Staycation at Carana Beach Hotel, Seychelles

Last Updated on June 2, 2023 by Roslin Dwivedi

Located on the north coast of the Mahe island, Carana Beach Hotel shows some beautiful first sights. At the time of check-in, the view from the reception is captivating. Walking towards the chalets, the beautiful narrow paths leading up to the chalets are through the well-maintained gardens, bearing fruits and beautiful tropical flowers. The chalets are overlooking an adorable carana beach, and the balcony bottoms are decorated with charming seasonal flowers and plants. 

A few exciting highlights of the hotel are the beachfront swimming pool, a restaurant and bar overlooking the ocean . So the treats for your eyes are sorted right there.

This post contains affiliate links. It means I get a small commission when you purchase using my affiliate links. Please know that I only recommend products and services I trust and use. Here’s my Disclaimer.

The resort undoubtedly renders breathtaking views almost from every corner of the hotel, giving the vibes of a calming environment. Carana Beach is a lovely 4-star luxury property in Mahe. A few fabulous features of the hotel are, all the chalets are placed in a way to get the best views of the Indian Ocean. Secondly, they are at a walkable distance from Reception, Restaurants, Beach, main Pool and Spa. Thirdly, the Restaurant, Bar and Chalets products, upholstery, artworks make an outstanding interior. And lastly, free parking inside the property.

Arrival and Welcome in Carana Beach Hotel

Instructed Check-in time is 2 pm, but it was late afternoon when we arrived at the hotel. Upon arriving, we were greeted and offered sanitizers. The receptionists had their masks on. 

After all the cherishing and aww-ing watching the breathtaking turquoise landscape, the receptionist Kateline briefed us about the stay, the restaurant timings and resort layout. Finishing our check-in procedure, she walked us to our chalets. 

Carana Beach Hotel Chalets

Upon reaching the chalet, we instantly fell in love with it and the view.  

Starting from the entrance, the broad wooden cupboard is spacious enough, where also there is a safe and a few drawers and shelves attached to accommodate all your belongings. 

When you step ahead, a luxurious sofa with comfy cushions is well placed for that lazy afternoon.

The chalets are very spacious, even after putting a baby crib on the bedside. Beware of the wooden floor which can get slippery sometimes. I slipped quite a few times. Though when I asked my husband, he did not have that experience. So just for you to know.

The bathroom is large with a separate vanity and shower. The anti-skid bath floor is pretty and safe for all ages. 

I loved the bathrobes hung at the bathroom wall. It has a blue belt on a white robe, matching the brand colour. 

Also, bathing toiletries are soothing and aromatic. 

Other facilities of the room are free wifi, TV, mini-fridge, where we could conveniently preserve Milk for our baby. Tea coffee is set up with a kettle and a Nespresso machine, which you can enjoy at an affordable price.

Few of the chalets at the resort have a private swimming pool on the balcony. And a few are without a pool but have a beautiful open patio with lounges.

For the kids’ safety, we took a chalet without a swimming pool. But our balcony provided a fantastic view of the Indian Ocean, Carana beach, the scenes of splendid sunrise and sunsets. We could enjoy it all on the patio, sipping our coffee comfortably on the lounges.   

We also had this view of a little beach that looked more like a private one. Shallow waters there seemed to be a suitable spot to play with kids, and they also didn’t have to swim fearing the big waves. 

To reach the mini beach, there is a secret way. I am sure you can not guess the way down if they don’t tell you. So make sure you ask at the reception!

Food and Beverage

Lorizon Restaurant, Hotel Carana Beach

A restaurant and a bar are located on the other side of all the rooms. Opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make your breakfast experience extravagant at Lorizon Restaurant with the stunning view of the bright blue ocean and some gentle wind. Covered with wooden blinds unless they roll it up, exposing the restaurant to the sunlight and make you sit in an ocean view terrace. With 2 sections to serve many guests at a time, the restaurant has a chair or even sofa seatings. 

The interior is very well done with a wooden floor, bamboo knit ceiling lamps and earthy-ocean artifacts. 

The short and sweet breakfast spread offers all the usual basics. You can enjoy fresh juices, cheese selection, fresh fruit cuts, cereals and some different types of bread, muffins and doughnuts selections for your sweet palate. Also, a live kitchen counter with a lovely lady chef to make your omelette, waffle and pancakes.

The Hotel Carana Beach Bar 

Enjoy some drinks and snacks after a swim or simply relax at the bar with a spectacular view of the Carana beach with waves crashing into the shore and a calming breeze.  

The bar area is spacious for active kids like ours. They kept running around the bar, although due to its proximity to the pool we were constantly on edge. 

We ordered some drinks for the adults and fresh fruit juices for kids after the beach and pool sessions both the days while we were there.  

Half board package will provide breakfast and dinner at the hotel option. We opted for a half board, so we went out to Beau Vallon for lunch and dinners we enjoyed at the hotel. And we chose this as we wanted to go back to our chalet right after dinner to put them to bed. 

The barbecue-themed dinner was delicious. We had ordered grilled fish with our choice of sauces. The kid’s menu is elaborated enough and has lots of options for kids. For seafood lovers, it’s great. For a vegetarian, the options may be limited, but that’s the case wherever you go in the Seychelles. 

Ps: The restaurant crew had masks on, the sanitizer offered at the entrance and body temperature was checked. The tables were already allotted to the guests. So if you may want to choose the best view table, you can not, and this is where you will hate these regulations. However, if you are heading to the restaurants in the second seating when the restaurant is more empty, they don’t mind for you to switch tables. 

Activities at the hotel

The Main Pool – has one of the best spots in the resort. Take a refreshing dip or relax on the sun loungers at the beachfront swimming pool. Drinks from the bars lay back and enjoy the infinite ocean view. The swimming pool is pretty big and has two levels. As you dip into the pool, the first level is shallow and safe for kids. Level two is for adults that are only 4 meters deep. 

Tranquilize at the beach – Experience secluded island vibes. The sand at this beach is powdery fine and so comforting to walk on. You may walk, run, chase the waves or take a swim in the ocean, which has a long stretch of white sand. Order some refreshing drinks and get some tan. Get snorkelling equipment from the hotel and observe the beautiful fishes close to the shore. We could spot a few at the mini secret beach too.

Activities for kids – Pool and beach are the best options for the kids to play. My son loves walking and playing on the sand. So yes, he had lots of fun at the beach. 

The Spa was closed while we were there due to Covid restrictions, but hopefully, it will open back up soon. 

A small boutique called Ko-Kiya is opposite to the reception. You may find some beautiful long dresses, tunics and shirts for men and women, swimming dresses for all also for kids and slippers and some fancy purses. 

Pss: Don’t forget your mosquito repellent. Luckily I brought one, though I’m not one of those who keep the mosquito repellent usually, travelling kids teach you much.

Attractions Close to the Hotel Carana Beach

Victoria – The main town is 20 mins away from carana. The hotel can arrange a trip to Mahe island, and you can explore Victoria.

Beau Vallon is the closest. Staying at the carana beach gave us plenty of opportunities to explore Beau Vallon. There are plenty of restaurants and a beach where you can spend all day long. Though due to Covid, most of the restaurants were closed for lunch.

Otherwise, Beau Vallon is a fun place, crowded at times, and the beach provides many water activities. For water sports at beau Vallon, check beforehand, because of Covid many businesses were closed. 

Sunset Beach is one of the lovely beaches close to the hotel.

Machabee rock pool – A natural rock pool is located close to the hotel. 

You can make a day trip to the other islands like Praslin or la Digue.

So Why and How we planned this trip to Carana Beach hotel.

For us, the lockdown stayed for longer than others in the country. And after we were free to move around the island, we booked Carana Beach hotel in Mahe Island for our staycation.

Being in the extended lockdown, we indeed could take a break from our home. Despite living in Seychelles, we mostly flew out of the country for vacation. This time thanks to Covid, we could make a mini staycation on the island itself. 

Is Carana Beach Hotel a family hotel?

The answer is yes. During our staycation, we met with a few more families vacationing with their kids. And the best part is their kids are also 2 years old and younger so almost Aanick and his friend’s age group. 

We planned this stay with our family friend, who also has a son the same age as Aanick. And they both are best friends. So it was a treat for them too, they got a lot of time together and a lot of time for us, parents, away from them 🙂

We had a lovely time at the hotel as kids had plenty of space all around the hotel running and playing on their own of course with light supervision. 

Is Carana Beach Hotel Safe for Kids?

Yes, we found the hotel is safe for kids. We had Aanick and his friend play all around the restaurant and bar all the time we went for drinks. It is safe for them over there unless you leave them entirely and find them jumped in the pool, which almost happened with our son. 

The room’s balcony has a proper wooden railing, the space between the grill is not much for kids to pass it. Also, there is nothing at the bottom to give them a boost to climb the top of the railing.

There are also no scary edges inside the room. Except when my son is playing on the floor, he sometimes crawls under the furniture. And he got hit by the bed corner, but again not severe.

Hospitality

The crew of the hotel are amicable and swift at their work. We had absolutely no problems at any time. Be it was a room request or at the restaurants, the housekeeping staff, live kitchen lady chef and the server appointed to our table. Kateline at the reception and Vishal, the restaurant manager, kept the tabs on us. 

Overall we found vacationing at the Carana Beach Hotel is worth it. 

Some helpful facts 

1. Caranabeach Hotel is 30 mins away from the airport. 
2. The bus stand is close to the hotel, so if you like to have an island tour with some roller-coaster effect, go for the bus ride. 
3. The check-in time is 2 pm, And check-out is at 10am.

Hey! if you like the post save it for later!