If you were imagining kilometres of ice-blue water surrounding an island of emerald plantations, trimmed with alabaster beaches, then you’d be on the money. The Seychelles Islands of the Indian Ocean are located almost mid-way between Madagascar and Sri Lanka, and North Island is one little nugget in its beautiful archipelago. This is where a seaside honeymoon destination is taken to the next level, and not only because North Island is a singularly astounding slice of tropical paradise, but because it is a living conservation success story, having recovered from ancient colonisation followed by abandonment. Wilderness Safaris and conservation partners collaborated to restore Ile du Nord to its former glory, and what a job they are doing!
Take a glimpse at what is now a luxurious island escape, littered with hidden beaches, shady with indigenous trees, and alive with natural birdlife. North Island has shot to the top of our Indian Ocean destinations list, because it has perfectly ties together world-class wellbeing and dedicated safekeeping of the restored environment. A match made in heaven!
The Villas.
There are only 11 villas on the island, ensuring that the experience had by guests is sublimely exclusive. Of course, the open right up onto the layers of soft beach sand and the lapping tide, inviting the smell of the sea and the whistle of the wind right in to the bedroom. The textures, colours, fabrics and furnishings in the villas are in perfect keeping with the unfolding nature that surrounds them. They have called it “barefoot luxury”, which is the most perfect description for the relaxed, beachy opulence that has been achieved, and it has an undeniably calming effect on the soul.
All elements have been naturally sourced and designed to resemble the driftwood, shells, sand, palms, and waves that dominate the natural environment. Every guest area, bedroom, bathroom, restaurant, and viewing deck has been constructed with a low impact on the land, and with an emphasis on subtlety, yet every luxury and comfort has been taken care of.
Activities.
Surrounded by the vast ocean, and nestled between characteristic boulders and luscious island forests, and focused on conservation, there is no guessing the extent of the activities on offer at North Island. The seas are crystal clear, pure, and warm, and they house some magnificent coral reefs, shoals of colourful fish, endangered turtles, dolphins, and creatures of deep you wouldn’t imagine. Visitors at North Island have the opportunity to spend days on end reading under sun hats, walking the endless beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, paddling, kayaking, or fishing.
Island hopping, and boat cruising are also on offer at sea, while land-based adventures might entice cyclists, hikers and birdwatchers. There are guided walks and cycling trails designed steer you through the restored forests and open your eyes to the natural fauna and flora of this rehabilitated island. Choose activity, or choose total inactivity – we’re sure you’ll find blissful enjoyment in both!
Restoration.
This pristine Indian Ocean jewel has been through hundreds of years of human occupation, cultivation, and alien species overrunning the indigenous plant and wildlife. It was first ‘discovered’ on an expedition by the English East India Company in the beginning of the 1600s, at which stage it was uninhabited, except for a reported population of giant tortoises. Jump ahead to a long stretch of time between 1826 and the 1970s when the island was owned and run as a fruit and spice plantation, as well as producing guano, fish oil and copra. Since that market crashed, the island was abandoned and foreign plant and animal life took over the natural order of the island, destroying its indigenous value.
In 1997 the parties who have spent the last 20 years eradicating and regenerating North Island, restoring it to its historic self, purchased the island. Conservation practices include growing and replanting natural vegetation, therefore reintroducing the nesting environments for North Island’s birdlife; protecting the hawksbill and green turtles’ breeding grounds, and utilising the most environmentally friendly practices that help to grow the island’s bounty.
Any way we look at it, this is a Seychelles destination of dreams. “Barefoot luxury” on every level, with undeniably world-class elements, including phenomenally crafted menus (and an array of restaurants at which to enjoy them), private beaches, pampering spa treatments, and adventurous island activities to tickle anyone’s fancy.
