A Guide to Selling Regal Honeymoons in the Seychelles

 

 

Ile du Nord
Villa 11 is the most romantic of all Ile du Nord accommodations.

 

If the Seychelles wasn’t on the romance map before, it certainly is now after William and Kate, the couple of the decade, chose the remote Indian Ocean archipelago for their honeymoon. If your clients are looking for an equally fabulous honeymoon, here are two Seychelles properties that live up to the royal expectations.

Ile du Nord

Not only is Ile du Nord, or North Island, exclusive and uber-chic, it is also occupied by a single resort. Approximately 20 miles from the Seychelles’ main island of Mahé, North Island was the royal couple’s pick for their post-wedding escape.

No wonder William and Kate chose the island for their alone time—it is as secluded it gets with only 11 villas. The villas measure 4,890 square feet, each with two bedrooms and decked out in local materials (think wood, local stone, glass and thatched roofs). The master bedroom has its own changing room and writing area that opens into a large bathroom with marble bath and two showers (one indoor and the other outdoor). In addition, the villas come with satellite TV, a DVD/CD system and Internet access. A kitchen is available for guests, as well as a private plunge pool and sala.

Top pick:  Villa 11, commonly known as Villa North Island, is the pièce de résistance at the property. By far the most romantic of the villas, Villa North Island sits up on a rock with its own surprise entrance. The bathroom oozes luxury: a four-by-six-foot soaking tub has sloping ends and a ledge for a champagne bucket. The highlight of the villa is its outdoor shower and alfresco spa—a roofless deck with massage beds that offers views of the Indian Ocean.

The central meeting point of the resort is the Island Piazza, which has the dive and activity center and library. Just a few steps from the Piazza are the lounge and dining areas, wine cellar and private dining sala.

One of the cool things about North Island is its “no menu” concept of dining. Executive Chef Neil Wager meets with guests individually to explain the North Island concept and to find out what their personal dining preferences are. Then, for each one of them, he concocts customized culinary experiences.

A refreshing way to work up an appetite is to walk up the mountain and take a swim in the 147-foot-long pool that overlooks the ocean.

Travel agents can contact Roberto Viviani (011-27-11-257-5200), director of sales and marketing, for more information.

Frégate Island Private

An alternate private island escape in the Seychelles will lead your clients to Frégate Island Private, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The 16-villa island is approximately one square mile in size and is exclusive to guests.

There are 13 one-bedroom villas, all of which measure between 3,229 and 4,305 square feet. They include a living room, large bedroom, two bathrooms, terrace, infinity pool, daybed and dining pavilion. Nice touch: Glass walls in various rooms allow maximum sunlight and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.  A private sun terrace is also available at each villa.

Clients in need of a little more space can opt for the two two-bedroom villas or the Spa Villa, each of which measure approximately 5,381 square feet.  The Spa Villa, as its name suggests, has a mini spa—which can be converted into a second bedroom—with a bathroom.

The most royal of villas at this property is the Presidential Villa Banyan Hill, which sits high on the plateau and can only be reached by a private path. The expansive villa features an open living room with an additional small TV lounge, a large terrace with private pool, seating area, fully equipped kitchen, and three separate sleeping villas, each with its own bathroom.

Nice touch: All villas have private pools with Jacuzzi, a private butler, WiFi, minibar and DVD players.

Frégate Island has a bevy of culinary experiences that will please the palates of your most discerning clients. The Frégate House has a gourmet menu that uses the chef’s selection of local produce. For Creole cooking à la carte, we suggest the Plantation House, which is the prime location for alfresco dining. Note: The Plantation House is closed seasonally due to bird nesting.

For daytime cocktails or an evening nightcap, Frégate Island boasts The Pirate’s Bar and Anse Bambous Beach Bar. Oenophiles won’t want to miss the wine cellar, which can be used as a dining facility for a group of up to 10.

Honeymooners can make their dining experiences more romantic and memorable by arranging to have their meals anywhere and anytime (the tree house, barbecues on the beach or at the yacht club, private dinners and more).

Indulge in the island’s Rock Spa, a 48,000-square-foot oasis with four treatment suites and a range of packages based on over 140 different indigenous ingredients. There is an onsite apothecary and a Zen/Yoga garden, too.

Travel agents can address all queries to Reservations Manager Melanie Floor (011-27-21-556-9984).

Seychelles Facts

Several airlines fly to the Seychelles, including Air Seychelles, Emirates, Air France and Qatar. The climate is tropical year-round and the temperature ranges from 79 to 89 degrees. The period between October and May is known as the Northwest Monsoon season and is typically humid with short periods of rain. This is peak season for fishing, snorkeling and diving. Between May and October is the Southeast Monsoon season, which is characterized by a drier and windier climate. Sailing and windsurfing tend to be the most popular activities during this season.

 

 

Frégate Island
Villas at Frégate Island Private are spacious and inviting.