CHALETS D’ ANSE FORBANS – A SHOWCASE OF SUCCESS OF SEYCHELLES’ PRIVATE SECTOR
(Posted 28th October 2014)
There are perhaps many examples one can cite when speaking about the success of the change of direction in economic policies under the government of President James Alix Michel, but the success of one particular establishment, the Chalets d’ Anse Forbans is as good as they come. Considering that the chalets were launched already in 1994, way before President Michel succeeded former president Rene, at a time when private enterprise was not at the core of the economic policies, is the curve of accomplishments all the more impressive. Taking charge of the archipelago’s tourism sector by Seychellois for Seychellois is part of President Michel’s economic empowerment programme, and at Chalets d’Anse Forbans it is evident that this policy is working.
Owned and managed by a Seychellois family, which converted a former coconut estate the family possessed for generations, has Chalets d’ Anse Forbans grown in size, as well as in character, from the initial 12 single bedroom cottages to now 14 chalets, some large enough to cater for families, and all ocean facing with but a few steps from the beach. While equipped for selfcatering does the management arrange for a cook, should the clients so wish, to prepare food, with freshly caught fish of course ever present on the menu, and prepared in typical Creole style with plenty of spices and herbs.
A nearby supermarket has been put into the picture, again arranged by the management, and a phone call is enough for them to pick up clients for shopping and then bring them back to the chalets. Restaurants on this side of the island are also not far away and close by are take away’s found, which provide lunch and dinner boxes for just 50 Seychelles Rupees, approximately 4 US Dollars, which can spare clients the trouble to cook and in fact is the most affordable way to have a square meal.
The management team at Chalets d’ Anse Forbans, comprising of course only family members like Daphne and Brigitte, has already hinted that they have big plans for the property come 2015, and readers can be sure to get the news on this space just as soon as the final decisions have been made.
The chalets are ranked by TripAdvisor – which awarded them Certificates of Excellence for several years running now – as the Number One self-catering establishment on this side of Mahe, an assessment confirmed by this correspondent’s own experience after several visits to the place and a few nights spent there to check the place out.
Celebrating their 20th anniversary is surely a major accomplishment for the place and will no doubt be suitably celebrated by the team, their regular clients – many of them repeat guests – and other wellwishers from the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Board and the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association. Happy Anniversary.
