Praslin, La Digue and North Island in ten nights
Three islands, three speeds: a hillside pool villa on Praslin near the Vallée de Mai, bicycles and granite boulders on La Digue, and four nights on North Island, reached by helicopter from Mahé.
North Island
Eleven handbuilt villas on a granite island that has been rewilded, with helicopter access from Mahé and the whole island available to book.
Why we love it
North Island has 11 villas and a great deal of space around them: beaches on both the east and west shores, a granite peak and a turtle nesting shore that the island has monitored since 1998. The villas are built from reclaimed takamaka and rosewood, and each has its own plunge pool and a study that turns into a second bedroom for children.
The draw is freedom rather than formality. You choose the menu, the place and the time, and dinner can be set up on almost any stretch of sand. It suits couples marking something big and families who want the run of a place without other guests around.
Be honest about the budget, which sits at the top of the Seychelles, and about the style. Anyone who wants a buzzing bar, a busy spa menu or a wide choice of restaurants will be happier on Mahé or Praslin.
Rooms and villas
Beachfront Villa
Ten villas of 450 square metres opening on to East Beach, each with a private garden, plunge pool, sunken bath, outdoor showers and a study that can be set up for children.
Villa North
A 750 square metre villa set on the slope below Grand Paloss, with elevated decks, a plunge pool, a private sala and firepit, and a large study for families.
Exclusively Yours
All 11 villas and sole use of the island and its facilities, for a family gathering, a wedding or a group of friends.
Dining
The Piazza on East Beach serves Creole-inspired dishes with a European slant, and the Sunset Bar on West Beach does stone-baked pizzas and cocktails. Beyond that the chefs will cook wherever you like: a picnic on Honeymoon Beach, canapés by a fire at the Cross on Spa Hill, or dinner in your villa.
Wellness
La Vie Spa uses natural, locally sourced ingredients, and the executive chef will plan a personal menu around your wellbeing goals for the stay.
Children and families
Children are welcome. There is no formal kids club; instead the island runs an à la carte menu of children's activities built around its wildlife and open spaces, and every villa study converts for younger guests.
The facts
| Villas | 11 |
|---|---|
| Transfer | 15-minute helicopter charter from Mahé International Airport, or 45 minutes to an hour by boat |
| Dining | The Piazza, Sunset Bar and dining anywhere on the island |
| Spa | La Vie Spa |
| Conservation | Turtle nesting records kept since 1998; more than 130 Aldabra tortoises |
| Buyout | Whole-island use available |
Where it is
North Island, Inner Islands, Seychelles
Nearby
A few of the things we plan for guests in Seychelles.
Coco de mer in the Vallée de Mai
The Vallée de Mai on Praslin is a UNESCO-listed palm forest and the home of the coco de mer, whose seed is the largest in the plant kingdom. Paths wind under huge fan-shaped leaves, and it is one of the few places to see the rare Seychelles black parrot. Go at opening time, when the birds are most active.
Cycling La Digue to Anse Source d'Argent
La Digue has few cars; most people get around by bicycle. Ride through the L'Union estate, past the old plantation house and vanilla, to Anse Source d'Argent, with its sculpted granite boulders and shallow water. Time it for low tide in the early morning. On the east side, Grand Anse is wilder but not for swimming when the surf is up.
Giant tortoises and mangroves on Curieuse
Curieuse is a protected island a short boat ride from Praslin. A boardwalk runs through the mangroves to Baie Laraie, where Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely around the ranger station. Most trips add snorkelling off neighbouring St Pierre, a tiny granite islet.
Journeys with North Island
Ask about North Island
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability, suggest the right room and send a price.