Cote D'Or Beach

Cote D'Or follows the curve of Anse Volbert bay for two and a half kilometres near Baie Sainte Anne in Seychelles. The sand is white and wide, and most of the accommodation along it — a range that runs from larger resorts to self-catering bungalows and small guesthouses — sits back from the shoreline behind trees, which keeps the beach looking open even when the bay is occupied.

A cluster of shops and restaurants sits toward the middle and western end of the bay. The area reads more as a resort strip than a working village, but the density is low and the pace is unhurried. On evenings and weekends, local families use the beach alongside tourists.

From the sand you look out at several small islands. The closest sits near enough that you can reach it on foot or by swimming at low water, and the rocks around it offer good snorkelling. Boat trips to the outer islands — including Curieuse and St Pierre — run from the beach itself and can be arranged through most hotels along the bay.

A number of boats are moored in the bay at any given time, and the water between the beach and the islands is calm enough for casual swimming along most of the shoreline.