A remote archipelago in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles are about as close to an airbrushed tropical idyll as one can get: Think lush green islands ringed with fine white sand and set in a glowing turquoise sea. And with progressive conservation policies, the country retains remarkable marine life and unusual terrestrial life within its borders.
That's not to say that some areas don't need restoration, however. Take North Island. Decades ago, it was devastated by non-native plant and animal species that had been introduced through local farmers. The new owners resuscitated the land by painstakingly eradicating unwanted species like rats and introducing and nurturing native critters.
To support their efforts, they built a highly exclusive lodge with 11 lavish, artfully appointed villas made of wood, glass, local stone, and thatch. Each has two bedrooms, a marble bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, a plunge pool, and retractable doors that allow
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A remote archipelago in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles are about as close to an airbrushed tropical idyll as one can get: Think lush green islands ringed with fine white sand and set in a glowing turquoise sea. And with progressive conservation policies, the country retains remarkable marine life and unusual terrestrial life within its borders.
That's not to say that some areas don't need restoration, however. Take North Island. Decades ago, it was devastated by non-native plant and animal species that had been introduced through local farmers. The new owners resuscitated the land by painstakingly eradicating unwanted species like rats and introducing and nurturing native critters.
To support their efforts, they built a highly exclusive lodge with 11 lavish, artfully appointed villas made of wood, glass, local stone, and thatch. Each has two bedrooms, a marble bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, a plunge pool, and retractable doors that allow for uninterrupted access to the surrounding lawns and gardens. The honeymoon villa, called Villa North Island, is secluded from the rest and offers particular privacy and unrivaled views of the sea.
In the island piazza, or common area, a library made out of coral blocks houses artifacts and books on local interests. A dining area allows views of both the sea and the verdant mountains; across a lily pond lies the wine cellar. The chefs at North Island consult guests individually about their tastes and craft personalized menus using fresh seafood (local, naturally), veggies and herbs from the island's garden, and French, Seychellois, and southern Indian spices.
Diving and snorkeling to see some of the world's most abundant sea life are the activities of choice, but the other activities proffered on North Island could occupy a week. Explore the island's shores by sea kayak, flit about by bicycle, perfect your cast with fly-fishing instructors, or take a boat to explore another nearby island. One could always hit up the spa, which offers treatments like thai massage, reiki, and lymphatic drainage. The most important thing amidst all these choices, however? Take a moment simply to sit on the warm white sand and take it all in.
Given its remote and exclusive setting, rates at North Island are expensive, starting from a steep $2,500 per person for all-inclusive stays.
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