Overview
At the start of the millennium, North Island in the Seychelles was returned to the state it was in before human use, with the aim of creating a kind of "Noah's Ark" for endangered species. At the same time a luxury hotel was built, with eleven villas woven into the landscape. They show clearly that tourism and conservation need not be at odds, and can complement each other very well.
The villas are handcrafted from natural materials and offer generous private plunge pools, a spa and impressive views over the beaches and the lushly vegetated slopes. North made international headlines in 2011, when the newly married British royal couple spent their honeymoon here.
The island is small, at just over two square kilometres (about 201 hectares). It lies roughly 30 kilometres north-west of Mahé and around five kilometres north of Silhouette. Depending on the source, the distance to Mahé is given as anywhere between 27 and 32 kilometres. There is no public transport, no village and no shops apart from the hotel boutique. North Island is therefore not a place for a spontaneous visit, but an island you book deliberately.
Getting there
By helicopter from Mahé
After landing at Mahé International Airport, you go to the domestic terminal and from there fly to the island by helicopter. Depending on the source, the flight takes 15 to 20 minutes. The helicopter is the usual way to get there, partly because it keeps rats and other pests off the island, which would endanger the conservation project. A few travel agencies also mention boat or yacht transfers of about 45 to 60 minutes. Whether and when that is possible is something to clarify with the hotel when you book.
Luggage, timings and costs
| Point | What You Should Know |
|---|---|
| Flight time | about 15 to 20 minutes from Mahé |
| Luggage | Weight limits apply. One agent lists a maximum of 20 kg of luggage per person. |
| Evening flights | According to a German tour operator, no helicopters fly after 5 p.m. If you arrive late or depart early, you will need to spend the night on Mahé. |
| Transfer price | Depending on the booking, included or extra. Ask before booking. |
Plan your flight to Mahé with a buffer, so that you can still reach the helicopter. The pages on entry requirements and luggage are also helpful here.
On the island
Getting around
There are no cars on North. Every villa comes with an electric buggy, which you drive yourself along the paths between the beach, restaurant and spa. There are also island bicycles. Drive carefully: the tortoises like to rest on the paths, at night too.
Beaches and sea
The villas have direct access to East Beach. According to the tour operator, the activities included in the price are kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, yoga, fitness and half-day deep-sea fishing. Diving is possible, as are boat charters and full-day deep-sea fishing, for an extra charge. You can find more about the waters under Diving and snorkelling. The fact box above shows which months suit calm seas, and general advice is on Best time to travel.
Nature and conservation
When the island passed to private investors in the late 1990s, only a few giant tortoises still lived here, although thousands once inhabited it. The conservation project first removed the introduced rats and then resettled endangered animals and native plants, including takamaka, badamier and coco de mer. Around 30 per cent of the island's area is now considered restored in some form.
The giant tortoises are the flagship. Their number recently grew to well over 200 after 50 animals from private keeping on Mahé were released here. The oldest resident is Brutus, whose age is estimated at more than 150 years. Reflective stripes on his shell are meant to protect him at night. Figures for the total vary depending on the source and the year.
Sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches. According to older information from the conservation team, this happens from September to March. According to the operator, guests can help with beach patrols and planting projects. You will find more background under Nature and environmental protection and Flora and fauna.
Accommodation and food
The only accommodation on the island is the resort with its eleven villas. Ten of them are on the beach, one is on the hillside. Facilities include a bar, lounge, boutique, beach bar, pool, gym, library, Wi-Fi and a spa. You can find offers, availability and reviews under Holidays on North Island, and restaurants on the island under Eating on North Island. Food is part of the full board, and restaurant visits from outside are not envisaged. If you are looking for a spa and relaxation, you will find general advice at Spa and massage, and couples can look at Romantic holidays.
Practical information
Day trip or overnight stay
Day trips to North Island are not offered, because there is no public connection and the island can only be reached by the resort transfer. If you want to see the island, you book at least one night. Conversely, the hotel offers day trips to other islands for an extra charge, for example to La Digue, Praslin and Mahé. If you are looking for a neighbouring island from Mahé, Silhouette is an alternative with a public connection.
Shopping, money and doctors
There is a boutique on the island, but otherwise everything is taken care of within the resort. You will find out when you book how extras such as excursions, spa treatments or drinks outside the house list are charged. General advice on money and banks is on Money and banks. Mahé is responsible for medical emergencies, with details under Hospitals, clinics and emergency numbers. Travel insurance that covers repatriation makes sense for such a remote island.
