Sunset Beach Hotel

The Sunset Beach Hotel is a quiet boutique at the edge of Mahe Island. The hotel has been thoughtfully designed to incorporate the natural environment, including huge granite boulders, lush landscaping, and old palm trees that are almost -- but not quite -- overgrown, and artistically rough-hewn wood furniture that still bears the shape of trees. In addition, local art hangs on the walls, and there's plenty of open space where the jungle comes right up to the edge of the buildings. There is not a lot going on at this hotel in terms of activities, and, upon close inspection, some things may be a little run down, but a stay here is an island experience, not an airbrushed one. The location is the star, with gorgeous sunsets, and plenty of terraces from which to enjoy them, including the On The Rocks Bar, popular with locals and tourists both. The bar is actually on the rocks, and incorporates local stone into the bar construction, with a beautiful big slab of wood as the bar top. The restaurant is in a towering open-air pavilion with wood and stone pillars and marble floors. There may be some missteps, like the early-morning leaf blowing that may wake light sleepers, or knobs that come off in one’s hand, but, with a light spirit and (if necessary) a sense of humor, this hotel is a small island gem to be appreciated and enjoyed. Guests are mainly couples, as children under 7 are not allowed, and the atmosphere is ruggedly romantic. 

The Sunset Beach Hotel is located on the north end of the island of Mahe, easily accessible by car. There are other hotels and apartments nearby, but the property is super-quiet and secluded-feeling. Victoria city is about four miles away, a 15-minute drive, and there are several beautiful public beaches close by. Beau Vallon Beach is an eight-minute drive, and North East Point Beach, a little farther, is an 11-minute drive. The airport is about 30 minutes away by car. 

Rooms at the Sunset Beach Hotel have private patios with beautiful views of Beau Vallon Bay and Silhouette Island in the distance. There are three types of guest rooms: Ocean View Rooms, Junior Suites, and Luxury Two-Bedroom Villas. The decor is similar in all: island-y, with romantic four-poster beds, stone accent walls, and a hideaway feel. While many rooms could use a new coat of paint, they have a lot of character; some even have thatched roofs. Others have wonderful kitschy palm tree lamps, palm tree prints on the walls, wicker couches that scream "vacation cottage," and large soaking tubs in the modern, marble bathrooms. Picky guests may find some things dated, like the mirrored closet doors in the Ocean View Rooms, but the views are so gorgeous that hints of decor from previous decades can be forgiven. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable channels, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, safes, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Note that curious passersby may be able to see into beachside rooms.

The Sunset Beach Hotel has a small but lovely private beach on a protected cove, with excellent snorkeling; the hotel provides free snorkel gear to guests. The swimming pool is small, but it overlooks the Indian Ocean, and is prettily designed with stone walls, comfy white-cushioned wooden deck chairs, and endless views. There is a spacious lobby lounge with pool and ping-pong tables, a library, and a cool chess table with intricate old-fashioned chairs beside windows with ocean views. The open-air Silhouette Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and an international, French, and Creole menu for lunch and dinner; some nights are buffet, and, on others, a set menu is offered. Again, the views are superb, as they are from the On the Rocks Bar, which is known island-wide for its spectacular sunsets. Laundry facilities are available for guests. There's a lobby gift shop stocked with bathing suits, beach bags, clothing, and other souvenirs.