Denis

The Coast

Natural  History

Conservation    & Research

Area Size:  1.43 Km²
Population:  78
Island Highlights:  Diving, Fishing, Snorkelling, Beaches, Nature Walks, Sunsets, Paradise Flycatchers, Seychelles Magpie Robins, Seychelles Blue Pigeons, Seychelles Warblers, Sooty Terns, Fairy Terns, Giant Tortoises, Whale Sharks, Parrotfish, Rays, Hawksbill Turtles, Green Turtles

Introduction
Denis Private Island is a unique island concept built in harmony with nature.  It is situated approximately 95 km north of Mahé, somewhat isolated in proximity to the other islands in the archipelago.  Alongside Bird Island, Denis is one of the most northerly islands in the Seychelles.  Hemmed by beautifully white sandy beaches, it makes for the ideal island break for your entire stay or simply just a few days in combination with other island stays.

In 1975, Denis was bought by the French paper magnate Pierre Burkhardt who transformed the island into a successful eco island resort lodge.  Burkhardt promoted the island with the marketing slogan "the island at the edge of the world."  However, in the mid 1990s, Denis was sold to Mason's Travel, one of the Seychelles first local ground handling operators.

The island has a history very much the same as other Seychelles islands, in that it was once home to a thriving coconut industry.  During its coconut heyday, the population of Denis would spend their days collecting guano, producing copra and fishing.  Much of Denis's history and buildings which date back to the 1890s can still be observed today and is best seen by way of a guide tour of the island, undertaken on a buggy. 

The island has no roads, just a number of quaint meandering paths, which reflect entirely the peace and tranquillity of this exclusive island environment. Accessible only via a thirty minute flight on a light aircraft from Mahé or private helicopter, the views of the island arrival are breathtaking.  It is the quintessential island getaway experience, perfect for intimate weddings, relaxing honeymoons and for anybody seeking privacy, serenity and peace.  Denis is in fact is the only island in the archipelago to have an ecumenical chapel - the perfect venue for weddings and other ceremonies.

Denis is also an exceptionally safe destination for children and makes for a wonderful family holiday, which is not only relaxing, but also highly educational and fun at the same time. 

Amidst its 375 acres, Denis is home to a wealth of wonderful flora and fauna, much of which can be encountered on one of the island's many nature trails or even from the comfort of your own chalet.  From November 2011, bikes will be available for guests, providing an enjoyable and fun activity and enabling a different form of exploration of the island.

Denis Island provides a completely safe haven for birdlife, owed in part to the island's inspirational ongoing conservation work, which can be explored during your stay.  Wherever you are on the island, whether relaxing by the pool, eating in the restaurant or chilling out in your private beachside cottage, the songs and calls of various land and seabirds can always be heard.  Together with the lapping of the waves on the shore, these are the only sounds you are likely to hear.

With just 23 luxury cottages, one family villa and one executive villa, guests will receive warm personalised service and individual attention.  All cottages and villas have their own private beachfront with chairs and sun loungers and are decorated in traditional Creole style.  They all feature open bathrooms with private courtyard and additional al fresco shower.

Privately guided tours will lead guests on a journey of discovery, including a visit to the islands farm, which harbours hundreds of chickens, ducks, geese and quails, rabbits, pigs and cows, used for meat, eggs and milk in the island's restaurant.  The farm also harbours a range of wonderful fruit trees, including mango, papaya, passion fruit, bananas, coconuts and rose apples, all of which are used to make jams, ice creams or other delectable desserts.  Other interesting herbs and plants can be discovered on this tour, as can the healing properties and medicinal uses of many of them.  The tour will also take guests past the 100 year old lighthouse which still warns passing ships against the hazardous shoals and coral reefs.  You will also see the workshop, where much of the furniture for the villas is made from the island's trees, as well as the remnants of the mysterious cemetery for which no known records exist.  Lookout for the perfectly white fairy terns on the Banyan Trees - their favoured nesting place.  These birds are a highly monogamous species and are only usually seen in pairs.  They are also the only bird to lay their egg directly onto the tree branch.

One of the biggest attractions of Denis Island is undoubtedly the food.  Most evenings during the week guests can enjoy a 5 course meal, with the remaining nights interrupted by themed evenings.  The themed evenings range from a Creole night, serving traditional Seychelles cuisine to Japanese night, where the Chef will showcase his Sushi dishes with the freshest island ingredients.  Candle lit dinners on the beach or inside villas can also be arranged at an additional charge.  Upon request, private cookery lessons can also be organised with the Chef.

Denis offers some absolutely breathtaking sunsets.  Guests staying on the Western side of the island can enjoy these sunsets from their cottages.  Alternatively, special canapés can be arranged for that special moment at the beach head or even sunset cruises.

The library offers a range of books and magazines in various languages and also provides Internet access, the island's only television and indoor games.  The library is often used to give presentations on the island's history and natural history.

There are plenty of resources on Denis Island to engage in exercise, including tennis court, choice of various water sports, bicycle hire, or the nature trails, which provide excellent paths for walking or jogging.  There is one swimming pool on the island, located by the lounge bar, with views out to the Indian Ocean.

The rich waters that surround Denis are wonderful for fishing and diving enthusiasts, with daily diving and fishing trips available to guests. 

Photographs kindly provided by Holly Payne

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