Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort and Casino

The exterior of the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino is bland, but once inside, the lush landscaping and tall palm trees contribute to a feeling of tropical relaxation in a beachfront enclave. Guests are offered a welcome drink upon arrival, but service can be spotty after that. Many common spaces are open-air, including the large lobby, which is done in dark native woods and red stones, studded with granite planters, a wall-size jungle mural, and a few clusters of upholstered striped couches that look a bit misplaced in scale and appearance. There are a variety of spots to hang out for a drink or bite, including three restaurants and bars. The dining room is under a soaring thatch-and-wood rooftop; tables are set with linen and china, and outdoor tables are shaded by bright beach umbrellas. This might not be a good choice for foodies as the dining options are unmemorable, but for beachgoers, sun worshippers, and travelers seeking a getaway, The Beau Vallon Bay Resort will do just fine.

The beachfront Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino is located on the northwest coast of Mahe Island at Beau Vallon Bay, surrounded by hotels, palm trees, and white sand beaches. The center of Victoria city is about a 10-minute drive from the resort, and the hotel operates a free shuttle once daily. There is a public bus stop at the hotel entrance. Beau Vallon Beach is right on the property's doorstep, while other beaches like Sunset Beach and North East Point Beach are five and 10-minutes away by car, respectively. The gorgeous Morne Seychellois National Park is about a half-hour drive away. The Seychelles International Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the property.

Rooms at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino are simple and a bit bland, and come in a variety of sizes and categories. Some are small and many are due for renovation -- older rooms can be musty and show wear and tear -- but generally they are clean and simply styled, and even Standard Rooms have separate nooks with desks as well as tables and chairs. The vibe is that of a beach motel with basic furnishings and twin beds, but with resort-level garden views. Bathrooms are adequate, but tight, although the size improves with the room category and some renovated rooms have both walk-in rainfall showers and whirlpool tubs. There are occasional issues with prompt attention to maintenance and fresh towel service. Suites come with kitchenettes for guest convenience. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, mini-fridges, in-room safes, free toiletries, and bottled water. 

The Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino features a private white sand beach with sunbeds and plenty of palm trees for shade. There is an elegant outdoor pool with a large deck, a pool bar, and beautiful landscaping, alongside a kids' pool where families can easily while away an afternoon or longer. The outdoor tennis court is floodlit for night-time play. The on-site PADI dive center offers excursions and instruction for all levels, from total beginners to experts, rescue divers, and dive instructors, as well as a variety of snorkeling trips. Other water sports include deep-sea fishing, sailing, surfing, and water skiing. Guests can also play volleyball, darts, and enjoy the game room, while kids can enjoy the playground with swings, slides, seesaws, and a soft surface. 

There are three on-site restaurants, including Le Canton, which serves Chinese food on an outdoor terrace, and the Pizzeria, located in an atmospheric pavilion with views of the ocean. Parrot, the buffet restaurant, serves a free breakfast buffet and offers themed dinners every evening. There is live music in the evenings at the Silhouette Bar, while the Casino Bar is a good spot for a drink or a snack between hands or after a long night at the tables. There is a souvenir shop in the lobby with an excellent variety of local handicrafts, jewelry, t-shirts, postcards, and forgotten items like sunscreen and sunburn creme. The resort runs a free shuttle once a day to downtown Victoria. There are two meeting rooms on-site as well as a business center, but Wi-Fi incurs an extra fee.