Beach Villas is a small B&B located in Grande Anse, one of Praslin’s two small towns. However, most tourists stay on the Cote d’Or on the other side of the island, and it is here that the restaurants and tourist services are mainly located. I was looking for a quiet retreat, but Grande Anse is extremely solitary, especially at night, and there are very few eating options. But, the essentials - car rental, ATM, etc., - are present, and the peace and quiet is there for the taking.
Beach Villas is a collection of small buildings connected by open-air walkways surrounded by a pleasant beachside garden. The bedrooms ($55pp/night) included a double bed, ceiling fan, and en-suite shower room, with a private outdoor porch and seating area. The rooms were clean and very secure, with bars on the windows and an in-room safe, both of which are advisable assets in Seychelles. Guests are welcomed with a fruit cocktail and on certain evenings are invited to a sega (traditional dance) lesson.
Breakfast was served in the small restaurant by the sea wall and consisted of several pieces of local fruit, such as mango, custard apple, and papaya; toast and jam; and tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Dinner is available on request. There is no swimming pool or sun loungers, but the garden leads onto the beach, which is pleasant but has a little too much seaweed.
The B&B is owned by a European couple, who also run fishing and boat excursions to neighbouring islands. I took the day trip to St. Pierre Islet, Curieuse, and Cousin, which, at $120, was definitely an extravagance, but it was one of the highlights of my time in Seychelles, and well worth it. The price included all landing fees, a delicious fish barbecue, snorkelling, a nature walk in the world-renowned Cousin bird reserve (essential for birdwatchers), and a talk on the Seychelles giant tortoise.