Bridal

Frégate Island Private is the kind of exclusive resort which takes the time to pamper and create an ultra special experience for couples. Flying in by private helicopter from the main island of Mahé, it becomes obvious this is a totally unique experience that is sure to make you feel like a-list stars. A lush interior and rocky summit is surrounded by seven sandy coves and azure waters. Pretty white cotton hammocks are slung between palms, big enough for two and intimate lunches can be set up anywhere you fancy.

There are just 16 villas spread out between the palm trees offering total privacy with a maximum 40 guests on the island at any one time. Each villa is built of native mahogany in harmony with its natural surroundings. Fourteen of the villas lie on cliffs high above the sea. Through the palm fronds, sister islands can be glimpsed in the emerald and turquoise sea. Fifty feet below, the white coral sand glistens and the waves crash. This is a wonderful place to come to feel nature bringing all your senses alive, living and sleeping above the sea. The other two villas are secluded within their own tropical garden.

All have high walls and a large entrance foyer, separate living room and bedroom. Architecture is Indonesian inspired. Bedrooms are decorated with elegant bric-a-brac such as Javanese sculptures and hand-painted South African pottery. Thai silk pillows and carved furniture from Africa and Asia create a wonderfully exotic interior. Four-poster beds are draped with huge romantic mosquito nets and fresh hibiscus blooms are laid out for honeymooners.

Outside are personal Jacuzzis set down wooden walkways beside a king size day bed under a white canopy. The perfect climate makes the skin glow and is warm, moist and fresh all at once. Combine this with the luxurious treatments available at the Rock Spa located on a high plateau with its on-site apothecary and indigenous treatments, and you’ll be in honeymoon heaven and a half.

Frégate Island Private is situated approximately 55 km from the main island of Mahé (a 20-minute helicopter ride), and is the most distant and fertile of the ganitic Inner Island group surrounded by its own coral reef. This island microcosm measuring some two square km (about the size of London’s Regent Park) is home to no less than 50 species of birds, among which is the rare Seychelles magpie robin, Seychelles white-eye and the Frégate with its huge wingspan of around six feet. The island also hosts numerous giant tortoises, while Hawksbill Turtles lay their eggs undisturbed on the island’s sandy beaches.

Couples can explore Frégate with an island ecologist, through the cashew thickets and banyan trees, who will explain that 60,000 indigenous trees have been planted so far. Alternatively they can jump in a beach buggy and explore along the coral gravel paths.

Exploring the other islands is easy from Frégate. There’s the must see Vallee du Mai on Praslin with its rare coco de mer fruit. La Digue is car free and home to ancient tortoise and beautiful plantation houses.