The Villas

Before design of the lodge began, extensive research was undertaken that strongly indicated that in today's overcrowded world people were increasingly looking for privacy and their own space. It is precisely this concept that became the cornerstone and major influence in the design of the villas and a point of focus to ensure that guests would really enjoy spending their time in their villa if they so wished.

With this in mind, villas that measure 450 square meters were designed which are the optimum size, allowing guests an exclusive feeling and enough room to spread out and enjoy a unique private island style experience to the full. The idea was to make sure the villas would bring the sense of life, but at the same time be a simple space in which to free the mind and refresh the soul.

Each villa has two bedrooms, a main bedroom and a second bedroom. While the villa is primarily occupied by one or two guests, they may have a requirement to use the second bedroom for children nineteen years and younger 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 Seychelles and African craftsmen on the island. The principle materials used were wood, local stone, glass and thatched roofs. All this combines to form a warm and inviting space that offers guests that rare opportunity to relax completely. Each villa is completely self contained and is raised over a meter off the ground to catch the cool 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 in this private sanctuary. There are 10 villas in total.

The Experience

The Island offers our guests a rare slice of tropical island magic and exclusive 450 square metre (4890 square feet) Villas, that are located on a pristine beach with service tailored to suit your needs and preferred lifestyle.

Our kitchen staff tend the vegetable and herb gardens prior to harvesting to provide only the freshest food combinations to reach your table in the dining environment of your choice - whether on the beach, restaurant or Sunset Bar. Our wine cellar will enable you to select a vintage to suit your palate under the guidance of experts, if so required. The dive school and fishermen are experienced professionals who inspire confidence in both uninitiated and seasoned guests alike.

In-Villa spa treatments are carried out by an enthusiastic and talented team, allowing guests to relax in their own private space. The treatments are specially derived from island ingredients and, in keeping with the concept of tailor-made service, three different treatment concepts can be chosen from. This ensures that guests receive exactly what they need when they need it. Each guest receives a complimentary 20 minute massage on arrival to ease them into their experience.

Whether on our specially designed Island buggies, kayaks or mountain bikes, touring around the island is a dream. Visiting the Seychelles historical museum or our oldest inhabitants - the tortoises – Villa 117 welcomes you to the shores and to a place where the only forms of encroachment by human beings are treasured memories and newly formed friendships.

We very much look forward to receiving your visit.

The Island Piazza

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

Adjacent to the deck of the activity centre is the library. Built of coral blocks, it is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite examples of architecture on the Island and was already standing when construction of the lodge began.

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, crossing a walkway over the lily pond will bring you to the wine cellar followed immediately by a private dining sala, with the bar that joins the dining area and the lounge standing 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.

Activities

The activities on offer on the Island are designed to give our guests the opportunity to enjoy the Island and its magic either under guidance from one of our hosts, or to give you the complete freedom to move around the Island at your own pace, either on foot, on our mountain bikes or by Island Buggie.

These activities will have a minimal impact on the environment whilst providing the thrill and 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. PADI Open Water dive courses are offered while on the island. The Dive Center is fully equipped with the latest BCD’s, regulators, wetsuits, fins and masks. Guests wishing to dive need not bring their own hard or soft gear.

Snorkeling

There are good snorkeling sites around the Island and Silhouette Island. Masks and fins are available at the dive center if you wish to explore these sites, either on your own or in the company of a staff member (depending on your snorkeling 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

The gym is air-conditioned and is situated near the main swimming pool.

Island bicycles

Bicycles are available for guest use and 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 4s that give our guests the freedom to move around the Island with ease.

Sunset Bar

A walk along Grande Anse Beach as the sun sets is an enlivening 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

...a great option for any guest. The Island has fishing rods, tackle and flies in stock for guest use. However, we recommend that serious fly-fishermen bring their own rods and tackle.

Trips to Silhouette Island

Located some five kilometers 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 Island has few beaches, though there are some wonderful tiny coves with remote beaches that are worth exploring.

Boating and island hopping

Boating around the 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.

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
• Breakfasts,lunches,dinnersandallalcoholicandnon-alcoholicdrinksandcocktails(withtheexceptionof 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
• Laundry
• In-villa wireless Internet connection and business centre Internet connection in the library.