Location and character
Petite Anse, also known as Anse La Liberté, is close to Anse Soleil. It is smaller than its more popular neighbour and harder to reach, but the effort is well worth it. You get calm swimming and sunbathing against a backdrop of granite boulders and green forest. The powder-soft sand and turquoise water of this bay will leave you speechless.
The bay belongs to Baie Lazare. The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles sits on the hillside above the beach. The beach itself is open to the public, but the way there runs through the resort grounds. If you come in the morning, you will usually have the bay almost to yourself.
Getting there and access
By car via Anse Soleil Road
The bay lies in the south-west of Mahé. At the international airport turn left and follow the main road south, past the petrol station at Anse Royale and the Hotel Lazare Picault (on your right) to the Baie Lazare police station. At the next opportunity turn left into Anse Soleil Road and follow it for about 800 metres to the signpost for the Anse Soleil Café. Turn right onto this track and drive another 50 metres, where you will find a spot on your left to leave your car. Then follow the footpath downhill to the beach, which takes about 20 minutes. In total, allow around an hour.
Through the entrance of the Four Seasons Resort
A second option is to ask at the entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel for access to the beach, as the beach belongs to the hotel. Recent visitor reports from 2026 describe the procedure like this: you park in the car park in front of the gate, check in with the security staff and then walk down the resort road. You are not allowed to drive down to the beach. The distance is given as roughly one kilometre and it is steep in places.
No fee was charged on the most recent visits. Older reports occasionally mention around 20 euros, so the rules may change. Ask at the gate for the current conditions. One report also mentions a visiting time until 6 pm for outside guests, so plan your return in good time.
By bus or taxi
The bus only takes you to the Baie Lazare area. The road to the resort runs through hilly terrain, and the last stretch has to be covered on foot. A hire car or taxi is easier, ideally with an arrangement for the return journey.
| Path | Walking time to the beach | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Anse Soleil Road, car park at the trail | about 20 minutes downhill | Total journey from the airport about one hour |
| Four Seasons, car park in front of the gate | 10 to 15 minutes downhill | Registration at the gate, return uphill |
Swimming and snorkelling
The bay is sheltered, the water is usually calm and clear, and the fine sand slopes gently into the sea. You can snorkel among the granite boulders at the edge of the bay. Visitors report good visibility even close to the shore. Bring your own mask and snorkel, as we know of no rental for day visitors.
There is no reliable current information on currents and seaweed. Take a look at the water before you get in, and do not expect a lifeguard. The fact box above shows which months are particularly calm.
Facilities
There is natural shade under the trees at the edge of the beach, but no public parasol hire. According to the resort, the loungers under the palm-thatch parasols are reserved exclusively for hotel guests, as are the bars and the restaurant. If you would like to eat there, ask the resort beforehand. Take water, sun protection and a snack with you, as there are no vendors on the beach. Use the toilets and shops in Baie Lazare before you head down.
Tips and nearby
Come early in the morning. Parking spaces are free then, the heat on the climb back up is easier to bear, and the bay is quiet. Wear sturdy shoes or sandals with a good tread, as the paths are steep. The way back drags on if you walk in the midday heat.
Anse Soleil is right next door and combines well with Petite Anse on the same day. Other beaches in the area are the beach at Baie Lazare, Anse Takamaka, Anse Intendance and Grand Anse. For an overview of the island, see the page on Mahé.
