North Island,Seychelles,Luxury,Lodge,Indian Ocean,Beach,Diving

Uninhabited until April 2003, the extraordinary conservation effort that has reintroduced hundreds of extinct endemic species ensures that North Island remains one of the most beautiful in the world and offers a lucky few the chance to experience luxury in the pristine environment of over 300 years ago.

Until April 2003, this island was uninhabited and remains one of the most beautiful in the world. At that time North Island was bought in recognition of its potential to become a Noah’s Arc - a sanctuary where the natural habitats of 300 years ago could be rehabilitated and where critically endangered Seychelles fauna and flora could be re-introduced and given a place to regenerate. An exclusive luxury lodge has been built here and where possible, materials harvested from the rehabilitation process have been used in the process - the true essence of North Island has been captured and a rare experience created, in harmony with the environment.

Unashamedly luxurious, the eleven self-contained guest villas are huge, built under a ylang-ylang thatch from hand-crafted wood, stone and glass - all made on the island. Cushions of velvet, plump luxurious towels, a private plunge pool and reed covered sala, marble baths, inside and outside showers and visiting masseurs - one might feel tempted to leave one’s villa ... or then again, one might not. If one does venture out, the activities available include scuba diving and snorkelling, hiking, mountain biking, sea kayaking and fishing or, if absolutely necessary, there is a superbly equipped gymnasium! The spectacular swimming pool, nestled into a granitic outcrop is even beautiful enough to tempt one away from the world-renowned waters hereabouts and the wonderfully informal lounge is the place to sit with a book from the library or to meeet fellow islanders. Enrich the mind at one of the island’s educational events or seek for enlightenment on a cruise into the sunset.

Superb cuisine - the freshest seafood, crops grown on the island and local produce of all kinds - is served in the central dining room, on one’s own verandah or (practically) wherever else one might wish, complemented by extremely fine wines from the Connoisseur’s Cellar.

This is barefoot luxury at its best because it pervades all things - one knows that the lodge is sustaining the conservation project - and it is truly wonderful; so sit back and enjoy this paradise of yesteryear, with a sundowner in hand.