Sitting on the hilly terrain above Anse Royale beach on Mahé's southeast coast, this old spice garden is still steeped in the aromas of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and a variety of other spices.

Although it's one of the island's most popular beaches, Anse Volbert's size (approximately 1½ miles long) means it never feels crowded. "It's not a busy beach but for a good experience ...