The island rises from beaches to three granitic peaks, Spa Hill, Bernica and Grand Paloss, with trails to the summits and views over the Indian Ocean. It has the highest density of nesting green turtles on the inner islands of the Seychelles, and monitoring has run since 1998. More than 130 Aldabra tortoises live on the island, the best known being Brutus, believed to be at least 200 years old. Under the Noah's Ark Programme the island has reforested with endemic trees, and since 25 Seychelles white-eyes were relocated here in 2007 their number has grown past 100.
The villas stand along East Beach, handcrafted from reclaimed takamaka, sustainably sourced rosewood and ylang-ylang, and open onto private gardens with sunrise views. There are ten Beachfront Villas, each with a private plunge pool, an open bathroom with outdoor showers and a sunken bath, and a separate study that can be rearranged for families with children. Villa North is the centrepiece, a 750 square metre villa for up to four guests below the Grand Paloss peak, with raised decks, a plunge pool, a sala and a firepit.
Dining happens wherever the guest chooses across the island. The Piazza on East Beach serves Creole-inspired dishes with a European twist, and Sunset Bar on West Beach offers light bites and wood-fired pizza at dusk. Private dinners are set on beaches, beside bonfires and at lookouts, and the chefs plan menus around local ingredients.
La Vie spa sits on Spa Hill above the ocean. Guests can kayak, paddleboard, fish from the shore or the open sea, walk 5 km trails or cycle, and spend a day with the environment team patrolling beaches, searching for turtle nests and planting trees.
It suits couples and families who want eleven villas and a whole island of conservation work to join.
