Fregate Island Private Seychelles

For decades, rumours of buried pirate treasure have sent adventurers to explore sparsely populated islands on the periphery of famous archipelagos. Fregate Island Private, part of the Seychelles is one such island. There you will discover treasures beyond your wildest imagination in this island paradise. Not caskets of gold and jewels buried in a cave but a destination that is ecologically pristine, with luscious green vegetation, unsurpassed beaches, luxurious accommodations, all delivered by attentive and intuitive staff. This is the treasure that awaits and you will conclude your visit enriched beyond your greatest expectations.

A mere 34 miles east of Mahe in the warm embrace of the Indian Ocean lies the exquisite and luxurious Fregate Island. Occupying the eastern-most end of the Seychelles archipelago, this richly diverse island offers guests an opportunity to be sole occupants of a green, luscious, pristine Eden.

The Island
Four degrees south of the equator, Fregate Island enjoys a warm tropical climate with no distinct rainy or dry seasons which makes it an ideal destination all year round. Accessible from Seychelles international airport located on Mahe, a 20-minute helicopter transfer will bring you to Fregate. Alternatively, a boat transfer of 1.5 hours will bring you into Fregate’s tiny and private marina where your divine holiday experience commences.

One mile square might seem a rather cosy space to occupy, but the cliffs, abundance of tropical foliage, 300 ft high Mont Signal all manage to create a greater sense of space for guests. Perhaps it’s the unimpeded views out over the turquoise ocean to the distant horizons that give this glorious breathing space.

Seven beaches are strung like precious pearls around the coastline. Small beaches with a backdrop of lush foliage and dramatic rock formations where you and your family can enjoy relative solitude. In fact, Anse Macquereau is one beach on the island where you can hang up the Do Not Disturb sign and be your own Swiss Family Robinson for a day.


The Resort
This privately owned island, dedicated to the restoration of rare habitat, is made up of a series of 16 villas dotted along the breathtaking coastline. Each villa with its private pool, and some with direct beach access, are designed to give individuals or larger parties a private and secluded holiday. The villas are near enough to one another to make it a wonderful location for a large party of up to 44 adults and 15 children to take over the entire resort.

You will be surprised to know that the ratio of staff to guests on the island is 3 to 1. This ensures guests enjoy a world-class level of service. Yet somehow these charming and intuitive employees, seem never to intrude on the sense of privacy and freedom that guests wish to experience. The last time I checked, there were at least 10 world languages covered by individual staff members so regardless of where you visit from, it’s very likely that someone will speak a language known to you. From your Personal Assistant, housekeeping staff, to the team of talented chefs, childcare specialists, ecologists and resident nurses, there is always someone at hand to draw forth all of the best elements of Fregate Island in a bespoke and discrete way.

With a pretty chapel on the island too, you could arrange a wedding or any religious family event to be celebrated and integrated into your vacation.

The private marina isn’t stopping off point for passing boats – only guests of the island get to disembark and come ashore thus ensuring a true sense of seclusion and privacy so desirable in our rather over-crowded lives.

With a well-organised kids club, a wide range of water based activities on and in the water and over 8 miles of rainforest trails, this island offers diverse activities for guests of all ages. The resident environmentalists provide enthusiastically and informed walking tours across the island. The daytime tours take in the breath of wildlife enjoying safety in this protected environment along with lush plants and flowers. The nighttime tours focus on the vibrant life that exists after sundown, especially the hatching of the baby turtles along the beaches. To witness these tenacious little creatures making their brave march from their sandy nests to the water is utterly indescribable.

In addition, over 70 per cent of the food ingredients used to create the delicious dining experience on the island is grown and sourced on Fregate Island Private. The ultimate aim of this island is to become a self-sustaining destination resort that focuses on restoring and protecting the many species of flora and fauna indigenous to the island.

The Castaway Club is a fabulously engaging kids club for guests from 3-12 years of age. Under the careful eye of trained childcare staff and the island ecologists, young guests are led on treasure hunts, along trails through the forest that are out of bounds to adult guests. Young guests can visit the Tortoise Sanctuary and engage with the majestic and noble Giant Aldabra Tortoises who shuffle around their safe paradise home. Kids are returned to their happy parents full of tales of adventures and with a surprising level of knowledge about their natural habitat that just seems to have soaked into their enquiring minds by some magical form of osmosis!

For the more mature among your party, there are hikes, deep sea diving, mountain biking, tennis, non-motorised water sports and many other energetic activities available. Your Personal Assistant will arrange all the details of what, where and when with you when you arrive.

The world-class Spa, with daily yoga and fitness centre, offers guests the opportunity to be swept away by the inspired organic and bespoke treatments cultivated on the island.

Fregate Island can cater to every desire - Be as active or relaxed as you wish.

The Villas
The eco mission embraced by Fregate Island Private’s owner is everywhere evident and especially in the concept and design of the villa properties.

Each property is constructed from locally produced mahogany with polished timber floors and native ylang ylang palm ceilings. The villas are open and flowing, with spaciousness and airiness so well-suited to their tropical island perch. The luxurious elements that one would expect from a resort of this calibre are woven into the layout and design of each villa. The infinity pools are embedded into each terrace and seem to float outwards and meet the surrounding ocean. The outdoor Jacuzzis and showers are sophisticated constructs along clean lines always ensuring the experience are never devalued by awkward design.

The natural fabrics and textiles, in muted tones, blend together to create a soothing palette pleasing to the senses. Linens, lighting and furniture are all first rate and together conjure a classic colonial yet contemporary theme to your private island rental.

Specifically, the three types of villas available on Fregate Island Private are as follows:

Private Pool Villa
(Sleeps 4 – 2 Adults / 3 Children) – Size: Up to 4,500 sqft)

Set in a lush secluded coastal location, overlooking the Indian Ocean, these spacious villas offer a large master bedroom, dining room, living room and large bathroom. The properties are air conditioned, have ceiling fans, light flowing muslin that drapes over four poster beds. The large glass doors open out onto the spacious terrace that features an infinity pool stretching out towards the distant horizons, a dining palapa, a Jacuzzi, outside shower, sun loungers and day bed.

Each Villa has a dedicated Personal Assistant who collaborates with you to build the holiday of a lifetime. With access to your own villa buggy, you can explore the island and visit the pretty beaches or Spa with ease.

With Wifi and excellent telecommunication connections to the world beyond, it is easy to remain in contact with the real world while inhabiting a world like no other.

Private Pool, Twin Villa
(Sleeps 6 – 4 Adults / 3 Children) – Size: Up to 8,000 sqft)

With a coastal location, surrounded by glorious tropical shrubs, these spacious villas offer a large master bedroom, twin-bedded room, dining room, living room and two large bathrooms. The properties are air-conditioned, have ceiling fans, light flowing muslin draped beds. The large glass doors open out onto the generously proportioned terrace that features a Jacuzzi, outside showers, sun loungers, day beds and, of course, a substantial infinity pool that stretches out towards the distant horizons. A dedicated dining and lounging area means you and your family can potter about in casual splendour from sunrise to sunset – reading, dining, sunbathing, swimming. Putting shoes on will be the most momentous event of any day as it will signal that you are leaving your haven of tranquillity to embark on some island adventure!

Each Villa has a dedicated Personal Assistant who collaborates with you to build the holiday of a lifetime. You will learn that picnics, lunches and dinners can be enjoyed at many wonderful locations on the island. Be amazed to arrive at a shaded platform high above the ocean to enjoy a very traditional afternoon tea. Just one example of the pretty and inventive ways your days will be spent on Fregate Island. With access to two villa buggies, you can explore the island with ease, visiting the pristine beaches, Spa, Fregate House restaurant and other fascinating locations on this wonderful island.

With Wifi and excellent telecommunication connections to the world beyond, it is easy to remain in contact with the real world while inhabiting a world like no other.

Banyan Hill Estate
(Sleeps 6 Adults) – Size: Up to 11,800 sqft)

Perched high on a peninsula overlooking the mesmerising Indian Ocean, is the Banyan Hill Estate. This property is made up of three separate bedroom villas connected by a short pathway to the main house. This large colonial-inspired house, has a large living room, covered terrace with spectacular views, a kitchen with a private chef, a study and dining area. It becomes the focal point for you and your guests with the added privacy of being able to retreat to your villa with its own private terrace for some extra solitude.

The decorative finishes of these spacious villas offer beautiful fabrics, furniture with clean lines, comfort and beauty at every turn. Each villa has a king-size bed with its own generous bathroom. The properties are air-conditioned, have ceiling fans, light flowing muslin draped beds and a private terrace.

The main house flows out onto the generously proportioned terrace that features a Jacuzzi, sun loungers, day-beds and, of course, a substantial infinity pool that stretches out towards the distant horizons. With your personal chef, you can enjoy delicious meals created from fresh, organic local produce. Nowhere else will you find such a short trip from tree to plate as you will on Fregate Island.

Banyan Hill Estate has a dedicated Personal Assistant who collaborates with you to build the holiday of your dreams. You will learn that picnics, lunches and dinners can be enjoyed at many wonderful locations on the island. Be amazed to arrive at a deserted beach at sunset to find a torch-lit barbeque awaiting you and your guests. Just one example of the pretty and inventive ways your days will be spent on Fregate Island. With access to three villa buggies, you can explore the island with ease, visiting the pristine beaches, Spa, Fregate House restaurant and other fascinating locations on this wonderful island.

With Wifi and excellent telecommunication connections to the world beyond, it is easy to remain in contact with the real world while inhabiting a world like no other.

Restaurant and Bar
Fregate House occupying a central position on the island has the main reception for the island, access to two resort pools, a restaurant with a fabulous colonial vibe, a beach bar, a boutique and a library. Guests can enjoy a certain level of sociability by dining at Fregate house or they can simply arrange through their own villa personal assistant to enjoy any of their meals at any number of locations on the island. Breakfast in the treehouse nestled among the takamaka, cashew and Indian almond trees. Perhaps a candlelit barbeque on one of the pretty beaches, an afternoon tea at a scenic viewing location along the cliffs. Your dietary requirements will be adhered to and an exquisite feast will be presented on a white linen cloth, in grand colonial style, at a location of your choosing. Each day is a magical adventure just waiting to unfold!

The main island restaurant offers Creole and International dishes with a sophisticated twist. The surrounding seas provide so many delicious seafood options, sashimi, shellfish – too many to mention, that can be both healthy yet delicious. Heartier options for meat lovers are catered for equally and a diverse array of fruits and vegetables grown locally to the strictest organic standards accompany each dish.

With a wine tasting cellar and a collection of interesting local and imported beers, there is something for the most discerning taste buds!

The Yacht Club in the marina is another relaxing location to enjoy refreshments or a private dinner after a day of fun on the water. With numerous boats and skilled crews at the disposal of guests, a day of snorkelling or deep sea fishing is easy to arrange. Why not plan a mini-expedition to one of the many other 115 islands that make up the Seychelles?

Plantation House offers another unique dining experience and with its Museum is a solid link with the island’s colonial past. It is like pulling back the veil of history when you step into the building. Dating back to the island’s former incarnation as a plantation, this structure was the private residence of the estate’s owner. The Museum offers a broad history of the island and its rather exciting past as a hideaway for the many pirates who stalked this part of the world’s oceans plundering valuable cargo from the many trade ships that made the arduous trip between the old and new worlds.

The Pirate’s Bar beach hut at Fregate House is a lovely place to try some delicious cocktails or a fine whisky as you unwind after an exhausting day of pure bliss!

Spa
The Rock Spa, with dramatic granite cliffs as a backdrop, is a lovely stroll from any of the villas or jump on your own buggy to traverse the path through the trees to your bespoke treatment. The ingredients that are used to create organic and Seychelles-made products are all harvested on the island. You can even visit the Spa’s dedicated garden and pick the various herbs and plants that you wish to use in your sublime treatments. With its own pool and tranquil relaxation zones, the Rock Spa grants all guests the gift of joy and wellbeing.

An array of treatments including massages, facials and hair treatments combine the skills of Thai, Balinese and other Asian philosophies using delicious ingredients like coconut, papaya, hibiscus and honey. The Spa has even created special treatments for kids one of which is a chocolate facial – yummy!

With qualified personal trainers and up to date fitness equipment, you can have a workout plan designed for you for the duration of your visit. It is the aim of the Spa that you depart Fregate Island rested, revitalised and restored.

The pace on Fregate Island Private is relaxed and at times somnambulant. It can be quite a jolt to our busy-busy minds to arrive on this tranquil jewel in the ocean. To transition our psyches into the flow and rhythm of island life, the Spa offers a calming and soothing yoga ritual and massage on arrival to recalibrate our buzzing brains and prepare us for a sublime and restful stay. The power of organic herbal oils and spices, pulled fresh from the ground, can weave a magical tranquilising spell over the most fevered brows!

Conservation
This island is the blueprint of how other resorts need to look at conservation. Over 30 years ago, the island tree nursery started a visionary planting project that has helped halt the extinction of some rare plants.

The Seychelles Robin Magpie had become the second most endangered bird in the world but now thanks to the protection of its habitat, it has numbers in excess of 220. The skilled ecologists and environmentalists who educate guests on life on the island and in the seas surrounding it, understand the vital importance of protecting and strengthening the habitats of all the flora and fauna of this Indian Ocean paradise. The endangered Hawksbill and Green turtles have found safe harbour on the island and return annually to make their nests on some of the island’s beaches. These seasonal activities become a part of the visitors’ experience – getting an opportunity to see a mother turtle dig her nest in the sand and lay her many eggs. Later on, the remarkable spectacle of watching the little turtle hatchlings step out into the world and swim away on the tide is an unforgettable experience.

As you lounge away an afternoon with a good book, you can look up to see the Frigate birds, who gave the island its name, along with Fairy Terns and Noddies as they swoop over the sea. These, along with a hundred other bird species can live in safety on this protected island. You can be proud that you are contributing to this conservation effort and you might perhaps take home with you an even more enthusiastic spirit of conservation that you can apply to your own corner of the world. Now that would be the ultimate holiday souvenir!

Last thoughts …..
In conclusion, Fregate Island Private offers guests unparalleled, understated luxury in a destination resort that has a heart, soul and enquiring mind. And if by chance, an old dusty bottle should wash up on the beach during one of your lovely picnics, you will have no need to release the genie as all your wishes will have already been fulfilled on Fregate Island Private.

Step into your Secluded Paradise!