Cote d'Or, Anse Volbert, Seychelles
12-minute downhill walk to Cote d’Or Beach
Spacious rooms with kitchenettes and great balconies
Free use of kayaks, beach beds, paddleboards, and snorkel gear
Breakfast buffet in charming open-air room with sea views
Laundry services, barbecue grills, and car rental service
Cozy lobby with board games
Limited Wi-Fi (for a fee)
Free parking
Reports of cleanliness issues in rooms
Room decor may be too rustic for some
Located on a steep hill makes returning from beach difficult
Rooms lack air-conditioning and Wi-Fi costs extra
While the value Mango Lodge has beautiful jungle grounds, a peaceful atmosphere, and stunning ocean views, it also has its fair share of drawbacks. The eight rooms feature some wear and tear but are overall homey with great balconies and rustic kitchenettes. A paid, simple breakfast buffet is the main feature, followed by free beach items like kayaks and snorkel gear. However, getting to Cote d’Or Beach and back is a bit of a hassle as the path is steep and taxing, even for many of the young couples who stay here. Iles des Palmes Hotel is further east, but it’s a good alternative with a pool, easily accessible beachfront location, and restaurant on-site.
Scene
Charming wooden lodges set in a rain forest, on a hilltop with lovely sea views
Mango Lodge is certainly loved for the stunning sea views from all rooms and the quiet hilltop vibe which appeals to travelers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. The property is a collection of wood chalets in a tropical rain forest brimming with greenery. The lobby is a homey affair with a small sitting area set with blue leather couches and books and board games to borrow. While the owners live on-site, the front desk is not manned 24/7 or even throughout the day sometimes. There’s something charming about the open-air breakfast area with its wooden chairs and tables, yellow and green accents, and ocean views. While the property is an adorable jungle getaway, it lacks air-conditioning and shows some dirt or grime in places. The hotel is mostly popular with laid-back couples.
Location
12-minute walk to Cote d'Or Beach from a steep hilltop location
The biggest sacrifice travelers have to make here will be in terms of location. While the hotel has lovely hilltop views of the sea and is only a 12-minute walk downhill to Cote d’Or Beach, the steep return to the hotel challenges even youthful travelers. There’s little to do or see in the area beyond the beach, though a grocery store is a 14-minute walk away, the Praslin Museum is a 20-minute walk from the hotel, and there are dining options near the beach or at other guest houses nearby. For those with a car, it’s a 12-minute drive to the Praslin National Park and a 25-minute drive to the Praslin Island Airport.
Rooms
Homey, spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, and balconies with great ocean views
Rooms are set up among a selection of lodges and chalets on the cliffside and are fairly spacious. While the decor is best described as homey and is different from room to room, the furniture is somewhat simple and starting to look dated. Expect to see tiled floors, white bedding with colorful accents, and wooden furniture. The most attractive feature is perhaps the sea views from the beautiful terraces. Other standard features include satellite flat-screen TVs, music systems, and rustic kitchenettes with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and small separate stovetops and ovens. Wi-Fi is available for a fee. The rooms aren’t equipped with air-conditioning, but do have fans. Bathrooms are simple affairs with showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. While the rooms are fairly clean, these aren’t luxe accommodations so expect some grime here and there.
Features
Free beach gear to borrow, a paid breakfast, and car rental and laundry services
The facilities on offer here are limited to a hodgepodge of beach related items and a paid breakfast. The hotel provides free kayaks, paddleboards, beach loungers, towels, and snorkel gear for guests to use at the beach. A breakfast buffet of fruit, pastries, cold cuts, cheeses, and yogurt is available daily for a fee. At the hotel, guests can take advantage of laundry services, board games to borrow, barbecue grills, and car rental services. Wi-Fi is only available upon request and for a fee. There’s free parking.