Machabee: Ceramics, Art and Island History

Machabee brings together a specific cultural destination and stories from the island’s past. At the Seyramics studio and gallery, visitors can explore the collections and meet the artist. The ceramic works draw on motifs from the ocean and the Seychelles; nearby, ruins recall the Second World War. This gives your holiday rental search a clear focus: arts and crafts and history sit alongside the interest in scenery and hiking offered by the wider destination of Glacis.

Ceramics at the Studio and Gallery

The Seyramics collections include porcelain jewellery, ceramic sculptures and home accessories. They are inspired by the ocean, coral reefs and tropical flora, as well as iconic shapes of the Seychelles. The selection may change. Jewellery, sculptures and home accessories represent different types of objects within this nature- and island-inspired visual world; locally made ceramics are also part of the studio visit.

The Seyramics Studio in Machabee opened in 2019. Ceramic artist Zara Albert owns it. During a visit, you can explore the collections and meet Zara Albert. A free, 30-minute guided tour of the studio is offered by booking. Visitors learn more about how locally made ceramics are produced. If you plan to take this tour, it is best to confirm the current arrangements before travelling.

Ceramic pieces are available after booking a studio visit directly. If you would like to purchase a piece, check the booking arrangements and current availability in advance. This lets you plan the gallery visit, a conversation about the ceramics and a possible purchase separately.

History on the Hillside of Glacis

A 2021 report describes two visible ruins of a Second World War observation post on the hillside of Glacis. The site was strategically chosen to observe enemy ships. According to the historical account, soldiers who walked back and forth while building the post sang the song “When she comes” during wartime. The mountain was named after this song. This place therefore brings together the memory of the post’s military purpose and a traditional explanation of its name.

Glacis: Scenery, Trail and Views

The district of Glacis is on the north-west side of Mahé, about 20 kilometres from Victoria. In the wider destination of Glacis, the “When She Comes” trail passes through lush vegetation and by endemic species. It is described as a moderately challenging, shaded walk; it takes about an hour and a half to reach the summit. From there, the 360-degree view stretches from Beau Vallon Bay to the west coast of Pointe Larue. The trail also offers a historical insight into the Seychelles’ involvement in the Second World War. If you plan to include it in your itinerary, check current access in advance.

The two experiences have different time frames and focuses: the guided studio tour takes 30 minutes, while the trail to the summit takes about an hour and a half. This can help with planning if you are deciding between arts and crafts and a conversation about ceramics, or a longer walk with views. When searching for a holiday rental, you can clearly define the focus of your trip: if a visit to Seyramics is the deciding factor, focus your search on Machabee; if you are mainly interested in views and the historic trail, include Glacis as the wider destination in your plans.

For the wider travel overview: Glacis.