Renaissance of a Creole House: Foumba

Nestled in the lush jungle foliage at the heart of Petite Anse bay stand the remaining four walls of an ancient Seychellois house, supported by the roots of ageing palms and shaded by lush green leaves high overhead. In the local language of Creole, this structure is called a foumba (meaning “old house”) and the one at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is said to be more than one hundred years old. Foumba provides a unique insight into the historical past of Mahé, with its partially disintegrated stone walls marking the periphery of the property, while from the entrance, steps invite visiting guests to descend into what is now an internal garden surrounded by stone.

It is thought that the house had previously been used as a post office; it now plays host to intimate private dinners and vibrant Creole dance shows during once-in-a-lifetime special events. Lit solely by a string of delicate bulbs and scattered by candles and torches, the atmosphere in Foumba is heightened by laughter and conversation brought to the table by the dinner guests who sit inside. The intricate brickwork and jungle roots add to the ambiance of this unique venue, which is available for intimate dinners for two or larger events for up to twenty people.