In November 2013 I was lucky enough to visit North Island in the Seychelles – previously the chosen holiday island for Brad and Angelina, Leonardo Dicaprio, the Beckhams, and even our very own Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for their honeymoon. North Island is the place to go if you’re after utter seclusion, understated luxury, faultless service, and an unforgettable experience.
North is a private island in the northernmost part of the Seychelles. Offering powdery, startlingly white sand beaches, lush green backdrops, free roaming tortoises, and just 11 private pool villas, this island is simply stunning.
Is it Worth Visiting?
Now, there’s no point in beating around the bush. North Island is expensive; in 2014 you can expect nightly rates of around €2500 per person … But the question is, is it worth it?
Well… for starters you need to consider what’s included. As well as having all food and drinks included, you can enjoy scuba diving courses, snorkelling in and around the North Island and Silhouette Island dive sights, sea kayaking, mountain bikes, sunset cruises, guided walks, fishing trips and even laundry…. How lovely to come home without 5 piles of washing to tackle!
Every one of the beautifully designed pool villas is different in its layout – each is 450sqm (4890sqft), has various lounging and sunbathing areas, stunning open sided bathrooms, butler service and even a study/theatre room where you can enjoy watching a film whilst nibbling on popcorn and delicious homemade ice cream. The style is said to be ‘couture Robinson Crusoe,’ with lots of natural materials including driftwood, local stone, glass and thatch. You have your own ipad which can be used to see the days suggested dishes for lunch and dinner, or to see the vast array of spa treatments and activities on offer… If you need even more space, you can always choose Villa 11.
Each villa has its own buggy so you can explore the island and get to one of the 3 beaches with ease. However, wandering around this stunning island is a must, and an island walk with the conservation manager Elliot simply cannot be missed. You’ll see tortoises in every direction no matter where you are, but Elliott will show you other island creatures, trees and plants – his energy and enthusiasm is contagious. There are 2 types of turtles which lay their eggs on the beaches, and in just 24 hours we saw 2 do just that – a magical and surprisingly emotional experience to see.
As for dining… there are no limitations and no actual restaurants. You can dine wherever you fancy… In your villa, on the beach, by the bar, in the gardens, or simply ask for a picnic hamper and disappear. Although there are daily menus they are just guidelines, you can have almost anything that you can think of. Just speak to the chef!
So is North Island worth the premium? Before I had visited, I couldn’t imagine how any island, or hotel, could cost so much per night… but now… without shadow of a doubt, pause or questioning… Yes. Definitely yes. Nothing I say, or write will ever explain just how perfect and beautiful North Island is. All I can say is that you simply must visit….
