If you are planning to visit Seychelles, you might be wondering what to do besides enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Well, you will be happy to know that Seychelles is also a shopper’s delight, as it offers a range of shopping options for all kinds of tastes and budgets. From local crafts and art to international brands and luxury items, you will find something to satisfy your shopping cravings in Seychelles. In this article, we will take you on a tour of some of the best shopping malls in Seychelles that you should not miss.
One of the most impressive shopping malls in Seychelles is Eden Plaza, which is situated on Eden Island near the capital city of Victoria. This mall is a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure. It has over 50 shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, as well as a marina and a casino. You can shop for clothes, accessories, electronics, books, souvenirs, and more at Eden Plaza. You can also enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink with a stunning view of the ocean and the mountains.
There are many more malls and markets that you can discover in different islands and regions of Seychelles. In the following sections of this article, we will give you more details and tips on how to make the best of your shopping adventure in Seychelles. Stay with us!
Best shopping malls in Seychelles
Here are some of the best shopping malls in Seychelles that I found from my web search:
1. Eden Plaza:
This is a modern and spacious mall located on Eden Island near the capital city of Victoria. It has over 50 shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, as well as a marina and a casino. You can find everything from fashion, jewelry, electronics, books, to souvenirs and gifts at Eden Plaza. It is also a great place to enjoy a meal or a drink with a view of the ocean and the mountains.
2. Ispc Supermarket:
This is the largest supermarket in Seychelles, offering a variety of local and imported products at reasonable prices. You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, bakery items, beverages, snacks, and more at Ispc Supermarket. It also has a deli section where you can buy ready-made meals and salads. If you are looking for quality groceries and household items in Seychelles, Ispc Supermarket is the place to go.
3. Carrefour des Arts:
This is an interesting art installation on a side street in Mahe that showcases the artistic talents of local artists. You can see paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and other artworks that reflect the culture, diversity, and creativity of Seychelles. You can also buy some of these artworks as souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones.
These are just some of the best shopping malls in Seychelles that you can visit during your stay. There are many more malls and markets that you can explore in different islands and regions of Seychelles.
Seychelles shopping tips
Shopping in Seychelles can be a fun and rewarding experience, as you can find a variety of products that reflect the culture, nature, and history of this island nation. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, handicrafts, art, or food, you can find something that suits your taste and budget. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your shopping in Seychelles:
1. Plan your shopping according to your itinerary.
Seychelles has different shopping options on different islands, so you may want to check what is available before you visit. For example, if you are staying on Mahe, you can find the largest and most diverse shopping malls, such as Eden Plaza and STC Hypermarket. If you are on Praslin, you can visit the OJ Mall or the Vallee de Mai Boutique for some local products. If you are on La Digue, you can explore the Union Estate Park for some fresh vanilla pods.
2. Shop at local markets for a more authentic and affordable experience.
Local markets are great places to find fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, spices, and other delicacies that are native to Seychelles. You can also find some unique handicrafts made from coconut shells, such as the famous Coco de Mer, which is a rare and exotic nut that resembles a female bottom. However, make sure you buy only the ones with holographic stickers and official permits, as they are protected by law. Some of the most popular local markets are the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke market in Victoria, the Beau Vallon Beach market, and the Bazar Labrin market on Praslin.
3. Bargain for the best prices, but be respectful and fair.
Bargaining is a common practice in Seychelles, especially at local markets and souvenir shops. You can try to negotiate for a lower price if you think the seller is asking too much, but don’t be rude or aggressive. Also, don’t expect to get huge discounts, as most sellers have a reasonable margin of profit. A good rule of thumb is to offer about 10% less than the asking price and work your way up from there.
4. Buy some art pieces to appreciate the creativity and diversity of Seychelles.
Seychelles has a thriving art culture, with numerous local artists displaying their abilities through various forms of expression. Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and other works can be found at galleries and workshops around the islands. Barbara Jenson, who paints exquisite island sceneries in acrylics and watercolors; George Camille, who creates amazing sculptures from wood and metal; and Michael Adams, who creates vibrant prints and paintings inspired by nature and culture, are among the most well-known artists.
You can also purchase gallery art collections that include works by multiple artists in one package.
5. Don’t forget to try some local food and drinks while you shop.
Shopping in Seychelles may be a hungry business, so treat yourself to some delectable local food and drinks while you shop. Seychelles has a wide range of cuisines, from Creole to Indian to Chinese, but some of the most distinctive dishes are shark chutney, made from boiled shark meat mixed with spices and lime juice; octopus curry, a spicy stew of octopus cooked with coconut milk; and ladob, a sweet dessert of bananas or breadfruit cooked in coconut milk.
You can also quench your thirst with some refreshing drinks, such as palm wine, which is a fermented drink made from palm sap; coco d’amour, which is a liqueur made from coconut extract; and seybrew, which is a local beer brewed from malted barley.
What are some popular souvenirs to buy in Seychelles?
Some popular souvenirs to buy in Seychelles are:
1. Coco de mer:
This is the largest and heaviest seed in the world, and it is native to Seychelles. It has a distinctive shape that resembles a female pelvis, and it is considered a symbol of fertility and love. You can buy coco de mer as a whole or as carved ornaments, but you need to have a valid certificate and holographic sticker to export it legally.
2. Yi-King essential oils:
These are natural oils made from local ingredients by a French aromatherapist living in Seychelles. They are based on the eight master elements of Chinese medicine, and they are personalized according to your date of birth. You can buy them as individual oils or as gift sets.
3. Kreolor jewellery and crafts:
This is a local brand that produces jewellery and crafts inspired by the culture, diversity, and creativity of Seychelles. You can find earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants, and more made from gold, silver, pearls, gemstones, and shells. You can also find crafts made from coconut shells, wood, ceramics, and fabrics.
4. Shark chutney:
This is a traditional Seychellois dish that is made from shark meat, bilimbi fruit, onion, turmeric, lime juice, salt, and pepper. It is usually served with rice, lentils, and green papaya salad. It has a spicy and tangy taste that is unique to Seychelles. You can buy shark chutney in jars or cans from local markets or shops.
Seychelles shopping mall directory
Here’s seychelles shopping mall directory that people might be interested in:
1. Eden Plaza Shopping Centre:
- Location: Eden Island, Mahé, Seychelles
- Description: A modern waterfront mall with a variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Offers stunning views and a pleasant shopping experience.
2. OJ Mall:
- Location: Revolution Avenue, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
- Description: A popular shopping destination in Seychelles’ capital, Victoria. It houses retail stores, supermarkets, and a food court.
3. Hypermarket Mont Fleuri:
- Location: Mont Fleuri, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
- Description: One of the largest hypermarkets in Seychelles, offering a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, and household items.
4. Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market:
- Location: Market Street, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
- Description: Not a traditional shopping mall, but a vibrant and bustling market known for its fresh produce, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
5. La Passe Shopping Centre:
- Location: La Digue, Seychelles
- Description: A small shopping center on the picturesque island of La Digue, featuring local shops and services.
Duty-free shopping in Seychelles
Travelers can purchase items while shopping duty-free without having to pay taxes or customs fees. Duty-free shopping is a fantastic method to get some special items that aren’t sold in your native nation while also saving money. However, there are some restrictions and limitations to duty-free shopping that you should be aware of before you shop.
Some of the benefits of duty-free shopping in Seychelles are:
- You can find a variety of international luxury brands of perfumes, wines, chocolates, jewellery, and more at the duty-free shops at Seychelles International Airport.
- You can also buy some high quality local brands of beverages and gifts that reflect the culture and nature of Seychelles
- You can shop online with the STC Duty Free and collect your purchases on your way with no hassle
- You can enjoy free WiFi access, comfortable seating areas, and other amenities while you shop at the airport.
Some of the drawbacks of duty-free shopping in Seychelles are:
- You have to follow the customs regulations of both Seychelles and your destination country when you buy duty-free goods. You may have to pay taxes or duties if you exceed the allowed limits or if you buy prohibited items¹.
- You may not find the best prices or the best quality of products at the duty-free shops. Sometimes, you can find better deals or more authentic products at the local markets or other shops in Seychelles.
- You may have limited time or space to shop at the duty-free shops. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have to rush through your shopping or carry your purchases with you on board.
Luxury shopping in Seychelles
Seychelles is a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its pristine beaches, tropical forests, and diverse wildlife. It is also a great destination for shopping lovers, as you can find a variety of products that reflect the culture and nature of Seychelles. Here are some of the things you should definitely buy while shopping in Seychelles:
1. Coco de Mer:
This is one of the biggest nuts in the world, and a symbol of Seychelles. It is a rare and exotic nut that grows only on two islands in Seychelles: Praslin and Curieuse. It has a distinctive shape that resembles a female pelvis, and it is believed to have aphrodisiac properties. You can buy a Coco de Mer as a souvenir, but make sure you buy it from a licensed seller with a holographic sticker and an official permit. Otherwise, you might get into trouble with the law².
2. Art pieces:
Seychelles has a rich artistic heritage, and you can find many talented artists who create beautiful paintings, sculptures, and crafts that capture the essence of Seychelles. You can visit art galleries, studios, and markets to admire and purchase original artworks by local artists. Some of the famous artists you should look for are Barbara Jenson, Michael Adams, George Camille, and Rita Morel.
3. Yi-King essential oils:
These are natural oils made from local plants and flowers that have therapeutic benefits. They are based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Yi-King, which assigns each person a number according to their date of birth. The oils are blended according to the number, and they can help you balance your energy and emotions. You can buy these oils from the Yi-King shop on Mahe Island.
These are just some of the things you can buy while shopping in Seychelles. There are many more products that you can explore, such as jewelry, spices, tea, rum, clothing, and handicrafts. You can also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the markets and malls, where you can mingle with the locals and experience their culture.
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Local markets vs. shopping malls in Seychelles
Seychelles has a variety of shopping options, from local markets to shopping malls, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some of the main differences between them:
1. Local markets:
Local markets are great places to experience the culture and cuisine of Seychelles. You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, spices, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more at these markets. Some of the most popular markets are the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke market in Victoria, the Beau Vallon Beach market, and the Bazar Labrin market on Praslin. Local markets are usually cheaper than shopping malls, but you may need to bargain for the best prices. Local markets are also more environmentally friendly, as they sell mostly local and organic products.
2. Shopping malls:
Shopping malls are more convenient and comfortable for shopping in Seychelles. You can find a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and other services at these malls. Some of the most popular shopping malls are the Eden Plaza on Eden Island, the STC Hypermarket on Mahé, and the OJ Mall on Praslin.
Shopping malls are more expensive than local markets, but they offer more quality and variety of products. Shopping malls are also more accessible and safe, as they have parking facilities, security guards, and air conditioning.
Depending on what you’re looking for, you can choose to shop at local markets or shopping malls in Seychelles. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s up to you to decide what suits you best.
I hope this information helps you plan your shopping trip in Seychelles. Have a wonderful day!
