SAINTE ANNE, REFUGE TO SEA TURTLES

The island of Sainte Anne in the Seychelles is a favourite nesting ground for sea turtles. The island, close to the main island of Mahé, is lapped by the waters of the biggest Marine Parks in the world.
The turtle egg laying season spans a period from October to January every year. Each day, three turtles on average come ashore to lay their eggs on one of the six beaches or creeks that form the shores of Sainte Anne. Most of them are hawksbill turtles but some green sea turtles may also be spotted occasionally.
About two months later mainly on the secluded beach of Anse Manon, some lucky guests have the privilege of witnessing the miracle of life as baby turtles make their way towards the ocean for the first time.
Fully aware of the importance of the preservation of these animals, the hotel has committed itself to a protection programme with the help of Sainte Anne's marine park authorities. Each birth which occurs on the island is duly reported and turtles are regularly counted and weighed.

To guarantee the preservation of the fragile ecosystem while giving guests the opportunity to watch the turtles, some procedures have been implemented at the resort. All turtle nests are clearly marked. At night, lights are switched off on the beach to avoid disturbing nesting and hatching. Clients are also informed via letters placed in rooms of the conduct they should adopt towards turtles.
It seems these measures are already bearing fruit as an increasing number of turtles are coming back each year to nest on the island.