Seychelles
Racially harmonious and politically stable, Seychelles is one of the last true sanctuaries on the planet where people can still live healthily and in harmony with nature, benefiting from a carefree, island-style way of life and enjoying the space to breathe pure air and roam free. The 43 inner islands that cluster around the principal islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the world's only oceanic islands of granitic composition. North Island, and its close neighbour Silhouette Island contain the only evidence of volcanic ash found above sea level in Seychelles. Discover crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and wildlife including a remarkably diverse array of marine life, including more than 900 identified species of fish, green sea turtles and giant tortoises.
Sainte Anne
Work that started well over a year ago to transform the 87 room Beachcomber St. Anne Resort into a 295 room Club Med is now nearing completion.
Sainte Anne is the largest island in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park and is in close proximity to its neighbours, Round Island and Moyenne Island. Discovered in 1742 by the famous explorer Lazare Picault, Sainte Anne was the first island to be settled by the early French settlers before they took up residence on Mahé. The island was later home to a commercial whaling station and a World War II gun battery. If you are dreaming of a luxury holiday in the Seychelles, choose the Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, set on an exclusive private island.
Sainte Anne Resort & Spa is undeniably one of the finest hotels in the Seychelles and an ideal choice for couples and honeymooners. An optional all-inclusive package offers you carefree holidays from the moment you arrive until the day of departure. Accommodation is in 87 private villas, 29 of which have private pools. All are set on a 220-hectare private island, surrounded by one of the largest marine parks in the Indian Ocean. Sainte Anne Resort & Spa blends seamlessly with nature. Lazy days can be spent discovering the island’s natural delights. On the pristine beaches, strewn with granite rocks, the only footsteps that you will see will be your own… Colourful bougainvilleas, frangipani trees, hibiscuses and palm trees blend in with the original vegetation. Immerse yourself in an island of dreams and sensual pleasures.
Superb cuisine is served in the resort’s five restaurants*, which include three beach restaurants to add to the enjoyment of your holiday in the Seychelles. Soul of Africa Safaris Sainte Anne Resort & Spa has paid a great deal of attention to its leisure facilities. Nestled in an idyllic tropical setting, the Spa by Clarins is a spacious sanctuary for the body and mind. The resort also has a sports & leisure centre. In the crystal-clear waters of the marine park, a colourful kingdom of sea-life is ready to be explored. The underwater kaleidoscope of colours, shapes and slants of light swirls with innumerable fish species while spectacular corals, sea anemones and algae act as a fascinating stage set.
Departing from the sports centre, three different treks invite you to discover the many facets of Sainte Anne island under the guidance of the qualified staff. Another plus is Sainte Anne’s location, just 10 minutes away by boat from Mahé, making it a convenient stepping-stone for island hopping in the Seychelles.
North Island
North Island in the Seychelles is a place of barefoot luxury for those seeking an unspoilt, spectacular tropical retreat. It is one of the ‘inner’ islands of the Seychelles – often referred to as amongst the most beautiful on Earth. Accommodation at North Island consists of only 11 hand-crafted guest villas, each constructed with a touch of understated elegance on the eastern beach – never more than a few steps from the pristine, powder-soft sand. Each villa (except Villa 11) features a study that can be made into a second bedroom, making it ideal for families as well.
All the structures at North Island have been individually hand-crafted in the distinct flavour of the Seychelles and blended to the sensory experiences of this island escape. The North Island lounge, dining room and library, scenically located health spa and gym, world-class dive centre, and a rim-flow swimming pool are all built into a granitic outcrop. A sunset bar and restaurant are tucked away on the western beach of the island. All this has allowed North Island to create a signature style that combines natural beauty with sheer luxury. It is no wonder that the 2006 Condé Nast Traveller Readers Awards voted it the ‘No 1 in the World – Best of the Best’.
Activities at North Island include mountain biking, gym, guided walks, snorkelling, fishing, boating, sea kayaking, and scuba diving. Although a lazy afternoon simply spent soaking up the breathtaking surroundings is more than a reward in itself. North Island is an example of an ecologically sensitive utilisation of a precious natural treasure. It is a Noah’s Ark: a sanctuary where natural habitats are being rehabilitated and where critically endangered Seychelles fauna and flora are being reintroduced.
The activities on offer at North Island are designed to give guests the opportunity to enjoy the Island and its magic, either under guidance from one of the staff, or alone. This gives guests the freedom to move around the Island at their own pace, either on foot, on North Island mountain bikes or by Island Buggies. These activities will have a minimal impact on the environment whilst providing the enjoyment of entertainment and exercise.
Scuba diving: Seychelles forms part of the world’s longest coral reef system and has some of the world’s best scuba diving sites. Numerous dive sites have been identified around North Island and its nearest neighbour Silhouette Island. North Island offers a “guided” scuba experience and the dive masters are not only experts in scuba practices but also in the underwater world. The North Island dive school and fishermen are experienced professionals who will inspire confidence with both uninitiated and seasoned guests alike.
Snorkelling: There are good snorkelling sites around North Island and Silhouette Island. Masks and fins are available at the dive centre if guests wish to explore these sites, either on their own or in the company of a staff member (depending on their snorkelling skills).
Sea kayaking: Those wishing to explore the Island from the water are able to do so using sea kayaks, with all necessary tuition and guidance provided.
The Gym is air-conditioned and is situated behind the dive centre.
Island bicycles are available for guest use. These mountain bikes are suitable for getting from one side of the Island to the other with ease.
Island Buggies: Each Villa has its own dedicated Island Buggy. These specially adapted electric carts look like miniature 4x4s that give guests the freedom to move around the Island.
North Island Sunset Bar: A walk along Grande Anse Beach as the sun sets is an experience not to be missed – especially as the Sunset Bar lies at the end of the walk. This simple, rustic bar is located just above the high water mark on the northern end of Grande Anse. Drinks and light snacks can be served for those wanting to enjoy this beach.
Fly-fishing is an option for any guest. North Island has fishing rods, tackle and flies in stock for guest use. However, it is recommended that serious fly-fishermen bring their own rods and tackle.
Boating and island hopping: Boating around North Island or other trips could include visits to Mahé and the outer islands, including the spectacular bird islands, Arid and Cousin, and can be arranged at an extra cost.
The North Island library: An extensive natural history library and research centre, lovingly renovated out of the old coral ruins, houses all the documentation concerning the history of the Island as well as details of its rehabilitation and plans of the building of the lodge.
Slide shows and talks are offered, enabling interested guests to learn about Seychelles and North Island, as well as a wide range of ecological and conservation topics.
Turtles: Depending on the time of the year guests may be lucky enough to witness the Hawksbill and Green turtles laying their eggs on the eastern and western beaches of North Island. Researchers will tag the turtles so that their breeding activities can be monitored.
Walking: Guests are able to explore the Island by walking around it and along its extensive beaches, or climbing the granite outcrops and crossing the saddle linking the eastern and western plateaux.
The spa is located in inspiring surroundings, overlooking turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. North Island’s spa provides a unique treatment menu specially derived from island ingredients.
Birding. The Island plays host to several bird species including 5 endemics, namely Seychelles Kestrel, Seychelles Blue Pigeon, Seychelles Swiflet, Seychelles Sunbird and Seychelles White-Eye.
