Banyan Tree Concierge

Banyan Tree is located on the south-western coast line of Mahe, the main island of the Republic of Seychelles. Also a 30 minute drive from the Seychelles international Airport and 45 minutes drive from the capital Victoria.

The Climate is equable and healthy, although quite humid, as the islands are small and subject to marine influence. The temperature varies little throughout the year. July and August are one of the coolest months. The Southern trade winds blow regularly from May to November, and this is the most pleasant time of the year. The hot months are from December to April experiencing higher humidity. March and April are the hottest months, but the temperature seldom exceeds.

Aptly located on Market Street, the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is easily among the best places to do some shopping in Seychelles. A national landmark, this entry among Seychelles tourist attractions was originally erected in the 1840, receiving much-needed renovations in 1999. Most folks will tell you that this is the centre of it all in the capital city of Victoria, and whether they are right or not, it’s certainly an excellent place to stock up on fresh food stocks, not to mention do a little people watching. You’ll also find souvenirs for sale here, as well as various souvenirs and local works of art. If you can, try to get to the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market on Saturday mornings, when it’s most lively.

Every Wednesday we have the Bazar Labrin that takes place at the Beau Vallon district by the Beau Vallon beach with creole cuisine and local souvenirs on sale.

Certainly one of the top Seychelles tourist attractions, the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island is one of just two Seychelles World Heritage Sites. The main attractions here are the rare Coco de Mer palm trees and the equally as rare black parrots. A slice of virgin forest, the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve maintains a primeval feel that is quite impressive. As for the Coco de Mer palms, they are quite curious plants indeed, gaining a reputation for causing more than one person to blush on occasion. That much said, the Coco de Mer is an ancient tree that once near extinction, now thrives in the Valle de Mai jungle. It’s quite a remarkable palm, if for nothing else because of the enormous seeds that the female plants produce.

Mahe, the country’s cultural hub, is again the scene for the annual Fete de la Francophonie, which is held in March. If you speak French, you’ll love the various films, exhibitions, and craft stalls. For more than 5 years now, music fans have been able to take part in the Seychelles International Festival of Classical Music, which runs for a few weeks in May and June at the at various Mahe locations.

For those who love to sail, perhaps the Seychelles Sailing Cup should be moved to the top of your list of Seychelles events to attend. Maybe you’ll even want to enter the race yourself! Held on the island Mahe, this event takes place in January, and both amateur and professional sailors race a mixed variety of vessels, from catamarans to monohulls.

Festival Kreol, or Creole Festival. Every year in the last week of October, this biggest of Seychelles festivals runs its course at various locations on the main island of Mahe. Besides listening to great Creole music, visitors to this romp can also sample Creole food favourites. Talk about an authentic Seychelles dining experience! Besides good food and good music, the Creole Festival also displays Creole art, dance, and fashion. It’s not uncommon for Creole artists from around the globe to descend on Mahe Island during this week, which only helps to cement the festival’s importance in the overall culture of Seychelles.