subject: Island Living - Local Markets And Shops [print this page] Most market and shops in the Seychelles are found in Mahe the capital city as the bulk of the country's population is concentrated here. Shopping is still a leisurely, pleasurable activity here with no giant malls to spoil the experience.
For food shopping Selwyn-Selwyn Clarke Market in Victoria in Mahe Island is the place to go. Here spices, freshly caught fish and seafood and other island produce such as vegetables and fruit are found in abundance. With a bakery and butcher nearby the market takes care of all the daily needs of the city's population.
For those looking for something to serve as a reminder of their holiday in the Seychelles, browsing in the many little shops in Francis Rachel Street, Esplanade, Campion Hall and Pirate Arms arcade Mahe will surely turn up a suitable item from among the spices, perfumes, tea, local liquor, coral and shell jewellery, raffia and palm leaf handicrafts, Coco de Mer, local music CDs, works by local artists and sculptors among others. If purchasing a Coco de Mer, make sure to obtain an export certificate to take the nut out of the country. Kenwyn House, a historic building is Mahe's most fashionable shopping destination where jewellery and precious stones have been sold for a long time. It also serves as a gallery for many artists and patrons can buy their work and get to meet the artists. Local handmade ceramic pottery is found at the Seypot Factory. The craft villages at Au Cap and Anse aux Pins on the east coast of Mahe also sells handicrafts and art works. The outdoor market on Beau Vallon Beach held every Wednesday afternoon and the last Saturday of the month is also an excellent place to find local products.
In Praslin the best places to shop in are the hotel gift shops that carry a range of products from textiles to souvenirs and jewellery. The Black Pearl sells locally cultured pearls and gold and diamond jewellery while several independent art galleries showcase the work of local artists. The Praslin museum while being a great place to get to know local culture and history is also a place to obtain well made souvenirs.
Escape to Raffles Praslin Seychelles the all villa Seychelles hotel to experience uninterrupted calm and relaxation among green hills with views of the Indian Ocean. Stay in the beautifully appointed selection of villas and villa suites that offer a range of up market amenities, taste the culinary delights of the diverse dining options of one of exclusive Seychelles resorts and experience the many facilities and services that turn this into a truly divine destination.
