Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

North Island is one of the forty inner granite islands of the Seychelles that are located around the two main islands of Mahé and Praslin. The island was previously uninhabited and, due to its large diversity of habitats and ample fresh water, is ideal for the ‘Noah’s Ark Concept’.

The plan for North Island is to turn back the island’s environmental clock two hundred years through rehabilitation and by re-introducing many of the critically endangered Seychelles species slowly over time. In the same way, North Island will prove to be a sanctuary for guests who seek an unspoiled tropical haven of peace and tranquillity. With its four beaches located at each point of the compass, the island is able to ensure a year-round beach and island experience.

The extensive facilities include 11 incredible villas, each with their own private pool, kitchen and lounge and possible second bedroom or study. Library, lounge, and Health spa located amongst the trees, and a beautiful 42 meter swimming pool. There is also the romantic Sunset Bar tucked away on Grande Anse beach on the western side of the island.

The 11th Villa is a beautiful Honeymoon suite perched on a rock, the bathroom has panaramic views of East beach to Mahé, Praslin & La Digne with a 1.2 by 2 meter bath.

Guests stay at North Island on a fully inclusive basis. This includes all meals, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks and cocktails (with the exception of high end premium wines and champagnes on the reserve list), Local Government tax, All Scuba Diving courses, scuba diving activities and snorkeling in and around the North Island & Silhouette dive sites; All activities including sea kayaking, mountain bikes, sunset cruises, guided walks and fully equipped gymnasium on and around North Island; Shore based fishing on North Island and half day fishing charters; The use of one “North Island Buggy” per villa for the duration of the stay; In-villa wireless Internet connection, and a Personal Villa attendant allocated to each Villa.

Guests receive a 20 minute massage on arrival to ease them into their North Island experience.

Guide price £14,190 Per person

£14,190 per Person for 7 nights in a Villa on Full Board basis, including Air Seychelles flights and helicopter transfers.

Accommodation

11 Villas. Villas 1-10: 450sqm, bedroom with en-suite bathroom, marble bath, indoor and outside showers, air-conditioning, second bedroom/study, kitchenette, sun deck, covered lounge area, private plunge pool and butler service. Electric buggy per villa.

Childcare

There is no children’s club but North Island will personalise activities and entertainment for children during their stay. Activities include sand castle building, treasure hunts, bead making, basket weaving (traditionally Seychelles), board games, and kids’ movies set up in the library on the “big screen” or on a second TV/DVD facility in the second bedroom. Activities focusing on the environment, including talks, walks. Children’s bikes, snorkel equipment, body boards, blow-up pool toys and the offer “bubble maker” courses for 8- to 10-year-olds and “scuba diving” courses for 10-year-olds and upwards.

A special “kids’ menu” can be adapted by discussing it with the chef. Baby-sitters are also provided if parents wish to dine alone.

Facilities

Restaurant, cocktail bar lounge, library, health spa, gym, swimming pool, wine cellar, beach bar, hiking trails, mountain bikes, kayaks, sunset cruise and dive centre and snorkelling. Shore based fishing on North Island and half day fishing charters.

Activities

There are a range of activities available to guests including sea kayaking, shore-based fishing, half day or full day fishing charters, sunset cruises, mountain bicycles, hiking trails, guided walks and a fully equipped gymnasium. It is also possible to arrange a scuba diving course with qualified PADI instructors and also snorkeling in and around the North Island & Silhouette dive sites. If guests prefer they can charter a yacht to see some of the nearby islands.

Services

In-villa wireless Internet connection and business centre Internet connection in the library.

Villa attendant & one golf buggy allocated per villa.

All-Inclusive basis includes all meals, drinks (with the exception of high end premium wines and champagnes on the reserve list) plus free activities listed above.

When to travel

Location and directions

North Island, Seychelles

Situated about 32 kilometres / 20 miles north west of Mahe and 5 kilometres north of Silhouette.

How to get there

10hr flight (direct or one stop) plus 20min transfer by helicopter

Additional notes