(credit: North Island)
The tropical oceanic climate of this small country presents the ultimate in barefoot luxury and a backdrop for an exceptional and unique destination. Located in the far north of the Indian Ocean archipelago, North Island measures at 201 hectares where guests are surrounded by turquoise water and breathtaking white sand beaches and warm crystal-clear waters, a dream island fantasy island that has come to life. Only accessible by boat or helicopter, the island resort attracts visitors seeking the ultimate romantic escape offering views of jagged peaks, vibrant green jungles and a wide variety of water-based and land-based activities.
(credit: North Island)
While the resort opened in 2003 and has gone through refurbishments and modern upgrades, the island was put on the map in 2011 as it was the honeymoon destination of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Located amongst the granitic islands of Seychelles, one of its 115 islands dotted in the Indian Ocean, North Island is a place of exclusive luxury within an exquisite wilderness sanctuary. Comprising 11 villas, each measuring between 5,000 and 8,000 sq. ft., the villas have all been created from local materials harvested during the island rehabilitation process in 1997, balancing luxury and simplicity to make it your own sanctuary.
(credit: North Island)
Immersed in lush tropical vegetation and just steps from the soft white-sand beach, the villas offer each guest unparalleled space and total discretion. The villas balance serene comfort with the natural environment, as they are screened from view by the natural vegetation, ensuring total privacy. Presenting a mix of textures and handcrafted furniture, each villa has a private plunge pool, a butler and fully retractable doors with spectacular views of the ocean beyond.
The epitome of luxury is their Villa North Island which is perched on a granite cliff at the edge of East Beach. This grand villa is spread over one level and presents two bedrooms and a bathroom and features a hidden entrance through the adjacent coconut groves. Guests of this villa enjoy unmatched views of the beach along with an oversized marble bath perfect for sharing and excellent sunrise sights, adding to its grandness and romance.
(credit: North Island)
Beyond a luxury destination, sustainability lies at the heart of North Island’s philosophy and allows for an inimitable experience. With a true sense of place, the island employs full-time environmentalists to preserve one of the world’s most biologically diverse and important areas. Its Noah’s Ark program started in 1997. The ambitious challenge to restore the island following the collapse of the coconut industry in the 1970s has seen multiple efforts in marine conservation, forest restoration, sea turtle nesting and its Magpie Robin conservation local conservation program. Guests on the island can also meet Brutus, their 450-lb 160-year-old turtle which lives on the island.
(credit: North Island)
Guests who visit the island will have their own golf buggy to traverse the winding sandy paths from their villa to the restaurant or beaches around. North Island allows guests to live the idyllic island life with its generous list of activities, where couples can feel like they have the entire island to themselves. From yoga to aquatic experiences to massages by the sea to a number of excursions like diving, hiking and fishing, a day on North Island is pure bliss.
The scenery at and around the resort perfectly positions itself as one of the most romantic spots in the world. Whether couples are celebrating their dream honeymoon or planning the ultimate beach destination wedding, the resort offers bespoke offerings that couples will never forget. A place of natural beauty and timeless relaxation, the calm rhythm of the Indian Ocean infuses the resort and offers guests a private place to rejuvenate their bodies and awaken their souls.
