STORY Seychelles is the most sociable of the large resorts on Mahé, set beside Beau Vallon, the island’s longest and busiest beach, on the north-west coast. It is a five-star-class property with 100 rooms across thirteen room types, from Junior Suites with garden outlooks and family suites that sleep five to beach villas and large pool villas that sleep six. Rooms have air conditioning, rainfall showers, a minibar, a large television, a workspace, a safe and free wifi, with 24-hour room service. Many travellers choose it because it combines a proper beach resort with the bars, markets and restaurants of Beau Vallon within easy reach. Food is a real strength. There are seven restaurants and bars, including a French-Polynesian style venue known for its cocktails, an overwater sushi spot and open-air buffets, and a free buffet breakfast is served each morning. All-inclusive plans are available on some bookings, with non-motorised water sports included. The outdoor pool has free cabanas and loungers, there is a separate children’s pool, and a full-service spa with seven treatment rooms, including couples rooms, offers hydrotherapy and massage. A 24-hour gym overlooks the lagoon, and live music and dance shows liven up the evenings.
Location and getting around
The resort is on Bel Ombre Road at the northern end of Mahé, about twenty-five minutes by car from the airport. Victoria, the capital, is roughly ten minutes away, which makes the Victoria market, the botanical garden and the ferry terminal for Praslin and La Digue easy to reach. Beau Vallon Beach is a three-minute walk, and the weekly beach market and evening bars are close.
A shuttle can be arranged for a fee. Beaches on the south of the island, such as Anse Royal, Petite Anse and Baie Lazare, take a half-hour to forty minutes by car, so a hire car or driver is useful for day trips.
The rooms
Junior Suites are the practical entry point, while family suites with a king and twin beds give parents and children room to spread out. Beach villas put you close to the sand, and the pool villas, which can have two bedrooms, are built for celebrations and multi-generation trips. Because the property is large, ask for a room near the beach if you plan to spend most of your time there, or near the quieter garden side if you prefer calm. The resort has a lift and accessible facilities, including a pool and gym.
Things to do
Beau Vallon has snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and diving schools along its length, and sunset walks are a local habit. The resort has a marine trail with coral ladders and a tortoise sculpture, volleyball, bicycle rental and a library. A kids club, playground and babysitting (extra charge) make it a comfortable family choice.
Who it suits and what to know: STORY Seychelles works for families, groups of friends and couples who want energy, choice and an easy beach. Expect a busy resort rather than a hush, particularly at weekends and in school holidays. Check whether your rate includes breakfast only or all-inclusive dining, and remember that a nightly tourist tax is charged per adult. The best conditions for the north-west coast run from about April to October, when the sea is calm and the winds are light, though prices vary across the year.
Why stay here
- ✓Three-minute walk to Beau Vallon Beach
- ✓100 rooms, suites and pool villas
- ✓Seven restaurants and bars
- ✓Free buffet breakfast
- ✓Outdoor pool and children’s pool
- ✓Spa with seven treatment rooms
- ✓Kids club and playground
- ✓About 25 minutes from the airport
Good questions
Where is STORY Seychelles?+
It is on Bel Ombre Road in the Beau Vallon area of north-west Mahé, about 25 minutes by car from the airport and ten minutes from Victoria.
Is it close to the beach?+
Yes. Beau Vallon Beach, the island’s longest, is about a three-minute walk away, and the resort has its own pools and cabanas.
Is breakfast included?+
A free buffet breakfast is served daily, and all-inclusive plans are available on some bookings. Check what your rate covers when you book.
