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 of which has panoramic views of East beach to Mahé, Praslin & La Digue 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 snorkelling 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.
Accommodation
The 11 exclusive villas on North Island are perfect for those looking for total seclusion, privacy and an escape from the day-to-day. They have been designed for guests to enjoy the interior just as much as the exterior, with space and luxury being the focus. Guests staying here really feel as though they are in their own little tropical paradise, with the beach just steps away.
| Presidential Villas 1- 10 | Facing east to catch the sunrise, fully retracting sliding doors in the bedroom look over the lawns and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The luxurious and large master bedroom leads onto a very spacious bathroom with a marble bath and an indoor and outdoor shower. And to make each villa the ultimate private sanctuary, they have a private plunge pool and sala. They also feature separate kitchen/dining areas and have satellite television, a DVD/CD system and Internet access. A private butler is on hand to attend to your every need, and guests have their own buggy for exploring the island. |
| Villa North Island | Villa 11, also known as Villa North Island is truly the ultimate in luxury island living. Perched on a rock on the side of Anse d'Est, and perfectly situated to catch the sunrise, it is secretly tucked away in the takamaka forest and the panoramic views across to Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, are simply breathtaking. The magnificent palm lined entrance leads directly from the beach and a wooden bridge takes you to the bedroom suite with its large four poster bed. The bathroom is exceptional with an enormous bath big enough for two, with a little ledge perfect for a champagne bucket. Beyond the bathroom is a sunken deck with outside shower set in a large granite boulder, and just a bit beyond that is an outside spa, complete with massage beds over looking the ocean. |
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 are organised, including talks and walks. Children’s bikes, snorkel equipment, body boards, blow-up pool toys are available and they 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. Babysitters 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.
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.
| Spa treatments | The Spa and gym is situated on a promontory with beautiful views across the ocean. An indulgent list of treatments is available, although the therapists specialise in designing individual treatments for guests' specific needs. They are on hand once you arrive on North Island to discuss treatments and ease you into island life with a 20 minute complimentary massage. Treatments can also be carried out in your own villa, allowing you to truly relax in your private space. Treatments are specially derived from island ingredients. |
| Dining | The island's garden produces much of the fresh ingredients used in the delicious and exotic dishes created by the chef. The cuisine of North Island has French and Indian Creole influences, using the abundance nature has on offer from the ocean and your meals can be served at the restaurant, in your villa or on the beach. There is no menu, as the chef talks to guests individually about what they like and how they like to eat.
The Island Piazza has a dining area which is naturally shaded and extends onto the beach. An impressive wine cellar houses an enviable selection of wines from around the world, together with some great champagnes.
The West Beach Bar is a wonderful place to end the day as the sun sets. Sit on bright red cushions on the beach, whilst the barman mixes you a cocktail. |
Activities
There are a range of activities available to guests including sea kayaking, shore-based fishing, a half day or full day fishing charters, sunset cruises, mountain biking around the island, 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 snorkelling in and around the North Island and Silhouette dive sites. And if guests prefer, they can charter a yacht to visit some of the nearby islands.
When to travel
Situated just south of the equator, the Seychelles have a warm tropical climate. The consistently warm tropical weather makes the Seychelles a good year round destination.
There is little fluctuation in warmth, with temperatures ranging from 24C to 31C all year round. From May to October a southeast trade wind can bring marginally cooler weather and fresh breezes. From November to March the northwest monsoon wind blows, typically raising temperature and humidity. December and January are the wettest months, but the rain falls in short sharp bursts before the sun comes out again.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
North Island, Seychelles
North Island is one of the forty granitic islands of the Seychelles, which are located around the two main islands of Mahé and Praslin. Situated about 32 kilometres / 20 miles north west of Mahe and five kilometres north of Silhouette.
How to get there
A 12.5 hour international flight with one change to Mahé International Airport. From there you take a 20 minute helicopter ride to North Island.
Additional notes
Hotel ClosurePlease note that North Island will be closed for refurbishment between 15th May - 30th June 2009.
