Why go?
To experience one of the most exclusive honeymoon destinations in the world – staying on North Island gives couples a true castaway feeling with lashings of authentic luxury.
Honeymoon style
With only 11 private villas, this is a place for seclusion seekers. The sun-drenched days roll by and it’s possible to not see another soul as you soak up the magic of this island that has been nurtured back to its original beauty.
Set the scene
Guests arrive in style, mainly by helicopter or speedboat with tender to the shore. Stepping off the boat into the turquoise waters and onto the silky, powder-like sand, it feels like this is where barefoot luxury was born. Once you’re greeted on the beach – and introduced to your private butler – you’ll make your way to the main restaurant area for the first taste of the exquisite design and craftsmanship that went into creating this hotel. Discover the tactile wooden bar area and decking, and the restored ancient library to one side that dates back to the 18th century when the island was first inhabited. A hidden pathway leads up the hillside to the breathtaking main pool area, which is carved into the rock face and surrounded by palms. The environment comes first here. This paradise island is 3 square kilometres with only 11 beachfront villas, all situated on the East Beach, and slightly set back amid the lush, tropical shrubs for utmost privacy. Many famous names have visited North Island – it’s rumoured that the Prince and Princess of Wales honeymooned here and we can totally see why.
Rooms
North Island is sure to impress even the most discerning travellers, there is simply no other place like this in the Seychelles. Seeing your villa for the first time will likely take your breath away (and maybe even bring a happy tear to your eye thanks to the vast scale and beautiful interior). Designed by renowned safari-camp architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carsten, who are based in Johannesburg, villas here have a definite African-lodge influence with each crafted from natural wood and local materials wherever possible. Villa 1 features a sprawling terrace area, round plunge pool, outdoor larder, cabana, multiple sunbeds and dining area with modern glass chandelier. Your butler will unpack your bags and has, very helpfully, pre-prepared a few of your favourite culinary treats for your arrival, perhaps sushi and champagne with a heap of fresh fruit and lemongrass water to refresh?
Inside, the generous bed – all crisp, white sheets and draped in light cotton – is perfectly positioned to take in the beach views. A glass door guides you through to the bathroom area where you’ll find a sunken bath, alfresco traditional-style shower, indoor shower surrounded by exposed-rock walls, a towel daybed, his and hers sinks, and stunning coloured glass ornaments and shell finishes. Extra touches include a photo of you and your loved one printed out and framed, and your favourite wine chilling in the fridge – no detail is missed here. For the ultimate honeymoon stay, book the largest villa designed for two, aptly named Villa North Island.
Food and drink
During your stay, you’ll enjoy spending time at the Piazza, the main restaurant. It’s situated beachside with a wooden terrace sheltered by an ancient takamaka tree. The focal hub is the wonderful bar, with its striking roof that sits upon carved, upturned takamaka trunks harvested in the construction stage of the hotel. The à la carte menu here changes often, and features lots of fresh fish dishes and local cuisine. Come evening, dining is themed, and, depending on what guests fancy, the chef will make the menu bespoke. Particular highlights include Mexican, Creole and Italian cuisine. Meanwhile, the extensive wine cellar, which stocks 4,000 bottles from all over the world, is open for the perusal of guests.
A unique concept here is the ‘destination discovery’ dining option. This is where your butler will set up a picture-perfect alfresco breakfast, lunch or dinner in one of the many secluded spots around the island. There’s the picnic enclave, made cosy with vibrantly coloured squishy cushions, the breathtaking honeymoon beach, a sunset bar with bonfire setup, and the chef’s table with eight-to-ten-course menu – all these, and many more surprise locations await.
If fishing is among your preferred pursuits, stop by the boathouse where you can take a vessel out and a skipper will guide you towards catching your own supper. At North Island, it’s clear that guests will want for nothing, and the team will endeavour to cater for your every need and craving.
The Story
North Island was first inhabited in the 18th century, owned by the Beaufond family, who operated it as a plantation growing fruits, spices, alongside producing fish oil and copra (dried coconut from which coconut oil is made). When the copra market collapsed, the island was sold and, soon after, abandoned for many years, falling prey to invasive plants and animals as a result. In 1997 Wilderness Safaris purchased the island, and saw the opportunity to create an incredible island retreat alongside turning back the clock to restore the native species and flora. The resort first opened its sandy shores to guests in 2003, it’s now privately owned (managed by Marriott, within The Luxury Collection), and remains one of the most exclusive island resorts in the world.
Family-friendly
You are guaranteed to have your own little barefooted Mowgli within hours of arriving at North Island. Families will settle into their villa with ease, a true home away from home, with all the amenities you require. Staff are wonderful with little ones and daily activities include pizza and juice making, painting, bracelet making, shell collecting, swimming lessons and more. Plus, there’s a wooden climbing-frame area and water sports galore for older children. A highlight for kids of all ages is the tortoise adoption programme – guests can name and officially adopt one of these magnificent creatures and will receive updates from the environmental team throughout the many years to follow.
Spa
A short and bumpy ride up the mountainside leads to the unique spa, with its hi-tech gym suspended among the treetops, and two serene treatment rooms accessed by step pathway. Guests are sure be wowed as they enter the stone-built treatment room and are met by the mesmerising views down to the sparkling ocean and beyond. Ease into your treatment by dressing in the loose sarong provided and enjoying a cooling foot bath. After that, the enticing treatment list awaits. Couples can indulge in a 90-minute scrub and massage where the therapist will use Belliche – a local luxury brand that blends fresh island ingredients such as coconut cream and aloe vera into its handcrafted products.
Eco-friendly
Flora has been beautifully restored on North Island. Indeed, the main purpose of creating the resort was to rehabilitate it to its former glory, as it would have been when the first ships pulled into shore in the 18th century. The island had endured many years of neglect and the introduction of invasive species, so the Noah’s Ark project was born. Rehabilitation has been key since the resort opened and, today, wildlife thrives and the island’s original flora is flourishing once more. Thanks to beach-protection initiatives over the past 20 years, lucky guests may witness turtles hatching on the sands – it’s an important nesting site for two species, the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtles and the green turtle. Over 100 giant tortoises roam the island (seek out Brutus, the oldest at 200 years old) alongside many other native species. The resident environmentalists, working alongside eco-volunteers, have excelled themselves, and it’s a completely plastic-free island, with its own water-bottling site and extensive recycling systems. Furthermore, the team are restoring wetlands and coral reefs – it’s a true example of what can be done to reverse damage by human impact while, at the same time, creating a wildlife idyll to be enjoyed responsibly by its guests.
Location
From Mahé, the resort can organise a helicopter transfer or ferry to nearby Silhouette Island, followed by private speed boat to North Island. Located in the north of the Indian Ocean archipelago, its remoteness means this island is the place for switching off from the outside and settling into paradise. Excursions to other islands can be arranged, but many guests choose to immerse themselves in island life.
To book visit www.north-island.com; Rates start from €8,000 per night with breakfast included.
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