink, then into a shade of violet so bold it feels almost indecent. We sit there, watching the show unfold, while Caribbean rhythms hum softly from the speakers and the low murmur of conversation blends seamlessly with the sound of the surf.
And the cocktail? Let’s just say it was mixed with the kind of generosity that makes you suspect the bartender is secretly trying to upgrade your vacation mood. After four of these, the bottle behind the counter would surely be history. But that doesn’t make it any less delicious — quite the opposite. That perfect balance of tropical fruit, rum, and the subtle suspicion that someone just poured you happiness in liquid form… pure bliss.
We sat there, relaxed, slightly tipsy, and completely content — determined to repeat this ritual many more times. Because if there’s a perfect place to toast your wanderlust with a drink in hand, it’s Beau Vallon Beach.
Beau Vallon Beach is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles, but also one of the most exciting. Between tropical idyll, lively market activity and a dash of history, there is much more to discover here than meets the eye.
🌞 Conclusion: Your Paradise Awaits!
The Seychelles are far more than a postcard come to life – they’re a treasure chest overflowing with natural wonders, laid-back island vibes, and moments you’ll never forget. Whether you’re hiking through ancient forests, hanging out with giant tortoises, or watching the sun melt into the ocean with a drink in hand, the magic of these islands will stay with you long after you’ve flown home.
So go on – pack your bags.
Your paradise is already waiting.
