by Rachel Ward

LOCATION:  North Island, Seychelles

NEAREST AIRPORT:  Seychelles International Airport, 43.2Km

GETTING THERE:  You can take a helicopter from the airport which takes approx. 15 minutes or go by boat which departs 3 times a day and takes around 1 hour. This can all be arranged with North Island directly.

LANGUAGE SPOKEN:  Creole is the native local language, however everybody speaks fairly good English.

MUST SEE:  Of course the absolutely stunning, breathtaking sunsets, which can be enjoyed either from your private villa or on the West Beach while enjoying cocktails from the bar on the beach.  North island is completely self-sufficient, and it's nice to go and have a wander through the completely organic vegetable and herb gardens, to have a  clearer understanding of where your menu selection is coming from, and if you're lucky the local gardeners will be more than happy to show you around and answer any questions you might have.   The pristine beaches are yours to enjoy, with the stunning soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, with the  little-colored nemo like fish swimming around your ankles, this is a beach experience no other.
 

MUST DO:  We had the experience of a half-day deep sea fishing experience, on the resort boat with a skipper and another staff member to help with the fishing tackle etc. Plenty of sunscreen, drinks and snacks were provided for us. It was an incredible 4 hours on the water, we caught 2 Mahi Mahi and 1 yellowfin tuna, which the chef that night made into sashimi and sushi for us, absolutely delicious.  And of course - Relax !!!!!! exquisite.

MUST PACK:  Swimmers, sarongs, straw hat, cotton summer dress's, no need for shoes, as once you arrive you don't need them - even flip flops are optional.
 

GENERAL INFO:  As a surprise gift for my fortieth birthday my amazing Fiancée surprised me with 2 nights away at the stunning, luxury private resort of North Island - and when I say luxury, I definitely mean luxury.  

North Island is a small granite island, and one of the  115 small islands that make up the archipalego of the Seychelles.  I can honestly say it was one of the most relaxing holidays/breaks away we’ve ever enjoyed together.  We were completely spoiled, looked after and catered for from arriving until the moment of leaving, with our own private butler on call 24/7.

The island is only 497 Acres and the resort is spread across the whole island, with only 11 villas in total, each with a private pool and beach. You practically never bump into anyone else.  You are given your own private golf buggy to explore the island at your own pace, but be careful of the roaming turtles.  Every night you come back to your villa to a beautiful turndown service which included, for us, the gifts of luggage tags and rash shirts. 

In your private kitchen are jars filled with homemade caramel and chocolate fudge, which gets refilled as soon they are empty.  All meals and alcohol are included in the prices and most activities.  The food is absolutely mouth watering and every meal, including breakfast, is prepared to your request - whatever you desire to eat will be prepared for you, presentation and taste are pure exquisite luxury.

I can not recommend North Island enough, and continue to recommend it to all our friends, whether for weddings, honeymoon, family holiday or just a 2 night get away, its perfect.  The staff are incredible and went above and beyond to look after us really ensuring we had the relaxing break we needed.