NORTH ISLAND, Seychelles | Ultimate Private Island Experience

[Daniel Brown]

Why North Island

• Unique, luxury, private island sanctuary
• 2.5 kilometres long, 1 kilometre wide and larger than Monte Carlo
• Uninhabited for over 30 years
• Four beaches, one sheltered for each season
• Noah’s Ark Project: Turning the environmental clock back on North Island by 200 years
• Designed by architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens
• 9 villas each of 450 sq metres; Villa 10 is 530 sq metres; Villa 11 is 580 sq metres; 2 rooms per villa, except Villa 11 ( which is for 2 pax only)
• 12 swimming pools; 11 private & one stunning central pool hewn out of granite
• Private dining, central dining or secluded Champagne beach picnics
• Private butler service
• State of the art Gym & Health Spa with the latest beauty & health treatments
• Activities: Snorkelling, reef & wall scuba diving with visibility to 40 metres, deep sea & fly fishing, guided sea kayaking, yacht charters, mountain biking, boating to other islands, birding with North Island’s resident ecologist & naturalist
• 15-20 minutes by helicopter from Mahe
• All scuba diving & scuba diving courses are included in the rate
• Half day deep sea fishing trips are included in the rate
• All cocktails are included in the rate from 2008
• All drinks except Champagne and premium imports are included in the rate
• 38 house wines and 7 sparkling wines are included in the rate
Local Government tax of 12% ( but talk that this may increase to 15%). In the event of a change in local tax or the introduction of additional taxes, these rates will be adjusted accordingly
• No minimum stay

 

The development on North Island is unashamedly aimed at providing the very best in privacy, location, accommodation, services, facilities and experience. The Island has only 11 guest Villas – exquisitely designed to celebrate nature and offer an authentic home-from-home ambience. The result is a special destination that touches the lives of its guests and inspires them long after they have left.

Accommodation | 11 Exclusive Villlas
- 10 x Presidential Villas ( Normal ones No1-10 Villas)
- 1 x Villa North Island ( Villa 11)

Each Villa measures 450 square metres (4,890 square feet) giving guests enough room to spread out and enjoy a unique, private, island-style experience to the full.

Each Villa has two bedrooms, a main bedroom and a second bedroom. Whilst the Villa is primarily occupied by one or two guests, they may have a requirement to use the second bedroom for children up to age of 19 years, and this is available at an additional cost. Alternatively, the second bedroom can be converted into a study for guests staying in the master bedroom.

Each Villa has been individually handcrafted by Seychellois and African craftsmen on the Island from wood, local stone and glass, with thatched roofs that complete the magnificent design.
Each Villa is completely self-contained, and is raised over a metre off the ground to catch the cooling island breezes.

A luxuriously proportioned master bedroom with change-room and writing area leads onto a large en-suite bathroom with marble bath and two showers, one indoor and one outdoor. The bedrooms are air-conditioned and all rooms have overhead “punkah punkah” fans. The fully retracting sliding doors allow for uninterrupted views onto the lawns and the turquoise seas in front of each Villa. There is satellite television, a DVD/CD system and Internet access.
The kitchen leads off the lounge/dining area. A private plunge pool and sala are the finishing touches to this private sanctuary.

Villas one to ten are nestled discreetly in the tree-line, facing onto Anse d'est Beach. Villa 11 (known as Villa North Island ) has been designed differently to accommodate the incline along the extreme northern side of the Anse d'est Beach and are secretly tucked away in the takamaka forest. The beach views from villa 11s are truly spectacular from every angle and it is this, together with the unique manipulation of the design that separates this villa from the rest;

Rates: Euro €  | 23 Dec 2011 - 22 Dec 2012

Presidential Villas ( 1-10):
Published rates € 2,285 per person per night
Single supplement for main bedroom is 100% of the per person sharing rate
Per person Per Night age 13 to 19 years sharing second bedroom in villas 1 to 10 € 1,030  per person
Per child Per Night age 3 to 12 years sharing second bedroom in villas 1 to 10 € 324 per person
Children under the age of 3 years in villas 1 to 10 Free of charge

Villa 11 ( Villa North Island):
Published rates € 3,610 per person per night)
Note: Known as the honeymoon villa and max 2 persons only can stay in Villa 11

INCLUDED IN THE NIGHTLY RATES:
• Local Government tax. In the event of a change in local tax or the introduction of additional taxes, these rates will be adjusted accordingly; Note: Currently at 12% but talk that might increase 15% on 01 November by Seychelles Government, so this may adjust once this is decided
• Breakfasts, lunches, dinners and all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails (with the exception of high end premium wines and champagnes on the reserve list);
• 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 trips;
• The use of ONE “North Island Buggy” per villa for the duration of your stay;
• In-villa wireless Internet connection and business centre Internet connection in the library.

EXCLUDED FROM THE NIGHTLY RATES:
• Helicopter transfers between Mahé and North Island ( SEE BELOW RATES)
• Drinks on the reserve list;
• Tobacco
• Full day deep sea fishing trips;
• Telephone calls;
• All spa treatments:
• Boutique Purchases

NORTH ISLAND - AIRPORT MEET AND ASSIST
Fast-Track immigration service, refreshing towels and mineral waters on arrival/departure, escort to domestic/international terminals and check-in assist.
This service is applicable to and mandatory for all guests travelling to North Island.

 Euros (€) 44 per person

HELICOPTER TRANSFERS TO AND FROM NORTH ISLAND
Helicopter transfers are not included in the nightly rate and are to be booked at the time of reservation and will be booked to connect with the schedule flights that are given. We will arrange best slot.
Helicopter transfer from Mahé to North Island - One Way
Per helicopter transfer with a maximum of 4 guests per transfer based on a Eurocopter EC-120 model.

€ 786 each way per helicopter
PLEASE NOTE: All Helicopter transfers are operated by an external company, therefore rates are subject to change without notice and are not controlled by North Island.


Villa North Island (Villa 11) has metamorphosed into a true honeymoon experience, tailor-made for this milestone in life. Reformatted to include a home entertainment centre, this new “pure honeymoon” experience differentiates itself through a number of attributes such as privacy (accentuated through the large rock walls at the entrance) and intensified engagement with nature by means of the two extended decks. One of these is added seamlessly to and is an extension of the honeymoon bedroom.

Panoramic views are opened up from the new system of intricately handcrafted multi-level decks, which connect the villa directly to the beach. Added onto this new deck system are a number of jewel-like features, such as a shady, seated fire pit, a breakfast handrail with view and a grand staircase to the beach, rocky outcrop and ocean. Utilising local island knowledge, the design of the extensions have blended seamlessly into the existing aura, the iconic signature style and architectural, sculptural language and, in a sense, have completed the artistic intention and potential that the site of Villa North Island has always offered.

The Island Piazza

This is the natural focal point of the Island, where elegant buildings cluster about a magnificent Indian Almond tree.
Located on the beachfront, the dive and activity centre, housing both indoor and outdoor tuition areas, changing rooms and interesting displays, is where many of the Island’s land and marine activities are co-ordinated.

Adjacent to the deck of the activity centre is the library. Built of coral blocks, it is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular examples of architecture on the Island and was already standing when construction of the lodge began. Now, with its exterior walls renovated and its roof replaced, it houses a collection of books on topics of interest, various relics and artifacts as well as a computer display covering Seychelles’ history, past and present. The library also contains material explaining the background to the North Island project and details of environmental programmes currently underway.

Some twenty metres distant from the library are the lounge and dining areas, offering a high degree of comfort and also unforgettable views of the sea and mountains. From here, a walkway over the lily pond leads to the wine cellar, followed immediately by a private dining sala. The bar joins the dining area and the lounge stands not far away in the restful shade of a takamaka tree.
Further up the mountain and hidden from the lounge and dining area is the main pool, a 45 metre long pool that looks over the pool deck to the horizon of the sea, creating views of heart stopping beauty.

Villas
Eleven luxury Villas, using where possible, materials reaped from the rehabilitation process. In doing this the aim has been to capture the essence of “barefoot luxury”.

The development on North Island is unashamedly aimed at providing the very best in privacy, location, accommodation, services, facilities and experience.
Each Villa measures 450 square metres (4,890 square feet) giving guests enough room to spread out and enjoy a unique, private, island-style experience to the full.

Each Villa has two bedrooms ( except villa 11) a main bedroom and a second bedroom. Whilst the Villa is primarily occupied by one or two guests, they may have a requirement to use the second bedroom for children or friends and this is available at an additional cost. Alternatively, the second bedroom can be converted into a study for guests staying in the master bedroom.
Each Villa has been individually handcrafted by Seychellois and African craftsmen on the Island from wood, local stone and glass, with thatched roofs that complete the magnificent design.
Each Villa is completely self-contained, and is raised over a metre off the ground to catch the cooling island breezes.

A luxuriously proportioned master bedroom with change-room and writing area leads onto a large en-suite bathroom with marble bath and two showers, one indoor and one outdoor. The bedrooms are air-conditioned and all rooms have overhead “punkah punkah” fans. The fully retracting sliding doors allow for uninterrupted views onto the lawns and the turquoise seas in front of each Villa. There is satellite television, a DVD/CD system and Internet access.
The kitchen leads off the lounge/dining area. A private plunge pool and sala are the finishing touches to this private sanctuary.

Villas 1 to 10 are nestled discreetly in the tree-line, facing onto Anse d'est Beach. Villa eleven (known as Villa North Island ) has been designed differently to accommodate the incline along the extreme northern side of the Anse d'est Beach and are secretly tucked away in the takamaka forest. The beach views from villa 11are truly spectacular from every angle and it is this, together with the unique manipulation of the design that separates this villa from the rest;

Activities
The activities on offer at North Island are designed to give guests the opportunity to enjoy the Island and its magic, either under guidance from one of the staff, or alone. This gives guests the freedom to move around the Island at their own pace, either on foot, on North Island mountain bikes or by Island Buggies. These activities will have a minimal impact on the environment whilst providing the enjoyment of entertainment and exercise.

Scuba diving: Seychelles forms part of the world's longest coral reef system and has some of the world's best scuba diving sites. Numerous dive sites have been identified around North Island and its nearest neighbour Silhouette Island. North Island offers a "guided" scuba experience and the dive masters are not only experts in scuba practices but also in the underwater universe. The North Island dive school and fishermen are experienced professionals who will inspire confidence with both uninitiated and seasoned guests alike.

Snorkelling: there are good snorkelling sites around North Island and Silhouette Island. Masks and fins are available at the dive centre if guests wish to explore these sites, either on their own or in the company of a staff member (depending on their snorkelling skills).

Sea kayaking: those wishing to explore the Island from the water are able to do so using sea kayaks, with all necessary tuition and guidance provided.

The Gym: is air-conditioned and is situated high on the hillside with spectacular views.

Island bicycles: are available for guest use. These mountain bikes are suitable for getting from one side of the Island to the other with ease.

Island Buggies: each Villa has its own dedicated Island Buggie. These specially adapted electric carts look like miniature 4 X 4’s that give guests the freedom to move around the Island.

North Island Sunset Bar: a walk along Grande Anse Beach as the sun sets is an experience not to be missed - especially as the Sunset Bar lies at the end of the walk. This simple, rustic bar is located just above the high water mark on the northern end of Grande Anse. Drinks and light snacks can be served for those wanting to enjoy this beach.

Fly-fishing: is an option for any guest. North Island has fishing rods, tackle and flies in stock for guest use. However, it is recommended that serious fly-fishermen bring their own rods and tackle.

Trips to Silhouette Island: located some five kilometres to the south, Silhouette Island is a soaring granite island, whose peaks are constantly enveloped in clouds. The granite cliffs drop sharply into the sea. Silhouette has few beaches, though there are some wonderful tiny coves with remote beaches that are worth exploring. Silhouette Island's attractions include an excellent example of a Seychelles plantation house (built in 1850), now a museum, and the remains of its once thriving copra processing plant. Ron Gerlach is the resident ecologist and runs a breeding programme for the highly endangered Seychelles giant tortoises and terrapin. His immaculate research centre is worth a visit and, depending on the time of the year, you may see turtle eggs (Hawksbill ad Green turtles) being incubated. For the energetic and fit, Silhouette Island has some challenging hiking trails.

Boating and island hopping: boating around North Island or other trips could include visits to Mahé and the outer islands, including the spectacular bird islands, Arid and Cousin, and can be arranged at an extra cost.
The North Island library: an extensive natural history library and research centre, lovingly renovated out of the old coral ruins, houses all the documentation concerning the history of the Island as well as details of its rehabilitation and plans of the building of the lodge.
Slide shows and talks: are offered, enabling interested guests to learn about Seychelles and North Island, as well as a wide range of ecological and conservation topics.

Turtles: depending on the time of the year guests may be lucky enough to witness the Hawksbill and Green turtles laying their eggs on the eastern and western beaches of North Island. Researchers will tag the turtles so that their breeding activities can be monitored.

Walking: guests will be able to explore the Island by walking around it and along its extensive beaches, or climbing the granite outcrops and crossing the saddle linking the eastern and western plateaux.

The spa
The North Island spa, now open is located in inspiring surroundings, overlooking turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. North Island's spa will provide a unique treatment menu specially derived from island ingredients.
In keeping with North Island’s concept of tailor-made service, guests can receive certain treatments in the privacy of their own Villa.

Culinary concept
Kitchen staff tend the vegetable and herb gardens prior to harvesting so that only the freshest food combinations reach the table in the dining environment of the guests’ choice - whether on the beach, in the Villa, restaurant or Sunset Bar.

Besides its exceptional beauty, North Island has long been renowned for its fertility and also for the richness of the fishing grounds wherein it nestles. It is not surprising, therefore, that North Island’s lodge should draw upon these exceptional natural resources. North Island cuisine is based on the very finest natural products lovingly prepared in a sumptuous array of exotic dishes.

The cuisine of North Island is based on the diversity and cultural influences which, in part, make up the Seychellois Creole flavour. Culinary aspects of Africa, France, southern India and south east Asia are combined with the tropical, organic resources of North Island and the abundance on offer from the Indian Ocean. Balanced together with simplicity, guests can expect a feast that will awaken all of their senses.

There is a “no menu” concept of dining in the restaurant i.e. the chef, Geoffrey Murray, speaks to the guest upon arrival, explains the North Island cuisine concept, finds out their food preferences and then develops the menus daily around this information.

North Island promises a memorable culinary experience, complemented by an impressive cellar with some of the world’s great wines and champagnes. The wine cellar allows guests, under the guidance of experts if so required, to select a vintage to suit their palate.

Environment
One of the reasons North Island was bought was because of its potential to become a Noah’s Ark sanctuary where natural habitats could be rehabilitated and where critically endangered Seychelles fauna and flora could be re-introduced and given a place to regenerate.
The essence of North Island is a sustainable, ecologically sensitive utilisation of a precious natural treasure.

When North Island was abandoned in the 1970’s following the collapse of the coconut industry, many unwanted and intrusive species of flora and fauna remained behind such as coconuts, casuarina, cows, rats, pigs, Indian mynah birds, cats, barn owls and an especially invasive weed called lantana.

Together, these unwanted elements held North in a stranglehold that threatened to stifle its very life force, smothering the indigenous plants, decimating the bird life and drying up the marshland that is the lifeblood of the Island.

After the alarm bell had been sounded by prominent ecologists, The North Island Company Ltd. undertook the challenge, not only to reverse the Island’s sorry decline, but to take the long road towards the restoration of the Island to its former glory. A cornerstone of this bold initiative has been the “Noah’s Ark” concept, where tortoises and certain species of bird are gradually being re-introduced to the Island along with indigenous trees such as the takamaka, badamier and the legendary coco-de-mer palm.

The concept of an eco-sensitive lodge on North Island has been preceded by years of painstaking research and co-ordination with government conservation bodies committed to ensuring the protection of the natural environment and biodiversity. Such considerations have not only placed numerous checks and controls on the nature of the project itself, but have also ensured that maximum efforts are made in the direction of the recycling of materials and the rehabilitation of existing structures. They have steered North Island’s architects down the road of limited development, limited noise, the preservation of historical sites, the eradication of alien fauna and flora, and the replanting of lost species of fauna, as well as the conservation of water and the installation of ecologically sensitive sewerage.

The conscientious pursuit of such policies is now reaping its just rewards and has contributed much to the extraordinary way in which the lodge’s eleven secluded Villas blend seamlessly into their surroundings and also to the eco-sensitive aura that now pervades the Island.
Felled alien trees such as the casuarinas, as well as dead takamaka trees, have been used in the building, their serpentine roots now snaking their way through roofs, their bleached limbs adorning balustrades and stairways. In one inspiring marriage of past and present, two of the original copra shacks have been turned into a library and dive centre while the quest for excellence has brought together artisans from as far a field as Malawi, South Africa and of course, Seychelles.

The on-going process of conservation is at the very heart of North Island’s philosophy and, as part of the Island’s continuing endeavours to safeguard its environment, a programme of rat eradication has been successfully completed. This will pave the way for the return of at least three indigenous species of bird, all of them on the danger list: the Black Paradise Flycatcher, the Seychelles Warbler and, most important of all, the Seychelles Magpie Robin – one of the world’s rarest birds.

North Island will continue to honour the policies that are enabling it to realise its goal of offering the highest standards of hospitality against a backdrop of sustainable, eco-friendly practice.

PLEASE NOTE:
• Check in time is 14h00 – if the villa is available on arrival then an early check in will be allowed at no additional cost. Check out time is 11h00 – if the villa is still available on departure then a late check out will be allowed at no extra cost. However if an early check in or a late check out needs to be guaranteed prior to travel, then the full nightly rate for the night before or after must be paid for in order to secure this space.
• Master bedroom of Villas is for occupancy of maximum 2 people
• Second bedroom of Villas is for occupancy of maximum 2 people under the age of 19years
• Booking terms and conditions for North Island are provided at time of confirmation


CLIMATE
Tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)

Seychelles’ enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. In this tropical haven the temperature seldom drops below 24°C or rises above 32°C. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt making Seychelles’ a year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers.

During the north-west trade winds that visit between the months of October and March, the sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid, with average winds of 8-12 knots.

In January and February the islands receive their life-giving rains, rejuvenating the rivers and streams and teasing the vibrant foliage into rainbows of colour.

The months between May and September bring drier, cooler weather, and livelier seas - particularly on south-eastern coasts – and winds of 10-20 knots.

ISLANDS
Seychelles’ 115 islands fall under two distinct groups. The tall granite, Inner Islands cluster mainly within the relatively shallow Seychelles’ plateau, 4° south of the equator and roughly 1800 km. distant from the east coast of Africa while the low-lying coralline cays, atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands lie mainly beyond the plateau up to 10° south of the equator.

These Outer Islands are divided into five groups: the Amirantes group lying 230km distant from Mahé, the Southern Coral Group, Alphonse Group, Farquhar Group and finally the Aldabra Group, some 1150km from Mahé.

There are 43 Inner Islands in all -- 41 granitic and 2 coralline and a total of 72 coralline Outer Islands.
The Inner Islands which are mostly granitic, cluster mainly around the principal islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, forming the cultural and economic hub of Seychelles, as well as the centre of its tourism industry.

Together they are home to the majority of Seychelles’ accommodation facilities as well almost the entire population of the archipelago. There are 43 Inner islands in total – 41 granitic and 2 coralline.