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Seychelles: A Return to Nature
A private island sanctuary in the heart of the Indian Ocean
Set on the small North Island, this eponymous hotel conceals its 11 villas within a Robinson-like intimacy, surrounded by an extraordinary landscape of untouched beauty. A true Eden for guests, and a sanctuary for multiple animal species, this is a journey into the heart of the Indian Ocean.
The island corresponds exactly to the idea of a tropical paradise. Bright sandy coves, gently washed by turquoise waters, nestle between dramatic granite formations intertwined with coconut palms and takamaka trees, their broad leaves shining in deep shades of green. North Island (2 km²) lies 30 km from Mahé, the archipelago’s main island.
This idyllic setting is home to a single hotel—remarkably exclusive, and once chosen by Prince William and Kate Middleton for their honeymoon in May 2011. There is nothing ostentatious here. The 11 villas embody the essence of barefoot luxury, balancing understated elegance with natural splendour. At an impressive 450 m² each, they were designed by Seychellois and African artisans, whose craftsmanship and artistry are reflected in organic forms and locally sourced materials.
Open to the ocean and the warm tropical air, the villas are crowned with high palm-thatched roofs, evoking an opulent interpretation of a Robinson Crusoe hideaway. White and ecru tones contrast with the richness of dark, weathered wood and stone—sombre, noble, and beautifully patinated. Canopied beds with flowing mosquito nets, elongated lanterns reminiscent of weaverbird nests, and candlelight at dusk all contribute to a refined sense of romance.
Beyond the villas, a full range of experiences accompanies the stay: a swimming pool for refreshing dips, a spa for restorative treatments, a gym, and a restaurant where the chef crafts a daily menu inspired by Creole influences, seasonal catch, and creative intuition. The world’s finest wines and champagnes accompany meals served either on the beach—where turtles regularly come to lay their eggs—or in the privacy of one’s villa, always overlooking the Indian Ocean.
A Living Sanctuary
The surrounding azure waters define the rhythm of the days, inviting long moments of rest on generously cushioned sun loungers. The sea is ever-present. It can be admired from the island’s higher viewpoints reached on foot or by mountain bike, explored by sea kayak or SUP, or experienced offshore while fishing for grouper or simply drifting towards the setting sun.
Beneath the surface, snorkellers encounter multicoloured fish and dolphins moving with effortless grace. On land, native species have been carefully reintroduced and invasive rodents eradicated to restore the island’s ecological balance. The Seychelles fody, the Seychelles white-eye—once believed extinct and now numbering around 500—and the small turtle Pelusios subniger parietalis have returned to their habitat. White-tailed tropicbirds and yellow-billed tropicbirds now nest again on the island, while green and hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on one of North Island’s four beaches.
More than a paradise, North Island is a sanctuary—an ecological ark that can be discovered alongside the environmental team responsible for its conservation projects. Had Robinson Crusoe been stranded here, he would surely have approved.
