Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

Denis Island Private has 25 individual and secluded cottages, dotted between casuarinas and coconut trees. Just steps away from the beach, each cottage has a sea facing veranda as well a private courtyard with outside shower. The property is known for its understated barefoot luxury interior. The chef’s traditional Seychellois cuisine can be enjoyed in the spacious and airy restaurant or on the beach under the stars. Denis Island Private has all the essential ingredients for languid island-style living but it also boasts some of the world’s best fishing and diving for those looking for adventure as well as barefoot luxury.

Denis Private Island is committed in ensuring that the numerous natural treasures found on the island remain for future generations to enjoy.

On land, large tracts of forest and habitat have been rehabilitated with native broad-leaved trees, rodents eradicated. Endemic bird species have been introduced as part of an ongoing national efforts to increase breeding populations which will lead to their improved status on the IUCN Globally Threatened Birds list. Nowhere else in the world will a morning’s walk bring you across the Seychelles fody, magpie robin, paradise flycatcher and Seychelles warbler.

Denis Island is continually working to ensure the reef flats - essential nursery and feeding grounds for fish and green turtles, remain to play a crucial role in the ecosystem dynamics. Hawksbill and green turtles laying their eggs on Denis’ protected shoreline are monitored and tagged, providing valuable information.

Guide price £4,120 Per person

£4,120 per Person for 7 nights in a Villa Belle Etoile on a Full Board basis, including Air Seychelles flights and transfers.

Accommodation

23 Cottages (Beach, Deluxe Beach front and Beachfront Spa), 1 Family Villa (Villa Prince Noir) and 1 newly refurbished Beach villa with plunge pool (formerly Bois d’Argent). Rooms are air conditioned and have private sea facing verandas, the garden villas are set back, which have ocean glimpses. Stretched along the beach on northwestern tip of the island, each nestling in its lush surrounds and separated from each other by gardens and hedges. All the rooms enjoy the luxury of open-air bathrooms and al-fresco showers of private garden courtyards.

Childcare

Children are welcome on Denis Private Island, up to two children below 12 years may stay free of charge on full board basis (not including flights) if sharing their parents’ cottage. There is no Kids Club – Denis is a natural playground for the young. The hotel has developed a range of nature and other activities for children to discover the island and its attractions, and the Chef is especially attentive to the culinary tastes of younger guests. Babysitting is available; early meal times or in cottage dining may be organised for younger children.

Facilities

The fabulous facilities include a Restaurant, bar, lounge, library, boutique, billiards, a small pool and a floodlit tennis court. Massages are available in the privacy of your room or in the massage sala in the court yard of the Villas Belle Etoile. The outside terrace restaurant offers a diverse and refined culinary experience. Most nights guests are offered a 5 course menu, or a themed evening with entertainment such as Creole dancers or Japanese night with a demonstration of live cooking of Sushi.

Candle-lit dinners on the beach, degustation dinners in the wine cellar or dinner served in the deck of the villas maybe organised upon request at a charge.

Activities

There are numerous activities available to guests staying at Denis Island including: canoeing, snorkelling, nature walks, tennis, there is a small swimming pool, billiards and a jogging trail. Tours of the island around the farm and estate are orgaised regularly, and a permit discovery of the fauna and flora of the island is arranged.

The PADI Associated Dive Centre offers a range of courses and excursions. Dive sites are on a gradual sea slope from 18-25 m. All equipment is available on site – compressors, regulators, wet suits, masks, fins. Limited equipment is available for children. It is therefore recommend parents bring wet

suits, masks and fins for children and wet suits for teenagers in order to avoid disappointment. Divers should bring their dive logbook and licence. Game fishing, bottom, fly fishing and trawling trips can also be arranged or a tour of the island by boat is available.

Services

There is no mobile phone signal on the island but the hotel can assist with international calls as all rooms have IDD telephones. The media room offers internet facilities, television, library & small conferences.

When to travel

Location and directions

Denis Island Private, Seychelles

How to get there

10hr flight (direct or one stop) plus 30min transfer by small plane