North Island Seychelles holiday island sailing yacht charter guide dive diving tailor made travel hotels accommodation

Area Size: 2.01 Km²
Maximum Altitude: 210 metres / 689 feet
Population: 148
Island Highlights: Exclusive & Luxurious Accommodation, Giant Tortoise, Noah's Ark Concept, Coco de Mer, Seychelles Magpie Robin, Seychelles Warbler, Black Paradise Flycatcher

Introduction

North Island is situated just a few kilometres to the north of Silhouette and is the smaller of the two islands visible from Beau Vallon Beach on Mahé. Guests will be welcomed ashore into the lap of sheer luxury, to a stunning and highly exclusive island resort, which in March 2011 was voted Number 1 of the Top 10 Resorts in the World and is now renowned as the honeymoon choice of Prince William and Kate.

North Island has an interesting claim to fame, in that it was the actual setting used for Tracy Island in the 2004 blockbuster of Thunderbirds. Producers searched the globe for the ideal location for the International Rescue Headquarters until North Island was eventually selected for its strikingly similar look to the tropical island hide-away.

Both North Island and its closest neighbour Silhouette, are both granitic, and thought to be significantly younger than Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. It is estimated that they were both formed around 80 million years ago, at the time when Seychelles separated from India.

Historically speaking, North Island, together with Silhouette was the very first island to be spotted by crew aboard the Sharpeigh expedition in 1609. Interestingly, Captain Alexander Sharpeigh was said to have commented how North Island had excellent 'cokker nutts' (i.e. coconuts) and a thriving population of giant tortoises.

Farming began on North Island back in 1826, with the industry being initiated by Marie Josephine Celerine Beaufond, a descendent of early French settlers. Farming methods include the production of fruits, spices, fish, oil, guano and copra, until the plantation was eventually sold in the 1970s.

Accommodation

The island's resort comprises eleven five star luxury chalets, offering an exclusive and relaxing island retreat that exists in harmony with its surroundings. During the construction of the island's accommodation, utilised materials reaped from the rehabilitation process were used where possible. Each villa has been carefully hand crafted by Seychellois and African craftsmen, aiming to capture the true essence of North Island and the harmonious environment that exists there.

Many of the villas have been meticulously designed to provide optimum space within a tranquil setting that enables guests to enjoy their own private island experience to the maximum. Some are situated discreetly within the trees that face onto Anse d'est Beach. Others enjoy their own unique setting, tucked secretly away in the takamaka forest.

The villas comprise of a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a marble bathtub, a further second bedroom, lounge, kitchen and dining area. Villas are all self-contained and raised more than a metre off the ground, enabling guests to enjoy the cooling island breezes. Sliding doors can be fully retracted to reveal unparalleled views onto the adjoining lawns and down to the sea. All villas are equipped with satellite television, DVD and CD systems, Internet access and air conditioning.

By way of complimenting this already perfect island setting, guests will also be treated to spa treatment concepts and massage upon arrival with ingredients used all derived from the island itself.

The resort staff tend to their own vegetable and herb gardens, striving to serve guests with the freshest of ingredients. There is no menu as such, meaning the chef can tailor make meals for guests depending on their specific tastes. There is even a wine cellar, where, with the guidance of experts, guests can select the perfect wine to compliment their meal and suit their palate.

The island can be explored in a number of ways, whether it be on specially designed island buggies, kayaks, mountain bikes or simply on foot. A trip to the historical museum also makes a worthwhile excursion, as does a visit to the island's oldest inhabitants - the giant tortoises.

The island is extremely conservation orientated and ethically driven. Among some of North Island's overriding philosophies are, continually honouring the natural environment, providing guests with a unique educational experience as well as encouraging them to participate in conservation programmes.

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