Editors' Picks

Frégate Island Private

Private island, barefoot-chic, tropical-wild

Fregate Island, Seychelles

+41 41 798 08 00

See Website

At a Glance

When it opened in 1999, Frégate was an eco-trailblazer in the Seychelles. 22 years on, the resort remains dedicated to preserving and restoring the private island habitat, and guests can join in sustainability efforts, such as turtle hatchings (Hawksbill and Green turtles are thriving here), coral preservation and tracking endangered species. There are 12 enormous Plantation-style villas, with full-size pools and personal butlers. Guests can freely explore this spectacular wildlife sanctuary and seven epic and secluded beaches. It’s also the kind of place where you can take a helicopter, sailboat or motorboat and go exploring, snorkeling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing, among other activities. Or try yoga, a custom spa treatment or lounge by the pool(s), and have leisurely meals at the restaurant, which sources 80 percent of its food from the resort’s organic gardens. Kids 12-and-under can learn about conservation at the Castaway Club, if you opt to bring the family.

The Standout: Your very own peninsula estate, with three adjacent villas for family or friends, available for a takeover Don’t Miss: Witnessing the Jurassic Park-like flora and fauna, with more than 100 species on the IUCN Red (threatened) List

Indagare Loves

  • Seven of the world’s most unspoiled beaches, including lovely Anse Victorin
  • Miles of hiking paths and sightings of rare birds, lizards and giant Aldabra tortoises
  • The fishing app that supports local fisherman and allows guests to see the origins of the catch of the day

Review

Built in harmony with its surroundings, Frégate offers 12 vast villas, all with clean lines, colossal thatched bedrooms, separate sitting rooms, outdoor and indoor showers, bathtubs overlooking colorful plants and you-can-do-lengths private pools.

There are six completely deserted beaches. You can sleep on buckwheat spelt pillows. Food is grown on the island and local when possible (think lemongrass red snapper and organic vegetables). No pesticides are allowed and a dedicated ecology team works to protect the local wildlife—as well they should. Hundreds of roaming tortoises plod about, you can spot giant Tenebrionis beetles, which live nowhere else on earth (and look positively prehistoric) and keep watch for the endangered Magpie Robin. In short, this is a five-star Robinson Crusoe fantasy come true.

The cliff-top Rock Spa makes the most of a "Fresh is Best" philosophy. Think rosewater mists, mashed papaya massages, breadfruit anti-aging facials, passion fruit foot-rubs and mint, cucumber and rosemary hair treatments. You can even forage for the ingredients yourself. A Tibetan yoga teacher is on his way and, if you want, you also try treatments in the splendor of the tree house.

Each villa is assigned a dedicated butler who will handle everything from scheduling helicopter and deep-sea fishing excursions to pack (and carry) a picnic lunch to a private beach. (Those not fond of critters like lizards and giant millipedes will also appreciate having the butler on call to gracefully remove said creatures from your villa.)

Who Should Stay

Adventurous types; nature and conservation lovers looking for a special escape

Daisy Finer

Impact

Indagare Impact hotels have been carefully vetted according to our Impact Hotel Criteria.

Written by Indagare

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