Seychelles : Exclusive Islands

There are over 115 islands in the Seychelles and some of the smaller islands have private exclusive lodges. This is a great way to feel castaway with luxury! Each island is different with its own charm and attractions, some are good for diving and fishing, whilst others are bird sanctuaries. You can combine as many islands together as you wish within one holiday.

Alphonse Island
The Alphonse Group of 3 islands lies 7° south of the Equator and extend 16 kms from North to South: Alphonse in the North, Bijoutier in the middle and St-François in the South. Alphonse Island is a small triangular shaped coral island strewn with coconut trees, boasting 3,6 kms of coastline protected by a reef and offering the most idyllic setting for a very exclusive holiday.

The hotel is located on the east of the island and has 25 chalets and 5 executive villas, all of which are a few steps from the beach or lagoon. Each room is air conditioned and has an outdoor shower, the executive villas are larger with jacuzzis, cascading showers, Turkish baths and Turbomassage. The cuisine is creative and delicious, a combination of international and creole flavours producing mouthwatering seafood dishes amongst others. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and overlooks the swimming pool and lagoon. Your stay here is on a full board basis and includes certain activities such as; canoeing (the best way to discover the Alphonse lagoon), Indoor Games, Pedalos, Dinghy Sailing, Snorkeling, Tennis, Windsurfing and Wind guilders. There is a supplement charge for Boat trips, Bottom-fishing, Deep-Sea Fishing, Fly fishing and Scubadiving.

Bird Island
Bird Island is only a 30-minute flight from Mahe and is the most northerly island in the Seychelles. The island is a small, flat and well known ecotourism destination, each year approximately 2 million migrant sooty terns nest and breed on the island between May and October, then hawksbill turtles lay their eggs on the beach from October through to February. Bird Island is also home to the world's oldest tortoise 'Esmeralda' thought to be 170 years old.

There are 24 cottages scattered amongst the palms between the bird colony and the airstrip, with the beach a few steps away. All the rooms are 65 metres square, with king size beds, en-suite showers and terrace overlooking the inviting Indian Ocean.

You can spend your days exploring the island, snorkelling, relaxing on the beach or deep sea fishing off the edge of the Seychelles Bank where the sea drops over 1000 fathoms, perfect for Big game fish.

Cousine Island
Secret, remote and natural, this is the ultimate in island hideaways. The twenty-five-hectare island is fringed with white, sandy beaches and covered in a variety of tropical flora and fauna. Formerly a private home, the four French colonial-style villas accommodate only eight guests. The rest of the island, also a nature reserve, is shared with Magpie Robins and Hawksbill Turtles. The turtles come ashore to lay their eggs between September and January - a thrilling and memorable spectacle. Cousine Island offers a mystical and exclusive retreat for those seeking romance and relaxation in a truly secluded place.

Denis Island
Denis Island Lodge is a fantastic desert island retreat with a true Treasure Island history - a wonderful destination for romantics. Twenty-five private cottages are scattered along the coastline amid casuarinas and coconut palms, each with fantastic bathroom and al fresco shower. The island hosts an abundance of flora and fauna, both on land and off its shores. Dogtooth Tuna and Bonita are regularly caught in these waters. There is a variety of water-sports on offer for the energetic, as well as tennis, opportunities to go walking and even a practice golf course on the airstrip! Fabulous French-style and Creole cuisine is served in the island's restaurant. Denis Island is a wonderful place to escape, and will greatly appeal to those seeking barefoot romance.

Desroches Island
Desroches Island is 230 kilometres from Mahe (50 minutes flight), a small island surrounded by reefs and idyllic shallow waters. Most of the reefs are submerged providing excellent diving opportunities and Desroches Island is a haven for enthusiastic fishermen, with superb opportunities for Bone and Big Game fishing.

Desroches is one of the most densely populated of the outer islands with approximately fifty inhabitants who supply copra, timber and charcoal to Mahé. The Island Lodge has 20 air-conditioned junior suites, all with king beds, lounge areas and patios facing the gardens and the sea. There are 2 Restaurants, the first a rustic open-air main restaurant and the other a feet-in-sand beach restaurant. The island has well equipped facilities for a small remote island, with a swimming pool, floodlit tennis court and bicycles for exploring the island. Other facilities available include a diving centre, indoor games, snorkelling, canoes, pedalos, windsurfing, laser mini-sails, Big game fishing, fly fishing and boat excursion to other islands.

Fregate Private Island
Fregate Island Lodge is on its own private island, this lodge is one of the most exclusive hideaways in the Indian Ocean. Apart from the occasional presence of giant tortoises, the beaches are exclusively yours. Hugging the coastline, sixteen elegant villas are set among the tropical vegetation, all with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views. Four poster beds, sitting rooms furnished with attractive rugs and sofas, in- and outdoor showers, Jacuzzi and your own private terrace make each room a luxurious haven.

The beauty of the seven white beaches, one of which has been voted one of the most beautiful in the world, is enhanced by their backdrop of coconut palms, banyan and fig trees. Only the gentle lapping of the waves and the jungle chorus break the evening calm, as you enjoy gourmet Creole and international cuisine served in one of the island's two restaurants. If you can be tempted from sun worshipping on the beach or by the freshwater pool, there are a wide variety of water-sports to enjoy, including scuba diving to 'Chimney Rock', one of the world's most cherished diving sites.

North Island
North Island was bought to allow scientists to create a 'Noah's Ark' for the Seychelles's threatened wildlife. This large island has not been previously inhabited and is the perfect location for the relocation and restocking of critically endangered species. To assist with funding this research there are 12 luxury guest villas on the island that are themed on bare foot luxury but with almost every creature comfort. They are made from local wood and stone, each room is over 450 square metres with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and even a DVD / CD player. You can chose to have evening meals either in the main dining area or on the veranda of your villa.

Walking on the island can either be done alone or you may prefer to take a guide to assist with bird and flora identification, guides will also be happy to show you the ongoing conservation research in their centre, see the extensive library, and listen to slide shows and talks if you are interested. For those that just wish to enjoy North Island without getting involved in the research there are endless opportunities for snorkelling, Scuba Diving, sea kayaking, fly fishing, visits to the on-site health spa, relaxing in the beach or in the sala in the forest. You can also watch turtles laying their eggs on the beaches at certain times of year, enjoy trips to neighbouring islands and there is a child minding service if you wish to treat the whole family.

Silhouette Island
Silhouette Island is the third largest of the Seychelles with the second tallest peak, Mont Dauban (740 m in altitude). The island is covered in thick equatorial forest and there are no roads, hence a haven for walkers and those interested in exploring the many forest paths.

There is only one small lodge on the island with 12 wooden and thatch bungalows scattered around the old coconut plantation, all close to the beach with en-suite shower rooms, fans, nets and mini bars. Scattered along the beach, in front of the bungalows, showers have been provided for rinsing off sand and salt water without having to go the bungalows bathroom. There is a small diving and water sports centre only a few metres from the lodge with excellent facilities.