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Don't go without the 2nd Edition Cadogan Guide to Tanzania and Zanzibar - writen by Annie - one of our consultants |
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The Seychelles
The Seychelles have a slogan that describes their charm; 'unique by a thousand miles'. A thousand miles distant from their closest neighbours on the East African coast, the country is made up of over one hundred tropical islands, scattered over a million square kilometres.
Unique in geography, climate and also culture, these islands have a wildly colourful storybook history of spies, pirates and shipwrecked sailors that has brought about the integration of European, African, Indian, Arab and Chinese islanders with a heady Creole culture.
This is a natural paradise of fabulously fair weather, mercifully free of malarial mosquitoes, and with glorious tropical forests, woodlands and beaches unspoilt by the rigours of the modern world. The Seychellois, keen to preserve the character and natural beauty of their island home, have encouraged low-impact, high quality opportunities for holidays here. The result is an inspiring choice of small and absolutely private island hideaways.
Flights to the Seychelles are 3 times a week from Nairobi so a stay at North island can easily be combined with a safari in Tanzania or Kenya
North Island - The Seychelles
Surrounded by stunning coral reef and hosting some of the worlds best beaches, North Island is the ultimate paradise island and is regarded by many as the most exceptional beach property in the world. There is no doubt, North Island is extraordinary.
With uninterrupted views out to sea and an unashamed emphasis on luxury, the 12 luxury Villas measure 450sqm and offer the very best in privacy and location. Each villa has been individually handcrafted by craftsmen from the island using local, natural materials.
The island itself is flawless. According to Wilderness Safaris (who own ‘North’), the island was bought in recognition of its potential as a Noah’s Ark; a 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 result is a perfect island. Giant tortoises roam free around North Islands heart, coco-de-mer palm trees hang from rocky outcrops and the beaches genuinely are the stuff of dreams! This genuinely is one of the most incredible places on the planet.
North Island is one of forty inner granitic islands of the Seychelles that are located around the two main islands of Mahé and Praslin. These granitic islands and their beaches are often referred to as the most beautiful on Earth. North Island Lodge is a rare sanctuary for guests seeking a gorgeous, unspoiled tropical haven on a large and private island. With three mountains, a small lake and four beaches that are located at each end of the compass, North Island is able to offer a year-round tropical beach and island experience.
All the structures at North Island Lodge have been individually handcrafted to give it a unique atmosphere and the distinctly flavour of the Seychelles. The main areas and all the villas are built directly on the eastern beach: A lounge, dining room and library, beautifully located health spa and gym, world-class dive centre, and a beautiful swimming pool are all built into a granitic outcrop. A sunset bar and restaurant are tucked away on the western beach of the island.
There are only 11 handcrafted guest villas on the entire island. Each villa is about 5000 square feet in size, is completely self-contained and comprises a luxuriously proportioned air-conditioned bedroom with overhead fans, fully retracting sliding windows with views onto the beach, and a writing and change-room area with a huge en-suite bathroom. Each bathroom has a large bath, double vanities as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. An additional study or bedroom is equipped with a DVD/CD system and Internet access if requested; this room can be rearranged as a second bedroom to accommodate children. Each villa has its own mini-kitchen, a large sun deck and covered lounge area, a private plunge pool and ’sala,’ all of which creates a private sanctuary within a sanctuary. A full butler service caters for every need, from in-villa light meals to picnics on secluded beaches. Each villa has its own mountain bicycles and an ’island buggy‘ to get guests around the island.
Activities included in the tariff are: excellent snorkelling right off the beaches, scuba diving to the reefs around North and Silhouette islands (as well as the use of the equipment from the dive centre), nature walks, mountain biking and the use of the ’island buggy,’ windsurfing, sea kayaking, fly-fishing around the island, hobie sailing and the use of the gymnasium. Drinks and all meals are also included in the tariff. Yacht charters, deep-sea fishing, golf on Praslin (18-hole course but requires a private helicopter transfer), massage and spa therapy (in the spa or in your villa) are at additional cost, as are drinks on the reserve list.
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