A private island paradise in the Seychelles, with beautiful beaches and a conservation programme committed to managing endangered species: Fregate Island Private is a rare treat. IAB Travel looks at what makes this secluded spot a favourite among the jet-set.
ESCAPE TO FREGATE ISLAND PRIVATE
It’s luxurious, yes – but with a wild side. Its beaches are spectacular, but with more than a hint of the Galapagos, rather than pristine Maldives-type sands. It’s inhabited by giant tortoises, rare and endangered birds, and has a conservation manager who’ll tell you all about the hotel’s commitment to helping its wildlife. Dinner is where you want it – a beach barbecue, in the boughs of a banyan tree, on a boat where you can catch your own. Fregate Island Private is an experience like no other, where white linen tables can be set up almost anywhere you choose and all experiences are designed to flow harmoniously with island rhythms and not take away from the natural environment. The tiny speck of land is one of 115 islands in the archipelago that makes up the Seychelles, located east of mainland Mahé. It’s your typical Seychelles island paradise, made up of the granite rock, talcum powder-white sands and lush tropical forest for which the region is famous.
JUST SOUTH OF THE EQUATOR
The Maldives may be the honeymoon-worthy destination of choice for many newlyweds, but for those seeking island romance with a side of something a little different, Fregate Island Private may just be the ticket. It’s just four degrees south of the equator, so it’s a year round safe bet for sun and balmy temperatures. Getting there is half the fun: an international flight to Mahé, followed by a 20-minute helicopter transfer to the island’s airstrip. Alternatively, it’s an hour by boat if you prefer the leisurely route. This beautiful spot also means it’s blissfully remote, so unless you’ve got a helicopter or a boat on standby, you’re here for the full experience: castaway with a side of chic. But why would you want to leave? There are two restaurants and two bars, but dining’s not limited to the designated areas and memorable meals can be setup under the stars wherever you choose. There’s a yacht club, a PADI dive centre and seven heavenly beaches. There’s no need to leave with every possible luxury at your fingertips.
PRIVATE ISLAND PARADISE
A private island in the Seychelles may sound out of reach for many, but consider the option of sharing your idyll with a select few other people. There are just 16 villas on the entire island, each built into the slopes of the island and linked to the main resort by paths – the rest of the island is a gloriously wild tangle of lush forest, with your neighbours more likely to be one of the many Aldabra giant tortoises than a large, rowdy family. The design of the island is not immaculate: nature is encouraged – rather than just allowed – to flourish, so there are no manicured gardens or sleek sunbathing terraces. All of this adds to the sense of private luxury however, and inside the villas you’ll find all the mod cons you need, plus private infinity pools and rainforest showers. While you’ll be sharing the island with a handful of other guests, you’re unlikely to spot many other people. Service is unobtrusive, too, and your butler can ensure that intrusions are kept to a minimum if you really would like to hole up for the duration.
ALL SINGING, ALL DANCING ALL-INCLUSIVE
A remote location such as this necessitates everything to be provided on site, from meals to activities. You won’t be disappointed by what’s included in your exceptionally generous all-inclusive board, which – as previously mentioned – includes the services of a dedicated butler assigned to each villa who will pander or leave well alone depending on your desires. All meals are included, whether you dine in one of the restaurants or opt for a feet-in-the-sand experience. While most all-inclusive options offer additional extras in the form of complimentary watersports, or tours, Fregate Island Private goes one better with fishing trips, massages, yoga classes, introductions to scuba diving, use of a golf buggy to ferry you around the island – plus all non-motorised watersports and guide nature walks. With a three-night minimum stay you’ll certainly be able to fit everything in.
COMMITTED TO CONSERVATION
While it’s sometimes easy to be wary of hotel’s conservation claims, Fregate Island Private actually does a sterling job at preserving its surrounding habitat. The hotel and accommodation itself takes up a very small footprint on what is a beautiful island rich in flora and fauna, including operating as carbon-neutrally as possible. Only essentials are imported, with most of the ingredients used in the restaurants and the spa are grown on site – around 85% of fruit and vegetables; you’ll spot the carefully-tended patches of pineapples, aubergines and herbs which are grown organically. The robust conservation programme is the resort’s hallmark, however; the island employs a resident conservationist to look after the hundreds of exotic bird species that make the island their home, who will let you join in with ecological fieldwork including spotting hawksbill turtle hatchings on the beach. Where once invasive species were planted across the Seychelles, indigenous species are now replacing the interlopers, including the heavily fragranced Wrights Gardenia. One of the resort’s most admirable feats is the reintroduction of endangered birds, including the magpie robin and the Seychelles blue pigeon – both species have been successful in breeding here.
WE LIKE:
• A mere 16 villas
• 2,200 Aldabra giant tortoises call the island home
• Seven spectacular beaches
• On-island conservation manager
• Sensationally secluded
To read more about Fregate Island Private take a look at the hotel page
