Fregate Island, Seychelles
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Named after the elegant tropical Fregate bird, and originally a refuge for
pirates, the island of Fregate today is home to an extraordinary 16-villa
resort.
With its lush cover of rare tropical trees and plants, its wildlife
of rare birds and giant turtles, Fregate Island is the ideal escape for
environmentally conscious travellers who are satisfied only with the
highest standards of resort accommodations and services. Fregate is
roughly one mile long and almost a mile wide. It is surrounded by
brilliant waters of rich blues and greens and is ringed by seven
fine-sand beaches.
Location
One-thousand miles east of the Kenyan coast is the Seychelles
Archipelago and the private island of Fregate. It is reached by flights on the
major airlines from various European capitals including Paris and London, either
direct to the Seychelles island of Mahe, or via Johannesburg. From Mahe, Fregate
can be reached by chartered helicopter.
Accommodations
All 16 of Fregate's villas have stunning views of the island's beaches
and surrounding ocean. Unusually spacious, their 2000 square feet is divided
into separate glass-walled living and sleeping units which are joined by a
shaded terrace for outside relaxation. On a separate level closer to the water
is a private sun terrace with Jacuzzi. Inside the air-conditioned
accommodations, Asian artwork and rare antiques are complemented by fabrics of
Thai silk and fine Egyptian cotton. Satellite television is in all
accommodations. To ensure the utmost in privacy for all guests, the villas are
carefully sited around the perimeter of the island and are separated by lush
natural growth.
Activities
All types of watersports are offered on Fregate. In addition to its
seven gorgeous beaches for swimming, snorkelling and small sailboating, there
are SCUBA excursions to the numerous nearby coral reefs, with an introductory
diving course for beginners and an advanced course for those more experienced.
Taking advantage of the exotic flora and fauna, there are miles of shady paths
for walking, and even a resident ecologist to point out the island's natural
wonders. Deep-sea and bonefishing in the area are world-renowned; Fregate has it
own marina equipped with dinghies, cruisers and yachts, all available for
private charter. For those looking for really vigorous exercise, there is a
fitness center. For lounging or swimming, a lovely freshwater pool is built
right into a natural rock basin.
The Rock Spa
At the highest point of Fregate Island is the resort's fabulous new
spa. The first indigenous spa in The Seychelles, its multitude of beauty and
health treatments make full use of the native plants grown on Fregate.
House-size boulders surround pools, bridges and treatment rooms, most of them
with awesome ocean views.
Dining
Fregate is actually a plantation on which fresh fruit, vegetables and
herbs are grown for the resort's dining rooms, of which there are two. Breakfast
is served hillside in the main dining room, with broad views of the sea. The
Plantation House, a carefully restored museum cum dining room, serves
wonderfully creative Creole cuisine. For those who prefer the informality of
dining in their own villa, there is room service.
Acclaim
"Arguably the classiest resort sanctuary in the Seychelles, privately
owned Fregate Island also possesses an exotic botanic terrain that serves as a
nature reserve! Designed to merge the inside and outside as one, the luxurious
villa accommodations have been harmoniously integrated into the lush natural
landscape! Clearly, the intent was to create an indulgent cocoon that one is
reluctant to leave!¦ All in all, Fregate Island lives up to its much-heralded
reputation, its alluringly remote and magical setting conveying a powerful sense
of unreality you won't soon forget." Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, November
2000.
Rates and Other Details
Villas are 1900 Euro per night for two persons until December 19, 2006,
with an additional 15% tax and service charge added to guests' bills. These
rates include breakfast, lunch, dinner and soft drinks, as well as all
non-motorized watersports, an introductory SCUBA diving course, use of the
mountain bikes, and guided tours through the island's flora and fauna. Rates for
the Christmas/New Year's holiday are slightly higher.
Price: $17000 USD per week.
Size: 720 Acres
Location: Seychelles
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