Description
Located amongst the inner granitic islands of Seychelles, North Island is a fertile paradise which provides the perfect setting for the unique Noah’s Ark conservation programme. The aim is is to turn North Island’s environmental clock back two hundred years and return the natural habitat to its original state through rehabilitation, by eradicating alien species and by re-introducing indigenous plants and endangered Seychelles wildlife. Since the programme was launched at the end of the 1990s bird species such as Seychelles blue pigeons and breeding populations of wedge-tailed shearwaters have returned and Hawksbill and green turtles nest on the island's beaches once more.
In the same way, North Island seeks to to be a sanctuary for guests seeking a natural and unspoiled tropical island paradise to inspire and rejuvenate mind body and soul. This beautiful resort has a minimalist organic style that reflects the natural beauty of the Seychelles and evokes the marine environment. Local materials, many of which were reclaimed during the rehabilitation process have been used in the construction of the resort including the upside-down casuarina trunks used to support the roof of the Piazza.
Centred around an ancient Indian almond tree the Piazza is the focal point of the resort and is home to the stylish bar and dining areas. There is also a bar on Sunset Beach which provides the perfect spot for cocktails. North Island’s delicious cuisine is prepared by the resort’s chefs according to the latest island harvest and they will happily discuss the menu with you to create a personalised dining experience. Guests stay at North Island on a fully inclusive basis which includes all meals, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks and cocktails (with the exception of high-end premium wines and champagnes on the reserve list).
The library and dive centre are housed in original coral block buildings that date back to North Island’s days as a copra plantation whilst the health spa and gym are set amongst the luxuriant vegetation on a promontory with inspiring views overlooking the ocean. There is also a beautiful 42 metre infinity pool, a PADI scuba diving centre which offers scuba diving courses, snorkelling, sea kayaking, paddle boarding and kite-surfing and guests can also enjoy cycling, sunset cruises, guided walks, fishing, yacht charters and excursions to nearby islands.
There are 10 incredible Beachfront Villas, each with a private pool, kitchen and lounge and a second bedroom or study and they all boast direct access to the resort's East beach. The 11th Villa is a beautiful honeymoon suite perched on a rock, the bathroom of which has panoramic views of East Beach to Mahé, Praslin & La Digue and a huge sunken bath. All guests also benefit from the use of their own North Island Buggy (one per villa) to travel around the island and the services of a personal villa attendant.
When to travel
Situated just south of the equator, the Seychelles has a warm tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 24C to 31C all year round. From May to October a southeast trade wind can bring marginally cooler weather and fresh breezes. From November to March the northwest monsoon wind blows, typically raising temperature and humidity. December and January are the wettest months, but the rain falls in short sharp bursts before the sun comes out again.
Location
North Island is one of the forty granitic inner islands of the Seychelles, which are located around the two main islands of Mahé and Praslin. North Island is situated about 32 kilometres or 20 miles north west of Mahé and five kilometres north of Silhouette.
North Island is a 20 minute helicopter flight from Mahé.