Bird Island, Seychelles
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Bird Island, perched on the edge of the Seychelles continental shelf, is the
most northerly island of the Seychelles Archipelago and is situated 60 miles
from the main island of Mahé.
A 30 minute flight from Mahé by light aircraft gives the first
stunning impressions of this tiny 170 acre coral cay. Shades of
turquoise and warm blue Indian Ocean which define the reef and
continental shelf contrast vividly with the 5km of soft, white sand and
tropical green island vegetation. The sight for the first time visitor
is never to be forgotten and the return visitor eagerly awaits that
memory.
The east and south sides are surrounded by a protective barrier reef which is
home to many varieties of colourful tropical fish and the rest is an open beach
which offers superb safe swimming.
Bird Island offers a magical holiday experience. Endless stretches of fine
white coral sand beach give a true 'castaway' feeling. The emphasis is very much
on relaxation and informality. It is a true retreat from today's busy world.
The Lodge
Guests stay at Bird Island Lodge - the only hotel on the island. Apart from the
guests and staff, there are no other human inhabitants.
Bird Island Lodge offers a unique blend of hospitality, relaxation and
simplicity in a non-sophisticated and natural environment.
Manned entirely by friendly Seychellois staff, offering no gimmicks, the
Lodge is your base to explore all aspects of this beautiful island.
There are no pretentions here. We are very clear about what we have, and what
you will not find on Bird. No televisions in the rooms: we feel this would
detract from the natural sounds and sights around you. No air-conditioning:
excellent natural ventilation and ceiling fans ensure the rooms are always kept
cool. No telephones in the rooms: there are telephone, fax and E-mail facilities
available at the office. No swimming pool: the beach offers excellent and safe
swimming at all times. No intrusive service: our friendly staff are always
attentive and ready with a smile.
The main hotel building with the Reception, Lounge, Restaurant and Bar is
situated a couple of minutes walk from the airstrip where guests arrive on the
only flight each day.
Twenty four simple but very comfortable individual chalets nestle amongst
what remains of the island's old coconut plantation. Each has a king-size bed,
large shower room with separate toilet, lounge corner and spacious patio
overlooking the gardens to the sea beyond. Each chalet will accommodate a third
adult and child or two extra children.
The buffet style restaurant serves local cuisine in an informal setting using
mostly fresh produce including fresh fish and vegetables from the island.
It was reported by a passing ship in 1776 that the island was "covered with
birds innumerable." When the current owners bought the island in 1967, nature
and its delicate environment had been forgotten about and the 'innumerable'
birds had been dramatically reduced in numbers and confined only to the
northernmost end of the island.
Between 1896 and 1906, 17,000 tons of Guano were removed from the island and
exported to the sugarcane fields of Mauritius. A coconut plantation was then
established together with cash crops such as papaya and cotton.
In the 37 years that Bird Island has been owned by Mr. Savy and his partners,
the story of the island is one of maximization of the island’s conservation
value in parallel with the development of a small tourist facility, Bird Island
Lodge. The programme adopted from the outset comprised one of the world’s first
ecotourism ventures, and has been extremely successful in both aspects of
conservation and tourism.
Price: €2135 EUR per week.
Size: 170 Acres
Location: 60 miles from Mahé, Seychelles
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