Lush, untouched and tropical, the nation of Seychelles off the east coast of Africa comprises 115 islands of incomparable natural beauty. Dotted remotely in the Indian Ocean, this world-renowned archipelago is dominated by a palette of blue, white and green – namely, lapping waves, powdery sands and an Adam and Eve backdrop. Thanks to committed efforts in conservation and natural preservation, these islands offer some of the world’s most enviable hot spots for snorkelling, diving, and discovering unfettered access to native flora and fauna, including the gentle but giant Aldabra tortoise.
A destination in its own right - or the perfect post-safari pit stop - the Seychelles is the ultimate in castaway chic. A picture-perfect, desert-island paradise complete with heaven-on-earth indulgence - there is good reason why Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage nature reserve on Praslin Island, is considered the original Garden of Eden.
My tried and true Seychellois island escapes are North Island and Frégate:
NORTH ISLAND
A favourite of those in the know, North Island is one of the world’s most exclusive island getaways, keen on restoration for both your spirit and the natural world. A perfect marriage of luxury and environmental awareness, each of the island’s 11 villas, thoughtfully built from responsibly-sourced island materials, are set discreetly among the swaying palms along one heck of a beautiful beach. Equipped with your own mind-reading butler, anything and everything you can imagine is included in your experience - from scuba-diving on the adjacent reef to sundowners with your toes in the sand.
North is the ultimate Robinson Crusoe retreat.
FREGATE ISLAND
With unmatched dedication to its island’s conservation, Frégate is a sanctuary of wild luxury. Take your pick of expansive hilltop villas with wide-reaching Indian Ocean views and as the most eastern outpost of the Seychelles’ inner islands, Frégate is alive with the natural world. Giant tortoise roam, endangered turtles hatch on the beach, and more than 100 species of tropical birds flutter in the trees. This is an island well-suited to exploration - either out on the water kayaking, surfing or wake-boarding, or below the surface which we've heard whispered may become a recognised marine reserve.
Or, if like me you really want to get away from it all, turn the sign at the entrance to one of the seven pristine beaches to privatise your stretch of sand, or plan ahead to rent the entire island for your own exclusive use.
Can’t decide on which piece of paradise? Our advice is to chopper between the two for the perfect mix of eco-adventure discovery and barefoot luxury.
Get in touch to find out more.