Northeast of Madagascar, the Seychelles are a chain of 115 islands nestled in 400,000 square kilometres of the Indian Ocean. Tucked in the Seychelles is a luxury private island hideaway.
Frégate Island devotes itself to the preservation and protection of the environment. For this reason, the only resort on the island, Frégate Island Private, limits itself to 16 villas and a maximum of 40 guests at one time.
Fourteen of the villas are perched on the island’s cliffs with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The other two villas are nestled in their own private tropical garden and are geared for families with young children. Each villa has sliding glass walls that can be opened to the elements to integrate the villas with the outdoors. On their private terraces, each villa is equipped with outdoor day beds stationed beside sunken Jacuzzis.
Guests love the seven sandy beaches that circle the island. One of the beaches, the Anse Victorin, was voted the most beautiful beach in the world by The New York Times in 1998. The island itself is completely surrounded by a vast coral reef.
The Rock Spa
Frégate Island Private is host to one of the greatest spas on the planet. The award-winning Rock Spa is perched on a cliff and overlooks the Indian Ocean. The spa embodies the island with its granite canyon entrance, freshwater pool, soothing waterfalls, and numerous other elements of nature. Botanical treatments created from local ingredients accompany the finest holistic treatments. A wide range of health, wellness, and beauty treatments have been designed to adhere to Frégate’s ecological standards.
Frégate's Cuisine
The resort’s ecological priority extends to the cuisine. Only the highest-quality, ecologically-friendly produce is served to the guests. The island plantation and hydroponics garden grow over 60 varieties of fruits and vegetables, including over 16 types of bananas. And the fish that swim in the local waters make for great catches of the day. Most meals are taken in the main restaurant in the Frégate House Restaurant, in the Plantation House Restaurant, in the Pirate Bar, in your own private villa, or on one of the beaches.
Island Pastimes
For guests who love playing in the water, Frégate’s Yacht Club, Marina, and PADI Dive Centre will be a popular hangouts. Frégate has its own fleet of sailboats, yachts, catamarans, and motorboats. Imagine an afternoon spent swimming, snorkelling, or scuba diving in the amazing waters. Windsurfing, sea kayaking, and game fishing are also available.
Not into water activities? Each guest will have his or her own buggy to use to explore the three square kilometre island or you can traverse the island on foot. Consider relaxing by one of the island’s pools, soak up some energy in the Zen garden, or take a yoga class.
Children on Frégate
Children are a welcome addition on Frégate Island. The Castaway Club is a meeting place for visiting children where games, crafts, videos, and books are available. It is also where children will learn about the environment and the conservation of the island’s heritage. The rustic structure is located above the Frégate House Restaurant.
Frégate's Ecology
For those who are interested in Frégate Island’s environment, professional biologists will take you on a journey of discovery. You will explore the island’s plants and animals as you hike through the tropical jungle areas and along the rugged coastlines. Some creatures, such as the “giant beetle”, only exist on Frégate. During certain seasons, you can watch sea turtles nestling; giant tortoises and a variety of other turtles inhabit the unspoiled island. This is only one of two islands in the world where giant tortoises roam and children love riding their backs. Frégate’s nature commitment is so strong it brought the Magpie Robin back from the brink of extinction and the island is now home to dozens of the singing birds.
As a matter of fact, the island was named after a local bird. In 1744, when exploring the Seychelles, Lazare Picault was so awed by the aerial acrobatics of the frigate bird with its nearly two metre wingspan that he named the island after the glorious feathered creature. Like the bird, Frégate Island is symbolic of nature at her most inspirational.
Frégate Island is four degrees south of the equator and the weather reflects that. It is a balmy 24-33 degrees on the island year-round with little variation.
With its tropical ambiance and relaxed atmosphere, Frégate Island is the ideal location for a wedding. The dedicated staff take care of every detail so the bride and groom can devote all their energy to being in love. The wedding can take place at the venue of your choice. Popular options include the summit of Mount Signal, an intimate chapel, a luxury yacht, or on one of the seven beaches.
Frégate offers its guests fast-track airport service for efficient facilitation of arrival and immigration facilities. Another perk is the private assistant service, a personal assistant who is available for anything you may need. Each villa has one.
Rates per night start at $4,560 CDN, depending on the time of year, number of guests, and the length of your stay. To book your getaway to this unspoiled jewel, contact Frégate Island Private Worldwide Reservations at 27.21.556.99.84 or e-mail them at reservations@fregate.com. There is also a handy form online where you can make your booking or check for availability. Check out Frégate Island’s Web site for more information.
Is Frégate Island Private one of the last real hideaways on our planet? Those who have been there unequivocally answer “yes”.
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
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