The verdict on Petite Anse
- Who it suitsFor couples and resort guests who want a sheltered, picture perfect cove with calm swimming and a private feeling setting.
- Best spotThe bay sits within the Four Seasons resort, so the daybeds, bars and service belong to the resort, and access for non guests is limited.
- One thing to knowIt is one of the most sheltered and swimmable bays on this coast, but the resort setting means it is not a freely walk up public beach in practice.
Published 18 January 2026. Last reviewed 25 February 2026
Petite Anse is one of the prettiest small bays on the south west coast of Mahe, a deep, sheltered crescent of white sand wrapped in steep green hills. It looks like the platonic idea of a Seychelles cove, and on a calm day the water is clear and inviting. The catch, and the thing to understand before you set your heart on it, is that the bay sits within the grounds of the Four Seasons resort built into the hillside above it.
In Seychelles all beaches are legally public, so the sand at Petite Anse is not private. In practice, though, the only easy access runs through the resort, and the entire experience of the bay, the daybeds, the bar, the dining and the service, belongs to the hotel. For non guests that makes casual walk up visits difficult, and the honest position is that this is effectively a resort beach. If you are staying there it is idyllic, and if you are not, it is a beach to admire rather than to base a day around.
The upside of that setting is the water. The bay is well sheltered and faces away from the worst of the swell, so it is usually calm and good for swimming and gentle snorkelling, a real contrast to the wild surf of nearby Anse Intendance. The enclosed shape and the forested backdrop also give it a quiet, private feel that the busier public beaches cannot match, which is exactly why the resort chose the spot.
If you want this stretch of coast without the resort access question, the wilder public beaches nearby are freely open, and you can keep Petite Anse as the place you photograph from the headland or enjoy as a hotel guest. For freely accessible daybeds and clubs elsewhere on Mahe, along with current spend bands, our Seychelles beach clubs directory is the place to start.
Clubs on and near Petite Anse
The bay at Petite Anse sits within the Four Seasons resort, so the daybeds, bar and dining belong to the hotel and access for non guests is limited. There is no separate public club on the sand. For freely accessible clubs and current spend bands elsewhere on Mahe, use the Seychelles beach clubs directory.
Four Seasons frontage
The resort built into the hillside above the cove, whose daybeds, bar and dining face the bay for guests, with limited access for others.
Public sand at Petite Anse
The bay is legally public sand, but the only easy access runs through the resort, so casual walk up visits are difficult in practice.
Petite Anse, Mahe, Seychelles
Petite Anse lies on the south west coast of Mahe near Baie Lazare, reached by hire car or taxi over the hills from the airport and capital. The bay itself is accessed through the Four Seasons resort on the hillside above, so non guest entry is limited and best checked in advance.
If you are a resort guest the access is simple and managed for you. If not, treat the nearby freely public beaches as your base for the day, and bring water and sun protection as you would for any quiet southern bay.
Reserve a daybed near Petite Anse
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Petite Anse FAQ
Can non guests visit Petite Anse?
All Seychelles beaches are legally public, so the sand is not private, but the only easy access runs through the Four Seasons resort above the bay. In practice casual walk up visits are difficult, so it is effectively a resort beach.
Is Petite Anse good for swimming?
Yes. The bay is well sheltered and faces away from the worst swell, so it is usually calm and clear and good for swimming and gentle snorkelling, unlike the wild surf at nearby Anse Intendance.
Are there beach clubs at Petite Anse?
There is no separate public club on the sand. The daybeds, bar and dining belong to the Four Seasons resort the bay sits within. For freely accessible clubs elsewhere on Mahe, see our Seychelles beach clubs directory.
Is Petite Anse worth visiting if I am not staying at the resort?
It is beautiful but hard to access casually, so many non guests admire it from the headland and base their day on the freely public beaches nearby instead. As a resort guest it is idyllic and sheltered.
When is the best time to visit Petite Anse?
The calmer drier months from around April to October suit the sheltered bay, though its enclosed shape keeps it gentle in most weather. Confirm any non guest access arrangements in advance.