facts 2

architecture 8
interior design 16
maps 25
ecology & environment 26
diving and dive center 36
fishing 41
gym 42
kids at play 43
weddings on north 44

www.north-island.com
north island
facts
Some 30km from the main island of Mahé, Ile du
Nord, or North Island, enjoys private seclusion
within the Inner Island group of the Seychelles.
Its luminous white beaches surround a tropical
interior of coconut palms and takamaka trees in
turn cradled between three granite outcrops,
and surrounded by the azure ocean. Such
natural beauty is added to by thoughtful and
environmentally friendly architecture.
THE ISLAND PIAZZA
This is the natural focal point of the Island, where
elegant buildings cluster about a magnificent
Indian almond tree. The dive and activity centre,
located on the beachfront and housing both
indoor and outdoor tuition areas, changing rooms
and interesting displays, is where many of the
Island’s land and marine activities are coordinated.
Adjacent to the deck of the centre is the library.
Built of coral blocks, it is undoubtedly one of
the most spectacular examples of architecture
on the Island and was already standing when
construction of the lodge began. Now, with its
exterior walls renovated and its roof replaced, it
houses a collection of books on topics of interest,
various relics and artefacts, as well as a computer
offering Internet. Some twenty metres distant from
the library are the lounge and dining areas, offering
a high degree of comfort and also unforgettable
views of the sea and mountains. From here, a
walkway over the pond leads to the wine cellar,
followed immediately by a private dining sala. The
bar joins the dining area and the lounge stands
not far away in the restful shade of a takamaka
tree. Further up the mountain and hidden from
the lounge and dining area is the main pool, a
45m long pool that looks over the pool deck to
the horizon of the sea, creating views of heart-
stopping beauty.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
North Island is unashamedly aimed at providing
the very best in privacy, location, accommodation,
services, facilities and experience. Its 11 Villas have
been built using, where possible, materials reaped
from the rehabilitation process. In doing this the
aim has been to capture the essence of “barefoot
luxury”. Each Presidential Villa measures 450
square metres (4 890 square feet) giving guests
enough room to spread out and enjoy a unique,
private, islandstyle experience to the full. Each
was individually handcrafted by Seychellois and
African craftsmen on the Island from wood, local
stone and glass, with thatched roofs that complete
the magnificent design and is completely self-
contained, raised over a metre off the ground to
catch the cooling island breezes.
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Each Villa has two bedrooms, a main bedroom
and a second bedroom-cum-lounge and study.
Whilst the Villa is primarily occupied by one or two
guests, they may have a requirement to use the
second bedroom for children. This space is set up
as a luxurious, air-conditioned lounge room with
deep, slouchy sofa beds in crushed velvets, linens,
chenilles and complemented by coffee tables
where you can take your tea or an island snack;
it’s a great space to relax, read a book, catch up
on the news of the world or send a quick email.
At night the lounge can be changed into a private
cinema complete with projector, screen and
surround sound. A luxuriously proportioned master
bedroom with change-room and dressing table
leads onto a large en-suite bathroom with bath
and two showers, one indoor and one outdoor.
The bedrooms are air-conditioned and all rooms
have overhead “punkah punkah” fans. The fully
retracting sliding doors allow for uninterrupted
views onto the lawns and the turquoise seas in
front of each Villa. There is satellite television and
wireless Internet access. The kitchenette leads
off the lounge/dining area. A private plunge pool
and sala are the finishing touches to this private
sanctuary.
Villas 1 to 10 are nestled discreetly in the tree-line,
facing onto Anse d’est Beach. Villa North Island
has been designed differently to accommodate
the incline along the extreme northern side of
the Anse d’est Beach and is secretly tucked away
in the takamaka forest. The beach view from this
Villa is truly spectacular from every angle and it is
this, together with the unique manipulation of the
deck design and 750 square metres of space that
separates this remarkable Villa from the rest.
THE SPA
The North Island spa is located in inspiring
surroundings, overlooking turquoise waters and
dramatic cliffs. North Island’s spa provides a
unique treatment offering specially designed for
North Island and its guests. We incorporate all
local products into our treatments which in turn
are tailor made to suit the specific needs of the
guest. In keeping with North Island’s concept of
tailor made service, guests can receive certain
treatments in the privacy of their own Villa on
request.
ACTIVITIES
The activities on offer at North Island are designed
to allow our guests to enjoy the Island and its
magic, either under guidance from one of the
staff, or alone. You have the freedom to move
around the Island at your own pace, either on foot,
on North Island bicycles, or by Island Buggies.
These activities have a minimal impact on the
environment whilst providing the enjoyment of
entertainment and exercise.
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north island
facts
SCUBA DIVING: Seychelles forms part of the
world’s longest coral reef system and has some of
the world’s best scuba diving sites. Numerous dive
sites have been identified around North Island and
its nearest neighbour, Silhouette Island. North Island
offers a “guided” scuba experience and the dive
masters are not only experts in scuba practices but
also in the underwater world. The North Island dive
school and fishermen are experienced professionals
who inspire confidence with both uninitiated and
seasoned guests alike.
SNORKELLING: There are excellent snorkelling sites
around North Island and Silhouette Island. Masks
and fins are available at the Dive Centre for guests
wishing to explore these sites, either on their own
or in the company of a Dive Centre staff member
(depending on their snorkelling skills).
SEA KAYAKING: Those wishing to explore the Island
from the water are able to do so using sea kayaks,
with all necessary tuition and guidance provided.
For the more adventurous guests we offer body
boards, surf boards and stand-up paddle boards.
THE GYM: Situated next to the spa, our gym
is airconditioned and has some of the most
spectacular views out to sea. It is well equipped
with machines and weights which suit both male
and female fitness enthusiasts.
YOGA: Private yoga classes can be arranged
at the gym or in the comfort of guests’ Villas.
Complimentary group classes are also run by our
yoga instructors every morning. Yoga mats are
provided.
ISLAND BICYCLES: Bicycles are available for guest
use. These, in adult and children’s sizes, are suitable
for getting from one side of the Island to the other
with ease.
ISLAND BUGGIES: Each Villa has its own dedicated
Island Buggy. These electrical powered golf cars
give guests the freedom to move around the Island.
NORTH ISLAND SUNSET BAR: A walk along West
Beach as the sun sets is an experience not to be
missed – especially as the Sunset Bar lies at the end
of the walk. This simple, rustic bar is located just
above the high-water mark on the northern end of
West Beach. North Island-style cocktails and snacks
are served.
CRUISE: Enjoying a private sunset cruise around the
Island is another way to view the sunset.
FISHING: A fishing excursion is an exciting way to
ensure a fresh catch for your next meal – we trawl
for yellowfin tuna, dorado, bonito, trevally, red
snapper, amongst others. Typically this is a relaxing
half-day activity.
BOATING & ISLAND HOPPING: Boating around
North Island or other trips can include visits to Mahé,
Praslin, La Digue and the outer islands, including the
spectacular bird islands, Aride, Cousin and Cousine.
These charter trips can be arranged on request.
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north island
facts
THE LIBRARY: An extensive natural history library,
lovingly renovated out of the old coral ruins,
houses a large selection of books and artefacts.
Presentations on the marine life, environmental
programmes and development of the Island are
conducted on alternate days in the library.
SLIDE SHOWS & TALKS: These are available for both
adults and children, enabling interested guests to
learn about Seychelles and North Island, as well as
a wide range of ecological and conservation topics.
TURTLES: Depending on the time of the year, guests
may be lucky enough to witness Hawksbill or Green
Turtles laying their eggs or these hatching on the
beaches of North Island. Researchers tag the turtles
so that their breeding activities can be monitored.
WALKING: Explore the Island by walking and hiking
along its extensive beaches, or by climbing the
granite outcrops and crossing the saddle linking the
eastern and western plateau.
THE NORTH ISLAND BOUTIQUE: In the central
Piazza area, the North Island Boutique captures
the spirit of the island and its barefoot luxury
experience; it is a veritable treasure trove allowing
guests a chance to take the unique quality of the
island home with them. Described as ‘part souk, part
shipwreck’ the store has a relaxed gallery-market
feel, selling branded North Island clothing and
bespoke products ranging from jewellery, adults’
and children’s apparel, beachwear as well giftware
to remind you of your unforgettable experience on
this unique island.
CULINARY CONCEPT
North Island cuisine is based on the very finest
natural products lovingly prepared in a sumptuous
array of exotic dishes. Our kitchen makes use of
the vegetable and herb gardens on the island to
prepare only the freshest food combinations to
reach the table in the dining environment of the
guests’ choice. Aside from its exceptional beauty,
North Island has long been renowned for its fertility
and also for the richness of the fishing grounds
wherein it nestles. It is not surprising therefore that
North Island draws upon these exceptional natural
resources. The cuisine of North Island is based on
the diversity and cultural influences which, in part,
make up the Seychellois Créole flavour. We have
allowed the food concept to grow from a Créole
base with French, Indian and African influences, to
one of a more global offering. We define our menus
daily with specific Créole, French, Italian, Spanish,
Japanese and English flare as opposed to influences
on a defined food type.
Daily menus are designed according to the latest
Island harvest with special consideration being
given to your favourites along with any dietary
requirements you may have. The many dining
venues on the Island lend themselves to a range
of food experiences depending on your mood.
The Piazza offers gracious candlelit dining with the
gentle sounds of the ocean setting the scene for a
romantic evening.
5
north island
facts
West Beach Bar serves up fresh hot pizza, salads,
sumptuous beach barbecues and tapas-style
snacks, all perfect for sharing as you watch the
sunset, lingering over a cocktail and relaxed music.
The in-villa dining experience is all about comfort
food and choice. Enjoy the choices of your
generously-stocked pantry or the home-style menu,
with a local Creole curry or classic dish of your
choice, delivered to your door while you relax in
the privacy of your own villa. Each villa has a picnic
basket allowing for lazy days to be spent on the
white sands of North Island’s renowned beaches.
Our chef will always discuss the menu with you and
will effortlessly create your special requests to give
you a completely personalised dining experience,
should you prefer.
ENVIRONMENT
One of the reasons North Island was bought was
because of its potential to become a sanctuary
where natural habitats could be rehabilitated and
where critically endangered Seychelles fauna and
flora could be reintroduced and given a place to
regenerate, a concept we call “Noah’s Ark.”
The essence of North Island is the sustainable,
ecologically sensitive utilisation of a precious natural
treasure.
When North Island was abandoned in the 1970s
following the collapse of the coconut industry,
many unwanted and intrusive species of flora and
fauna remained behind, such as coconut trees,
casuarina trees, cows, rats, pigs, Indian mynah birds,
cats, barn owls and an especially invasive weed
called lantana.
Together, these unwanted elements held North in
a stranglehold that threatened to stifle its very life
force, smothering the indigenous plants, decimating
the bird life and drying up the marshland that is the
lifeblood of the Island.
After the alarm bell had been sounded by prominent
ecologists, North Island undertook the challenge,
not only to reverse the Island’s sorry decline, but
to take the long road towards the restoration of the
Island to its former glory. A cornerstone of this bold
initiative has been the “Noah’s Ark” concept, where
tortoises and certain bird species are gradually being
reintroduced to the Island along with indigenous
trees – including six species of palms, Premna,
Canthium, various Ficus species, Scavola and the
legendary coco-de-mer palm.
The concept of eco-sensitivity on North Island
was preceded by years of painstaking research and
coordination with government conservation bodies
committed to ensuring the protection of the natural
environment and biodiversity. Such considerations
have not only placed numerous checks and
controls on the nature of the project itself, but have
also ensured that maximum efforts are made in
the direction of the recycling of materials and the
rehabilitation of existing structures. 6
north island
facts
They have steered North Island’s architects down
the road of limited development, limited noise,
the preservation of historical sites, the eradication
of alien fauna and flora, and the reintroduction of
lost species, as well as the conservation of water,
energy and the installation of an ecologically
sensitive sewerage plant.
The conscientious pursuit of such policies is now
reaping rewards and has contributed much to the
extraordinary way in which the lodge’s Villas blend
seamlessly into their surroundings and also to the
eco-sensitive aura that now pervades the Island.
Felled alien trees such as the casuarinas, as well
as dead takamaka trees, have been used in the
building, their serpentine roots now snaking their
way through roofs, their bleached limbs adorning
balustrades and stairways. In one inspiring marriage
of past and present, two of the original copra
shacks have been turned into the library and dive
centre while the quest for excellence has brought
together artisans from as far afield as Bali, Malawi,
South Africa and of course, Seychelles.
The ongoing process of conservation is at the very
heart of North Island’s philosophy and, as part of
the Island’s continuing endeavours to safeguard its
environment, a programme of rat eradication was
undertaken.
One of the biggest challenges that we face on
North Island is to retain our “rat free” status which
we achieved in September 2005. Very strict
control measures have been put in place to ensure
that no rodents or other invasive fauna or flora are
reintroduced onto the island and thus endanger
our current environmental situation. Thanks to the
eradication programme, North Island is the largest
tropical island in the world free of the tree-dwelling
black rat (Rattus rattus).
This programme has paved the way for the
successful reintroduction of species that were
destroyed in the past. In 2007, the endangered
Seychelles White-Eye was reintroduced and is
flourishing; and in the future we hope to see the
return of a further three indigenous bird species.
All of them on the list of endangered species: Black
Parrot, Seychelles Warbler and, most important
of all, the Seychelles Magpie Robin – one of the
world’s rarest birds.
North Island will continue to honour the policies
that are enabling it to realise its goal of offering the
highest standards of hospitality against a backdrop
of sustainable, eco-friendly practice.
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north island
architecture
In the Seychelles there exists an oasis of calm,
pristine paradise… North Island. And in this world
apart, there is a private Villa for each guest to
call their own, where luxury and simplicity flow,
creating a new signature architectural style – the
North Island style.
NORTH ISLAND DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Part of the “hands on” design philosophy is that
the architectural team, Silvio Rech (principal)
and Lesley Carstens, lived on site with their two
children while designing and creating the North
Island development.
By living on site and monitoring the execution of
the design, the architecture reads on a very real and
immediate level and symbolises a fresh approach
to the art of architecture and a handmade interior
architecture.
By designing each detail, the feeling of escape
escalates and the concept of escaping from
everyday life in the world’s capitals and landing on
an island with a different set of architectural rules
and details is enhanced.
A CELEBRATION OF NATURE
The design celebrates nature. It is a design that is
made from details that enhance the special views
that show nature at its best, for example:
• Outdoor showers allow guests to feel the night
air and see the stars through a coral curtain
whilst showering
• Dining on the beach with feet in the sand
• Natural materials
The essence of the design has been to achieve
a level of barefoot luxury where guests are in
touch with luxury and nature, but all the modern
conveniences are close at hand.
PUBLIC AREAS
The design of this nucleus involved the restoration
of two historically important buildings on the Island.
They are now the library and the Dive Centre, but
were earlier the hall in which the coconuts (from
the coconut plantation) were stored and the copra
furnace where the coconuts were dried by a hot
fire in a steel pipe that transected the building.
The layout of the public area echoes that of a small
island village with historical layering, as opposed
to a brand new hotel placed on a clean slate. The
large tree forms part of the architecture of the
oval around which other important buildings are
placed. It is the central pivot, almost a tree of life
or knowledge.
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architecture
THE LOUNGE
This is a transparent minimalist building that
occupies an important position in the oval. It
has modern detailing executed in rough chunky
handworked timber, which tie it to the renovated
library. While the library is totally enclosed, the
lounge is a completely open building, with a flat
minimalist roof and 360-degree view of the beach
and large tree around to the Island interior.
THE LIBRARY
The library is the custodian of the history of the
Island. It houses a large anchor (pulled out of the
bay and dating from the 1800s) and a collection
of original black and white photos of the early
history of the Island. The building has white beach-
rock walls and typical arched openings which are
glazed.
THE BAR
This is a little jewel fantasy with the primal takamaka
trees and roots on the ceiling counter-pointed by
the clean-cut design of the double-sided bar. The
sandstone riven walling and stainless steel fridges
bring smoothness to the takamaka supports. The
bar stools are made out of takamaka stumps on site
and help take the language of handmade furniture
one step further.
THE DINING ROOM
If the lounge was an example of how a building
stands proudly on an oval, the dining-room is an
example of how a building is set into the vegetation
and against the granitic rock. Thus, the distinction
between where nature ends and buildings begin
is blurred. The backdrop of a pond and stepping
stones to the wine cellar add to this fusion of
building and plant life to create a forest with a roof:
one dines in nature with the sea in front and forest
and pond behind. Whereas the lounge is a formal,
pure rectangle, the geometry of the dining room
is amorphous, imitating a journey through a forest
where natural ponds, stepping stones, and secret
cave-like cellars unfold. The upside-down casuarina
trees are especially tall in the dining room and the
ceremony of dining against this natural column is
taken further by the uplighting at dinnertime.
DINING POND
Fusing into the granitic outcrop and flanking the
dining room is an amorphic pond with stepping
stones to the wine cellar. The pond detail is special
and tranquil in the sense that the level of the water
matches that of the wooden deck. This gives a
calm, gliding feeling from polished teak wood to
polished water slipping under the deck. The water
is broken by two sculptures: a volcanic stone pot
with water sliding quietly over its surface, and a
casuarina logspout that pours water back into
the pond. Both pot and hollowed tree stump are
sculptures made from natural material that assists
with the design and mechanics of the pond.
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north island
architecture
CELLAR
The cellar is cave-like and made of rock-walling.
The ceiling has palm tree texture imprinted indelibly
onto the off-shutter concrete and some recesses
from which the light washes down the walls of the
bottle racks. Bottle racks are executed in chunky
oversized raw timber which is washed with down-
lighters. Being enticed across the water to a wall
of wine bottles is part of the ceremony of dining
amongst the upside-down takamakas.
FRONT LOUNGE/DINING DECK
As the large Indian almond is centre point to the
oval, a large takamaka is centre point to the large
deck which stretches from lounge to bar to front
dining deck. This large deck changes character as
it performs different functions.
In front of the lounge it becomes a transition
between lounge and beach. The colour of the
deck cushions and beach sand is similar enabling
one to glide effortlessly from deck to beach.
Flanking it, in front of the bar, the deck is punctured
by large granitic boulders, and helps with the
concept of merging the building into nature.
This aspect of the design is taken further by the
takamaka bar stools, and a series of boulders,
boulder-like chairs, conical chunks of wood, upside
down trees, all alongside the takamaka tree. Add
to this the landscape view of the beach from the
dining room and one can see how the architecture
is a place from which to appreciate the natural
beauty and forces at play.
SWIMMING POOL
The swimming pool is a short walk from the side of
the public area and along the granitic outcrop. The
view from the pool looks back along a kilometre of
beach. This is a delightful surprise, as one would
not expect to find a 45m vanishing-edge pool
at the end of a modest walk off the public area
in the forest. The pool is carved into the hill in an
unexpected way and the steep shady banks create
the feeling of a hanging garden. Pockets of private
decks and upperdecks all have magnificent views
across the beach back to the Grand Paloss and just
a hint of Villa 11. The pool is a private meandering
experience with white marble-stone plaster that is
the same colour as the beach and the colour of
the water matches the sea. Rock walls blend gently
into the hillside and large boulders counterpoint
furnishings as they protrude through pool and
deck.
WEST BEACH BAR
A short drive across the Island takes one to West
Beach and the Sunset Bar. This is an informal,
innocent architectural intervention on a natural
phenomenon. The building is made out of coconut
uprights (felled from the Island), a palm leaf roof
and pine floors. There is a small open kitchen with
a wood-burning oven that adds to the simple,
uncomplicated experience.
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architecture
MATERIALS USED
TAKAMAKA TREE
This is the large ‘upside-down’ tree which was
used to create the dining room and the Villas.
The trees had died from vascular wilt disease and
so the Ministry of Environment requested that
they be removed. It was then decided to use the
trees as part of the construction of the North
Island development. This helped create a haute
couture Robinson Crusoe look that makes North
Island’s identity different to other island resorts.
An environmentally friendly product was used to
neutralise the vascular wilt.
The takamaka is indigenous to the Seychelles,
although it was originally introduced to the area
over 200 years ago from Indonesia.
Smaller takamaka tree branches were also
used as:
- Handrails
- Showers
- Screens
- Root pergolas
- Uprights in the dive centre and the outdoor salas.
CASUARINA TREE
A number of casuarina trees, an invasive species
to the Seychelles, were removed during the
construction process. These trees provide ideal
wood for the use of furniture. Casuarinas have
been used in the hanging tables in the dining room
and the balustrades in the Villas.
SAND-BLASTED PINE
This wood comes from South African commercial
plantations. The finished product has been
sandblasted and bleached to resemble driftwood.
All the external decks have been built utilising this
material. Exposure to the sun will continue to
bleach the wood and improve its look. The pine
is pre-treated against termite attack with a wood
preservative containing boron – a product from
Australia.
BANUAS
This is the chunky square hardwood timber used as
upright columns in the Villa bedrooms and some
of the main areas. The timber was distressed using
a chainsaw to give it a weathered look.
The banuas were also sliced up and used for:
• Beds – bases and headboards,
• Built-in seats
• Some walling,
• Desks,
• Built-in wardrobes,
• Butler’s station (kitchenette) – including the
cooking area, sink and mobile trolley,
• Some light fittings,
• Door frames,
• Carved toilet doors,
• Frames for louver doors and windows
This wood comes from commercially certified
Indonesian plantations and is sold with an
environmentally friendly certificate.
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north island
architecture
CLUCIANA GUMPOLES
These gumpoles come from South Africa. They
were hand-peeled, to give a hand-made feel and
were used for:
• Roofs – smaller poles
• Uprights – thicker poles
These were also treated with environmentally
friendly “Polesaver wraps” from Australia.
ROSEWOOD
The main dining floor is made of rosewood from
Southern Africa. This is a hardwood that was made
to look weathered utilising hand tools.
TEAK
This plantation hardwood from the East was used
for Villa floors, distressed and varnished to add an
element of elegance, which contrasts with the
bleached outdoor decks.
GIANT BAMBOO
Some large-scale bamboo from Mahé has been
used for light fittings.
COPPER AND BRASS
Used for up/down lighters designed on site.
BEACH ROCK CURTAINS
These are the curtains that create privacy in the
outdoor areas adjacent to the baths and showers.
This gives a wonderful effect as the light shines up
the coral curtains at night.
YLANG YLANG
Roofing grass from Bali was also used on certain
vertical screens. It closely resembles the local
‘latanier’ roofs.
SANDSTONE
This material was sourced from South Africa and
was used on the counter tops in the outdoor
lounge area of the Villas and riven walling on the
main bar.
GRANITIC ROCK
The Seychelles are the only granitic islands in
the world and the rock gathered on North Island
itself has been used extensively in the project. The
Seychellois method of packing rock was used in
the process.
The rock was also used in the Villas in the love
seats, and the back of the bathroom walls, as well
as in the public areas and in the main pool walls.
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architecture
ROOM BY ROOM
THE VILLA
The concept of the Villa is one couple to one
castle. Each Villa is a private domain allowing guests
to surround themselves with all the objects and
experiences in their own private way.
The entrance is up a ramp from the back of the Villa
(except for Villa 11), so that guests enter the outdoor
lounge and are bowled over by the panoramic view
of the ocean. The takamaka trees frame the view
and it is refreshing to see how accessible the beach
is.
The floor here is teak with wooden dowels and
handcrafted edgings that form part of the exterior
bark of the tree. The large pivoting door is hinge-
free and has copper up-down lights that light up
each column. The pergola is an extension of the
takamaka tree and has an evocative root-like feel
that sets this apart from other pergolas. This is a
room with a view and contains a comfortable couch
and dining table as well as sandstone hanging drinks
tables and side servers.
Altogether guests become aware of the celebration
of nature and its forms, and the feeling of barefoot
luxury.
MAIN BEDROOM
Guests enter the main bedroom through folding
stackaway glass doors. The room can be air-
conditioned or the doors can be left open and the
fans on. There is a small lounging area in front of
the bedroom, from which to admire ocean views.
The dressing room area at the rear has a desk and
a wardrobe. The bed is handcrafted on site from
massive banua chunks, as is the dressing table. The
floor is polished teak with wavy edges of bark that
have been left unpolished.
BATHROOM
The bathroom is more of a bath house with a
large bath for two and a huge vanity area with two
oversized mirrors. The basins are far apart to allow
lots of space for storage. The vanity area is made up
of a sheet of distressed rosewood. The supports are
made from leadwood tree stumps and one large
boulder.
MASSAGE AREA AND OUTDOOR SHOWER
The bathroom leads to an outdoor shower, where
the water pours out of a log instead of shower head.
This is a shower under the sky or stars – there is no
roof. This is a liberating experience and is a signature
touch of most of Silvio and Les’s architecture.
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architecture

SALA The bath is 1.2 by 2 metres and has sloped ends

This is an enclosed area next to the private plunge
pool. It has a roof, a mattress and cushions and
is located on the wooden deck. The idea here is
for guests to relax in the shade and enjoy finger-
lunches and drinks at midday when it is too hot for
outdoor activities.
THE KITCHENETTE
This is a small rock building with a barrel-vaulted
roof.
(great for couples) to enable sitting and lying in the
bath, with a ledge for a champagne bucket.
To the side of the bathroom and down a handcrafted
staircase is a depressed deck, almost hanging from
the bathroom, which is an outdoor shower hanging
off a large granitic boulder. Looking down at it one
sees large tracts of turquoise sea partly screened by
palm leaves. A hollowed out casuarina log delivers
the water from a spout above the granitic boulder.

LOUNGE/SECOND BEDROOM A few steps beyond the outdoor shower and

The air-conditioned lounge has a desk with wireless around the granitic boulder is the surprise outdoor
Internet connections for business executives. deck made of chunky timber and a perfect space
Alternatively, it could be used as a double bed or to gaze over the expanse of the Indian Ocean from
two single beds. This offers a high level of flexibility the unusual “mokoro” lounger. The area is very
to the guest. private and can be an alternate dining venue within
the space of the villa.
VILLA 11 (VILLA NORTH ISLAND)
This is the champion of style – perched on rock
with a magnificent surprise entrance and fantastic
view of the beach, with picturesque palms forming
a natural frame.

The bathroom is the piece de resistance with a

panoramic view across East Beach to Mahé, Praslin
and La Digue. Here the principles of the architectural
style have truly come to life. The leadwood trees
that form the posts are hoisted high in the sky and
frame the turquoise-blue sea.

14
north island
architecture
SILVIO RECH AND LESLEY CARSTENS
Part of the architects’ design philosophy, based
on their body of work produced during the
period 1993- 2003, is to develop a particular style
of architecture and interior and lifestyle for each
situation.
This is a list of their works (Lesley joined Silvio from
the “Masai Versailles’’ onwards) from 1993-2003.
Works prior to 1993 were of a modern nature and
in large cities in South Africa:
• Makalali competition (1993) for Charles Smith.
• Lutopi Bush Camp (1994) South Africa.
Next door to Makalali. Client wishes to be
anonymous.
• Makalali Bush Camp (1996), South Africa.
Winner of “Most Innovative Hotel Design of
the Year”, Tatler Travel. A breakthrough in
a new style of bush camp. Prior to Makalali
most bush camps were colonial style. Makalali
celebrates an African style and has been
widely used as an example of African design.
All architecture and furniture and fittings were
designed and manufactured on site by Silvio.
Total design under one umbrella.
• Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (1994) Tanzania.
Conservation Corporation Africa (CCA).
Dubbed the ‘”Masai Versailles’’, this is a
national heritage site. 400 Masai were on site,
handcrafting a large portion of the interiors.
Silvio and Les met a group of Zanzibari carvers
on this job, who subsequently moved with
them from site to site.
• Grumeti River Bush Camp (1997) Tanzania.
Part of the CCA circuit in Tanzania.
• Lake Manyara Tented Camp (1997) Tanzania.
Also part of CCA circuit in Tanzania.
• 1998: work on North Island began with their
first visit to the Island after which they were
appointed as architects and advisors for the
North Island development.
• In addition, Silvio and Les won two
competitions for their work on Jao and
Mombo (Wilderness Safaris camps in the
Okavango Delta).
• Casa Silvio & Lesley (1999-2002), Westcliff,
Johannesburg, South Africa. Private house.
• Jao Camp (1999), Okavango Delta, Botswana
Wilderness Safaris. Renowned for its building
on stilts overlooking waterway.
• Mombo Camp (2000) Okavango Delta,
Botswana. Wilderness Safaris’ flagship camp
in the Delta.
• North Island (2001) Work on the staff village
commenced and a sample Villa was built with
a very small team.
• North Island (1998-2003) Silvio and Les lived
on site designing and executing the North
Island front-of-house.
• Completed July 2003.
15
north island
architecture

PROJECT TEAMS
SILVIO RECH (PRINCIPAL) AND
LESLEY CARSTENS:
Architects and interior architects – Overall design
concept and pieces of handmade furniture
executed on site (involvement from January 1998
to June 2003).

MAIRA AND JOHN KOUTSOUDAKIS (LIFE):

Interiors and pieces of furniture executed off-site,
staff uniforms (August 2002 to June 2003)

PATRICK WATSON:
Consulting landscape designer (January 2001 to
June 2003)

PAUL PAMBOUKIAN:
Lighting consultant (October 2002 to June 2003)

16
north island
interior design
PHILOSOPHY
The spirit of understated elegance and quiet
authenticity that is characteristic of North Island
was created by South African-based interior design
firm LIFE under the guidance of Maira and John
Koutsoudakis. They have created an interior design
experience which is simple and sophisticated,
comfortable yet stylish, and compatible with Silvio
Rech and Lesley Carstens’ architectural philosophy.
TEXTURE & SCENT
On North Island, senses are taken to new heights,
a pleasant sensory journey that encompasses
the textures, temperatures, sounds and scents of
the Island. Textures play a significant part in this
sensorial journey, replacing gaudy pattern and
hard colour with the tactile quality of rope, cork,
sandstone, silk, cadiz shell, velvet, cotton and
copper. Focus on the enjoyment of raw nature,
weathered wood, smoothed rock, granite walls
softened by the fringes of ylang-ylang roofs and
chiming mother-of-pearl chandeliers made either
of mother-of-pearl or a mixture of glass and
copper leaves.
TONE & COLOUR
Texture is coupled with nuances of colour and non-
colour, elusive, evocative and emotive colours,
from the subtle sage, beige, stone, chalk, coral,
sand, turquoise and aqua. White and sand colours
play an important role in the visual language of the
interiors.
Nature’s manner of manipulating materials,
stripping colour down to a fainter, calmer version
of the original, suggest the use of only natural
materials which age well with the sun, humidity
and sea spray.
AUTHENTICITY
On North Island you experience a calm removed
from the toxicity of technology, urban life and
time. The naturalisation of the architecture by
acclaimed site architects Silvio Rech (principal)
and Lesley Carstens is the fuse for an organic
interior design dictated by nature, location and
locally available materials.
A feeling of health and harmony is created by using
natural, non-toxic materials while synthetic fibres
seldom find their way into the interiors – except
where essential.
SCALE & PROPORTION
The essence of luxury is captured in the sheer
indulgence of abundant volume – space is the
greatest luxury. A play on scale exists in the comfort
of countless oversized loungers and hand-dyed
cushions, as well as in the sheer scale of the Villas
and public areas. There is an abundance of space
and a celebration of the panoramic views.
17
north island
interior design
ISLAND PIAZZA
Welcoming the traveller, the main guest lounge
is a shell that disappears between sand and sky,
providing a celebration of views while at the same
time stepping down to embrace the beach.
Vast white beach beds and cushions beckon the
guest to enjoy the lounge with feet up – this is
no formal hotel lobby, there is no reception in
sight. A granite boulder, such a visual icon of the
Seychelles, supports a slated stone countertop,
welcoming guests for a cocktail or a game of Bao.
The rim-flow pond and hanging coral screen
divides the space and creates a reflective surface
full of light and movement, bringing the sea close
again, while demarcating the space with an almost
floating bench of stone and wood.
Interior space planning allows for a variety of
seating options and clusters, creating pockets of
privacy. A long-stretch mahogany server echoes
the clean lines of the building as does the Tatajuba
sofa enclosure, nestling net-like linen cushions in
its embrace, while the rock sculpture softens the
edges of the lounge.
The ancient and modern aesthetic is evident in
the marriage of the old sage Bali door-come-
coffee table with the contemporary glass vessels
and driftwood sculptures resting on it.
Contemporary white chairs create a welcoming
flow-off arrangement off the bar, with a woven
rope carpet alluding to maritime life and stimulating
one to sit a little longer.
BEACH BAR
The twin beach bars are dressed in stone with
multiple tones of mother-of-pearl and beige riven
walling.
Riven stone adds weight and a sense of
permanence to the bars. There is an honest
simplicity to the bar and its swivelling takamaka
barstools.
Located in front of the bar, the ‘big bulge’ armchairs
curved on site from giant dead takamaka roots,
beach barazza and bean beds beckon the guest
onto the beach.
MAIN DINING
The discovery of tastes and textures that
complement one another in the culinary world
is akin to the successful marriage of materials
and finishes in interior design. Restraint and the
appropriate use of dramatic scale all serve to
create a dining room that is monastic, voluminous
and intimate.
Two, two-metre-long chandeliers embrace the
vast volume of the dining room, creating an air
of intimacy whether there is a single honeymoon
couple or a celebrating party of forty (this would
be facilitated by flexible modular-sized tables).
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north island
interior design
The use of mother-of-pearl, crafted horn, silver
plated cutlery, table linen, and designer crystal all
speak of luxury and refinement; when placed on
the simple solid teak tables they acquire an air of
restraint and elegance.
CELLAR
A short walk over the pond, off the main dining
room, lies the cellar, a building of rough-hewn
rock and almost stalagmatic ceiling created by
bamboo shuttering, a technique found on the
main island of Mahé.
There is a rustic simplicity to the cave-like interior
where a lone boulder supports a solid Banua
beamed top, two stools and a hand-turned
flatcrown wood bowl resting imposingly on one
side.
LIBRARY
Sensitively restored, the architectural structure of
this existing listed building is simply appointed.
Visual focus is drawn to the suspended anchor
and coconut copra, their history and mystery
riveting the guest.
The library houses numerous books, exotic and
unusual games and a mini museum of items of
interest, including a giant tortoise shell, a dated
map of the Indian Ocean islands and treasured
photographs of life on North Island in the past 70
years.
A functional and intimate wet weather lounge,
the library has sharp contrasts in its design.
The eclecticism is clearly inspired by the new
contrasted with the old.
DIVE CENTRE
Another modern reinterpretation of an existing
building, this space speaks of simplicity and
maritime adventure. Antique Marseilles rope knots,
glass buoys, rusted fishing traps and patinated
pulleys lend an air of aged authenticity to the
space.
Dominated by a long bleached bar with rope
stools, the diving den invites the diver, fisherman
or adventurer to linger on white barazzas and
capture the stories of North Island’s maritime
excursions told in the old framed photographs.
BOUTIQUE
In the central Piazza, the North Island Boutique
captures the spirit of the island and its barefoot
luxury experience; it is a veritable treasure trove
allowing guests the opportunity to take the unique
quality of the island home with them.
Located in a voluminous domed building off the
dive area, the Gallery is made of rough-hewn rock
sourced on the Island and glass doors which invite
the natural vista inside.
19
north island
interior design
Described as ‘part souk, part shipwreck’ the
store has a relaxed gallery-market feel selling
branded North Island clothing, one-off exotic
finds from remote regions of the world, including
the Seychelles, and bespoke products ranging
from jewellery, adults’ and children’s apparel,
beachwear, Thalgo marine beauty products,
unique homeware, art and craft, as well as books
on local legends and customs and giftware that
reminds guests of their unforgettable experience
on this unique island.
SPA
The interiors of the Spa display a very light-handed
approach; the view and the sensual experience are
the protagonists. An exotic suspended oil-burning
lantern welcomes you into the airy space, where
a single, server with a stone basin sits adjacent
to the twin massage beds, with their billowing
linen and sage covers. Tall sculptures frame the
endless view. A solid African mahogany bench
rests languidly in front of the double showers and
a solid carved brass hanging rail supports the linen
kimonos for guests to change into, as they enter a
new, sensual world of scents and textures.
GYM
The gym is situated above the main pool next to
the spa. It is a simple glass structure with an alanga
alanga roof and has one of the most spectacular
views on the island. It looks down onto the bay
in front of Anse d’est Beach, or East Beach, and
enjoys the spectacular sight of the diverse blue
colours of the ocean, so typical of Seychelles.
Again, the singularity of purpose, stated by the
gleaming exercise machines and weights, lends
the space an uncomplicated air of vitality and
vigour.
VILLAS
Aimed at uniting human with nature, the Villas
have the feeling of being a home away from
home. Humanly proportioned, the spaces are
fluid through the admission of nature and by virtue
of their openness they invite the urban visitor to
reconnect with the wind, the tide, the darkness of
the night and rays of sun in the early morning.
Luxurious yet not ostentatious, the interiors are
framed by Banwas wood, granite coves and
ylangylang roofs. They have a modest simplicity and
textural sophistication that produces true richness.
The master bedroom suite is comfortable, while
the custom over-sized bed and its linen provide
textures that are reminiscent of fishermen’s nets,
cascading in a pool over the edge of the hand-
carved Banuas bed.
Netlike turn-down mats sit messily on polished
teakwood floors. The solid headboard, handcrafted
on site, hosts an asymmetrical lighting story: on
the right a pair of coral shell-crusted ‘rock’ lights,
on the left a pair of hanging ‘pod’ lights.
20
north island
interior design
The organic shape of the woven wicker sage-
beige armchair and the deep lounger covered
in bleached linen and a chunky mahogany table,
invite the guest to read, or simply enjoy the view,
whilst the nearby alcove bed is populated by an
array of sage-green scatters in a tactile treat of
textures.
The dressing room, behind the main bed but open
to it, is flanked by a cave-like loveseat on one side
and glass pivot doors on the other. There is also a
dressing table with bevelled mirror and decorative
smalls.
More a spa experience than bathroom, just off the
main bedroom, the large rectangular white bath is
echoed in the shape of the dreamy daybed, calling
for an after-bath siesta.
The twin rock-like resin wash-hand basins rest on a
solid Teakwood top, hand-worked and burnished
brown, in an asymmetrical symphony of shapes:
an upright boulder has a cluster of carved vine-like
casuarina branches as a supportive counterpoint.
Two large side-lit mirrors reflect the height of the
breezy spa-like bathroom.
The massage bed and outdoor shower with
waterfall spout encourage night- and daytime
celebration of the elements and a feeling of
freedom.
In the Villa lounge, wooden furniture is honestly
constructed, organic in form and simple in design.
There is a certain quality to the custom- designed
solid African mahogany dining table, bench and
stools. A deep curving lounger sofa, slip-covered
and soft, frames a bed-come-coffee- table.
Hand-chiselled edges to the sandstone buffet and
drinks server speak of the attention to detail and a
time-honoured craft.
No holiday is complete without the convivial
enjoyment of a simple snack or home prepared
meal. The Villa kitchen allows for this. Granite,
sandstone and stainless steel combine in a
marriage of rusticity and modernity; a mobile
chef’s station was designed to allow for deck-side
dining. A small fridge is available and stocked with
delicious snack items that can be made into a
homemade picnic, light snack or even a delicious
meal.
21
north island
interior design
The sizeable lounge-come-second bedroom
with study, adjoining the pool area with its flexible
arrangement, invites the guest for a breakaway
experience to send an email, watch a movie or
simply to relax. This space is set up as a luxurious,
air-conditioned living area with deep, slouchy
sofa beds in crushed velvets, linens, chenilles and
complemented by a trio of hand-woven coffee
tables where you can take your afternoon tea or
an island snack; it’s a great space to lounge, read
a book, catch up on the news of the world, an old
movie or just to send a quick email in the study area.
Most enjoyable of all, is the outdoor sala, all deep
mattresses and striped cushions in waterproof ecru
fabric. The private plunge pool and over-sized Teak
loungers nearby complete the refreshing tropical
island experience – your own private paradise.
VILLA NORTH ISLAND (VILLA 11)
OUTDOOR LIVING
A resort within a resort, Villa 11 is truly the best
beach villa in the world. (Condé Nast Traveller UK
February 2010, Tatler Travel Guide 2010).
The sheer volume, scale and luxury of this villa
are unimaginably decadent and simply chic.
The abundance of space is staggering in Villa 11:
totalling a massive 750 square metres, a large
portion of that space has been added in multiple,
tiered levels cascading down the granitic boulders
onto a private beach entry to the ocean.
In a subtle layering of the vertical volumes, the
different levels intimate the space and provide
pockets of privacy; a number of intimate areas
invite repose.
The deep lounger barazzas in the Chill Out sunken
sala, filled with an abundance of über-comfortable
cushions in mottled sages, duck-egg blues and
marine tones, reflect the turquoise waters below
and surround a stone fire-pit for night-time
enjoyment of the wide-open world.
Just above, the Outdoor Sala is flanked by a
dramatic chandelier made from recycled glass,
aged beaten brass and white shell strands, breezily
chiming above … the perfect place for a post-swim
siesta.
22
north island
interior design
A clustered group of high-gloss ceramic stools,
embellished with objets trouvés, talismans and
shells hints at the exoticism of this location, under
a myriad of recycled-glass hanging lanterns and
verdigris turquoise standing lanterns, twinkling in
the star-lit night.
On the mid-deck, twin sun-lounger beds with
marshmallowy lounger mattresses and cushions
await serious sun-worship next to the circular
rimflow pool. A high gloss Henry Dean glass side
table holds the two together.
With an unobstructed view to the ocean horizon,
the Tête a Tête Dining in Villa 11 is dramatic and
incredibly simple at the same time. Two Milanese
loungers sit at a three-metre-long table, with the
protagonist being the view and the gently crashing
waves below. Humble recycled bottle lanterns dress
up sheer luxury Ivano Redaelli table linen and ocean
turquoise table art.
Just off the decadent master bathroom, and
beyond the dramatic outdoor shower, secretively
ensconced behind the bulge of a boulder, lies the
Reverie Lounge; a private place to dream.
Resting in the form of a converted river boat, teal
and chartreuse cushions rest under a canopy of
swooping shell rope, flanked on either side by
firelighters and a grouping of woven and hand-
carved tables; a space to dream accompanied by
tapas and good company.
INDOOR LIVING
In the Main Living Area of the villa, the embracing
arms of the over-scaled dramatic new curved sofa,
is the epitome of comfort and simple, graceful
design. Regular and extra depth proportions allow
for casual lounging, a number of washed linen
cushions with fringing reminiscent of the seaweed
and coral endemic to the islands, add a new level
of ultracomfort and relaxation, and echo, in their
detailing of brass talismans, shells, beads and rare
objets trouvés, the exoticism of this Spice Island.
Stacked, hand-carved timber coffee tables are
clustered together with hand-beaten brass coffee
tables and accented with the sharp chartreuse
and spring-green freshness of recycled glass
photophores and objets.
In the Cinema Lounge, a high definition TV on
hideaway open sesame system allows for TV
viewing or, as with the many customised options
available on North Island, the projector and over-
scaled stretched ‘sail screen’ and surround sound
invite the guest to large-scale movie-night viewing
reminiscent of another era, replete with popcorn
and sweets.
Driftwoody frames document the island’s history,
transporting the guest into a world of the treasures
and travels of the Spice Route pirates, the origins of
North Island’s namesake, Marianne North, and the
recent eco-history of this magical place.
23
north island
interior design

In the study, a sturdy hand-carved timber desk The eclectic mix of organic, contemporary and
of abundant proportions and gamine features heritage bespoke pieces found in the abundant
is attended by a contemporary Ron Arad chair; a scale and immeasurable natural beauty of Villa 11
perfect spot for letter writing or emailing. The create a new, appropriate aesthetic. The precious
Library and comfortable reading chair invite the few who experience its pleasures are invited to rest,
guest for a relaxing read and exploration of tribal repose, and regenerate in this tropical eco-paradise
rarities and exotic objets trouvés. and leave, longingly with the promise, always, of
return.
In the Master Bedroom Suite, the organic quality of
the dressing table is eclectically joined by an antique
Venetian mirror and flanked by billowing parasilk
curtains adorned with simple shells and glinting
beads to the abundant his and hers change-room
cupboards. A deep velvet sofa and Ethiopian antique
table are supported by a mahogany server, glossy
glassware and plus, silk carpet. The textures – so
profound and enticing – are so tactile and tempting
that they create an awareness of the senses, yet all
in a palette that is serene and suitable to this tropical
locale.

New speakers in what must surely be the bathroom

with the best view in the tropics, gently play above
the view of the expansive outdoor living areas.
The amenities are the all-natural and eco-friendly
Africology range of shampoos, conditioners, and
body and bath products , resting in an amoebic
amenity tray in the liquid colours of the tropics and
the granitic boulders.

24
WWW.NORTH-ISLAND.COM
north island
ecology and environment
WHAT IS THE NOAH’S ARK PROJECT?
North Island was purchased with the goal of
restoring the unique biodiversity of the Seychelles
to the island, by reintroducing endangered
endemic species that had become locally extinct
or brought to the verge of extinction previously,
due (directly or indirectly) to human impact.
Recognising the opportunity to contribute and
to marry conservation and ecotourism, North
Island immediately embraced a comprehensive
rehabilitation and conservation plan that was
soon dubbed “the Noah’s Ark project.” From the
onset, there was, however, no doubt as to the high
costs this would involve. The vehicle, chosen by
Wilderness Safaris and the initial shareholders, to
generate the required funds was an ecotourism
venture to be constructed on the island in an
environmentally responsible way.
WHY WAS THE ISLAND IN NEED OF
RESTORATION?
It is a well-known fact that the fragile ecology
and the unique endemism of so many islands
have been substantively and often irreversibly
damaged by humans. Many islands of the
Seychelles, unfortunately, are no exception.
Even before colonialists settled permanently on
the inner granitic islands in 1756, visiting ships of
early traders had already harvested local animals
and plants and brought in, some purposely and
others accidentally, alien species. Some of these
flourished and became pests, surviving to the
detriment of the endemic fauna and flora.
North Island’s original fauna and flora, for instance,
suffered tremendously after the European black
rat, an arboreal rodent, came to the island with
visiting boats. In 1826, Madame Beaufond turned
the island into a thriving coconut plantation and
a fruit, vegetable and spices farm, bringing in
several alien plants and domestic animals. Copra
continued to be harvested until 1970. In 1976, the
farm was abandoned but coconut trees, rats and
numerous other introduced species continued
multiplying and thriving.
WHAT DOES ISLAND REHABILITATION MEAN
AND HOW IS IT DONE ON NORTH ISLAND?
A. RAT ERADICATION: A SUCCESS STORY
In the early 1990s, a delegation of scientists
visited the Seychelles and evaluated several
islands for their potential for rehabilitation. North
Island was ranked as fifth most suitable, but the
Government lacked the necessary funds to go
ahead with rat and cat eradications and restoration
of the vegetation, essential requirements prior to
any possible reintroduction of endemic and/or
indigenous species.
In 1997, Wilderness Safaris and four private
shareholders bought the island with the intention
of restoring its biodiversity with funds generated by
an eco-friendly lodge they planned to construct.
26
north island
ecology and environment
Construction of the lodge subsequently began in
2002. In 2003, eradication plans were implemented
and feral domestic animals (cats, cows, pigs and
chickens), survivors for the abandoned farm,
were successfully removed from the island. The
black rat eradication was also started as part of
the rehabilitation project. This first rat eradication
attempt, however, was unsuccessful.
In 2005, North Island became a co-funding
partner in an FFEM-funded project (Fonds
Français pour l’Environnement Mondial, a French
conservation fund). This project, managed
by the local conservation organisation ICS
(Island Conservation Society), aimed to restore
biodiversity in the Seychelles. In September 2005,
New Zealand eradication expertise combined with
a large-scale poisoning operation, both on the
ground as well as by helicopter, finally led to the
successful eradication – a huge milestone in our
island rehabilitation. This success currently makes
North Island the largest tropical island with hills in
the world that has been successful in eradicating
the black (or ship) rat.
Getting rid of the rats was a remarkable
achievement, but remaining rodent-free has
proven to be possibly an even greater challenge
due to its ongoing nature. Despite the choice
not to build a jetty, boats and barges offloading
cargo daily continue to pose a risk of accidentally
introducing alien invader animals once more.
Stringent alien invader avoidance procedures have
therefore been set in place, which have been
rigorously implemented from September 2005
onwards, such as:
• container fumigations and re-fumigations, and
cargo checks at supplier ends and on Mahé;
• boat/barge loading procedures on Mahé, from
where vessels depart, and baiting of all vessels
destined to beach at North Island; and
• unloading procedures on North Island’s
beach, including the use of a rodent-proof
trailer and rodent-proof room where cargo
gets rechecked.
With these measures in place, care for our island’s
precious indigenous wildlife has become part of
our daily lives!
B. VEGETATION REHABILITATION: CHANGING
A PLANTATION BACK INTO AN INDIGENOUS
FOREST
From 2002 onwards, at the same time as the above
animal invader eradications, intensive vegetation
rehabilitation was carried out, as a prerequisite for
the implementation of the final goal of the project,
namely the introduction of rare endemic species.
With very little information on the original
vegetation available, scientific research was done
to identify alien species and to determine which
native species were to be reintroduced.
27
north island
ecology and environment
Initially, seeds and cuttings of native plants were
supplied by Mahé and Silhouette (North Island’s
nearest neighbour). But soon the island set up its
own nursery, which was to expand as a hugely
successful project, so that still today planting out
is continuously sustained by new propagations in
this nursery.
Over the years, North Island has built a strong
partnership with the Biodiversity Center on Mahé
(a section of the Botanical Gardens) which has
supplied us with large numbers of seeds and
cuttings of species not yet present or not yet
seeding on North Island, whilst simultaneously the
quantity of nursery material sourced on the island
has gradually increased. Recommendations from
a South African expert, ETH (Swiss Federal Institute
of Technology, Zürich) and PCA, the local Plants
Conservation Action Group, were compiled into a
vegetation management plan in 2005. North Island
continues updating its vegetation management
plan through its continued relationship with PCA.
This detailed document prescribes, per identified
zone, which alien species have to be removed,
how and when, and with which native species
they need to be replaced.
Initially, priority was given to clearing the plateau
and planting around the guest areas. In 2005
and 2006, intensive rehabilitation shifted to West
Beach (including the coastal fringe), the valley
along the road to West Beach (palm forest) and fig
forests on the plateau. Since 2009, clearing weeds
and alien trees and subsequent planting of native
seedlings has also started on the granite hill areas,
a challenging task because of the difficult access.
Over the years, the different needs of the overall
island ecosystem have become better understood,
through experience and involvement of specialists
of other disciplines, which has allowed for increased
complexity of the vegetation management plan.
Experiments with new rehabilitation techniques
are being done hand in hand with international
and local botanical experts.
Interpreting progress in the vegetation rehabilitation
has required careful monitoring the process. With
the assistance of PCA and students from ETH, a
monitoring methodology has been developed.
Rehabilitation protocols are also being drafted.
Scientists anticipate that these rehabilitation and
monitoring protocols will ultimately also assist in the
rehabilitation of other small granitic islands. North
Island therefore makes a substantial contribution
towards the implementation of the Seychelles
National Strategy for Plant Conservation, and in
doing so has become a respected partner of the
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
Over the last five years, over 20 000 indigenous
and/or endemic plants have been planted out;
today, almost 30% of the total surface of the island
(201 hectares) has benefited from a degree of
rehabilitation.
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ecology and environment
C. (RE)INTRODUCTIONS OF ENDANGERED
ENDEMIC SPECIES
1 - BIRD (RE)INTRODUCTIONS AND
POPULATION RESTORATIONS
The Seychelles is classed as an Important Bird
Area (IBA) by Birdlife International and contains
two Endemic Bird Areas: the Aldabra Atoll and
the Granitic Islands. 12 endemic bird species are
found on the Granitic Islands; most are classed
as Endangered and four were classed as Critically
Endangered at the onset of the FFEM Project in
2005.
Preferred habitat for the Seychelles White-Eye is
broad-leaf woodland rich in leaf invertebrates and
berries, the main food sources for the species.
Clearing substantial surfaces of coconut trees
and other invasive exotic trees and plant species
(introduced when the island became a coconut
plantation) and replacing them with suitable
native plant species has therefore been essential
as preparation for the introduction of Seychelles
White-eyes in July 2007.
In 2006, the Seychelles White-eye was classified
as a Critically Endangered small land bird species
(BirdLife International, 2000), with a world
population estimated at around 400 individuals,
present on only three different islands. Part of
the government’s recovery programme for this
precious species was to transfer some birds to
other islands to better ensure its survival.
North Island’s hard work towards its rehabilitation
was rewarded in August 2006, when the Ministry
of Environment and Natural Resources chose
North Island and Cousine Island as hosts for the
introduction of Seychelles White-eyes. With the
assistance of the local NGO ICS (Island Conservation
Society) and the resident ornithologist affiliated to
the Natural History Museum of Paris, 25 White-eyes
were successfully transferred from Conception
to North Island in July 2007, in so doing, fulfilling
another milestone in our rehabilitation. Ongoing
post-introductory monitoring by local partners
has confirmed that not only do the survival rates
of the introduced birds remain high, but that they
have been reproducing extremely well and have
an excellent fledgling survival rate. In 2016, the
population size was estimated to be over 100.
The ultimate goal is to continue introducing as
many of the 12 endemic Seychelles bird species
as the island can support. North Island continues
working closely together with the Ministry of
Environment and Natural Resources & Tourism
in this regard. We have already been considered
for possible future introductions of the Seychelles
Warbler, Seychelles Magpie Robin and Seychelles
Paradise Flycatcher. Vital to further introductions
is keeping the island rodent-free and proceeding
with the vegetation rehabilitation, so as to answer
the needs of the envisaged new inhabitants.
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ecology and environment
Researchers continue monitoring the effects
of the habitat restoration on invertebrates and
plants to evaluate the increase in available food
resources so as to allow more endemic species to
be present.
The alien invader eradication has also proven to
benefit native species already present in small
numbers at the time of the purchase of the island,
such as the Seychelles Blue Pigeon, Seychelles
Sunbird and Seychelles Kestrel. Blue Pigeon,
Seychelles Sunbird, Green-backed Heron and
Moorhen numbers have increased substantially
mainly due to increased breeding success,
whereas seabird colonies (White-tailed Tropicbirds
and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters) appear to be
making very modest recoveries.
2 - REPTILES (RE)INTRODUCTIONS AND
POPULATION RESTORATIONS
At the time of purchase of the island, only a handful
Giant Aldabran Tortoises were left on the island,
including the well-known big males Brutus and
Patrick. In 2003, North Island invited Seychellois
to donate animals, and as a result 15 additional
Giant Tortoises arrived on the island. In February
2008, Anonyme Island’s donation of seven Giant
Tortoises was eagerly accepted. After three weeks
of quarantine on the island, the animals were
subsequently released on the western plateau.
Initial concern over the largest male, Harry, often
sleeping on an unlit road, led to the decision to fit
his shell with reflecting stickers to make sure that
drivers would notice him. This only increased his
celebrity amongst visitors!
From December 2005 to March 2006, 11 baby
tortoises, estimated about a month old, were
found. These babies were reared in captivity and,
when large enough to be seen by drivers, released
on the eastern side of the island from October
2008 to September 2009, watched by delighted
guests. A few more babies have been found
subsequently, but the reproductive rate remains
low despite the removal of enemies such as rats
and cats. The current population is estimated to be
between 80 and 100 individuals.
The rat and cat eradications have also substantially
benefited the survival rate of hatchlings of the
Green (Endangered) and Hawksbill (Critically
Endangered) turtle, both of which extensively
use all the beaches of North Island as important
nesting sites.
3 - OTHER ERADICATIONS
Indian Mynahs, alien to the Seychelles, are being
eradicated on several islands, including North
Island. Since its onset in 2006, this eradication
has proven to be very challenging. Most likely
reinvasions from neighbouring islands will continue
occurring, and regular eradications will therefore
have to take place even after an initial eradication.
Eradication commenced again in 2016.
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ecology and environment
WHAT OTHER CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND
RESEARCH ARE BEING CONDUCTED ON
NORTH ISLAND, AND WHO IS MAKING THESE
HAPPEN?
During the Protected Area Project (2011 – 2015)
the rehabilitation aspect was driven and paid for
by the Green Islands Foundation (GIF). Following
the end of the project in June 2015, the island’s
rehabilitation and other conservation projects
are being conducted and overseen by our
Environment and Conservation Department
which works closely together with the Landscape
Department. The Environment Department also
develops, updates, and implements the diverse
biological monitoring programmes, joining with
the Activity Centre’s staff for the marine projects.
Bi-annual marine monitoring is also conducted by
members of GIF, Marine Conservation Society of
Seychelles (MCSS) and Global Vision International
(GVI).
All research projects with partners and visiting
students are initiated and overseen by the
Environment Department.
Intrinsic to all work carried out by the Environment
Department is the ongoing conservation
awareness raising and environmental education
amongst guests and staff, thereby ensuring the
implementation of ecotourism in the truest sense.
Presentations and guided walks/hikes for guests
and lodge personnel, chats to interested guests
and briefings during staff meetings, training of
students and volunteers in field work/ research skills
and producing write-ups for a local conservation
magazine, the Wilderness Safaris Newsletter
and the island’s blog are examples of platforms
used. Educational material has been developed
for use during Wilderness Safaris’ rural children’s
environmental education programme, Children in
the Wilderness, as well as for fun activities with kids
of visitors.
In order to achieve its environmental goals, North
Island has forged several national partnerships.
We work in close cooperation with several
departments of the Ministry of Environment, Natural
Resources & Tourism and the Botanical Gardens
on Mahé. In 2005, North Island and ICS signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) clarifying
the parties’ cooperation in the implementation of
the FFEM-funded project “Rehabilitation of Island
Ecosystems”.
An MOU, signed with PCA in 2006, ensures
continued professional vegetation rehabilitation.
Partnerships with the local NGO GIF (Green
Islands Foundation) for the GEF-funded project
striving towards incorporation of private islands
into the national protected areas system, and the
MFFfunded Coastal Development and Ecosystem
Modelling project respectively, has been captured
in MOUs. Further cooperation with other private
islands, government departments and local and
international NGOs and research institutions is
maintained and expanded.
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ecology and environment
The Environment Department has a crucial role
to play in fostering and maintaining the island’s
excellent relations with all these conservation
partners.
Contributions to national programmes and
databases, by observations and measurements
made on North Island by the environment staff
themselves, or by assisting conservation partners
and by hosting scientific missions, include:
Quantitative recordings of tracks, nest locations,
tag deployment and resightings (movements),
measurements of nesting females and information
on nest hatching success of Green and Hawksbill
Turtles, gathered during daily monitoring patrols,
as partner in the national turtle monitoring
programme. Contributions to overseas DNA
material studies of turtle populations.
Additionally, close cooperation with the resident
chelonian expert has ensured successful active
conservation interventions such as the transferring
of threatened nests and restoration of beach fringe
nesting habitat.
• Vegetation mapping and measurements
of progressing rehabilitation from regular
monitoring missions by PCA and ETH student
assignments. Additionally, the nursery has been
supplying other islands with modest quantities
of native plants.
• Quantitative information on resightings
(survival rates), territories, breeding success and
behaviour of Seychelles White-Eyes through
regular monitoring by ornithological partners.
• Information on resightings and behaviour of
Black Mud Turtles and measurements of water
levels in two wetland habitats, which has been
shared with NPTS, ICS, MCSS and MENRT as
little is known about the species’ ethology.
• Information on nesting frequency at Whitetailed
Tropicbird nests monitored.
• Reptile and bird point counts done by ICS to
measure long-term effects of removal of rats.
• Information on terrestrial invertebrates from
monitoring missions by NPTS, ICS and as part of
a doctoral study.
• Species identifications (marine and terrestrial);
uncommon bird and migratory bird observations
are reported to the Seychelles Birds Records
Committee (Sighting of a corncrake (Crex crex)
on North Island in November 2014 was the
4th recorded sighting for the Seychelles. (The
photographing of a many-eyed snake-eel by our
divers has been a first for the Seychelles and has
been included as such in the database of the
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity).
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ecology and environment
• Information on habitat and species of crabs,
gathered in cooperation with Nature Seychelles
and the South African University of Stellenbosch
during a short-term mission.
• Information on phylogeography and colonisation
patterns of native geckos (short-term mission
for a molecular study by researchers from the
Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade
e Recursos Genéticos, Instituto de Ciências
Agrárias de Vairão, Portugal).
• Geological information from samples taken
during a short-term mission by researchers
of the Norwegian Geological Survey and the
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
• Sightings of endangered Whalesharks,
reported to the Marine Conservation Society of
Seychelles.
• Sea temperature recording (participation a long-
term Indian Ocean study).
• Information on the effects of seasonal weather
patterns on sand movements as a partner in the
former Ministry of Environment’s beach profiling
programme.
• Growth measurements in baby Giant Aldabran
Tortoises, shared with NPTS and other Chelonian
experts.
• Meteorological measurements, shared with
PCA and GIF.
WHAT MAKES NORTH ISLAND AN ECO-FRIENDLY
DESTINATION?
In line with Wilderness’ goal to preserve nature
through ecotourism, we uphold our long-term
commitment towards restoration and conservation
of the island’s precious biodiversity whilst keeping
our footprint minimal. Achieving our North Island
Vision – “To connect our guests, the environment,
the facilities and our staff” – is done by delivering
unique experiences to our guests with minimal
negative impact on the animals, plants or the
natural habitat.
After the purchase of the island, a detailed
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the
proposed development was carried out. The EIA
recommendations fed into the lodge design and
lodge management.
A range of Environmental Management Plans were
developed (i.e. Construction Management Plan,
Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Plan, Fire
Management Plan, Fishing Management Plan and
the Water Conservation Plan) and subsequently
implemented up until today to ensure that daily
activities are run in an environmentally correct
manner.
A new Environmental Management Plan (2016-
2020) has been written for North Island, funded by
the GOS/UNDP/GEF project titled:
“Strengthening Seychelles’ Protected Area System
through NGO Management Modalities.”
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ecology and environment
Environmental rules and procedures, ensuring
minimal impact of the lodge on this island, include
the following:
• Waste management: only organic solid waste
is buried, at one designated area on the island.
All other anorganic waste is shipped off to
the Mahé landfill. In order to minimise our
footprint on Mahé as well, waste is separated
as per Mahé’s recycling capacities. North Island
has been actively participating in a workshop
and meetings with conservation partners
on Mahé to brainstorm on improved waste
management.
• Brown and grey water is collected and treated
in a bacteria-operated sewage treatment plant.
Treated grey water is reused for irrigation.
• Fresh water use is monitored (water levels
and water quality) on a daily basis and the
initial hydrology study was updated in 2009 to
ensure that the aquifer would not be overused
• North Island is one of the Green Turtle
strongholds in the Inner Islands of the
Seychelles, a privilege that requires special
measures as this species nests at night (in
contrast to the Hawksbill Turtle which lays
during the day). Bright lights close the beach
are therefore minimised next to the restaurant
area at East Beach and the Sunset Bar at West
Beach, bonfires are not allowed on the beach
and blinds of villas are kept down to avoid
disturbing Green Turtle egg laying and both
species hatching. The presence of people on
the island has put an end to turtle poaching
on land.
• All staff sign a code of conduct when
taking up employment that includes several
environmental rules. Staff inductions and
subsequent refreshers during staff awareness
raising activities ensure understanding of these
rules.
• A “watch-but-do-not-touch” approach is
strictly adhered to both on land as well as at
sea, ensuring that wild animals are observed
without disturbance. Turtles on the beach are
guarded by trained staff who also assist guests
and other staff members with unobtrusive
observing. No animals are kept in captivity
except for baby giant tortoises while they risk
being undetected during lawn mowing.
• A marine code of conduct is strictly adhered to
by guests and staff.
• Guests and staff are requested not to collect
shells with large openings from the beach,
so as to avoid competition with hermit crabs
which use them as housing.
• The list of animals and plants that we
prohibit from being purchased or caught for
consumption is stricter than legally required
(e.g. it includes sharks, billfish and fruit bats)
as we wish to support long-term sustainable
harvesting.
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ecology and environment

• Materials, used in construction and items

for our boutique, are screened for their
environmental correctness.
• We support the protection of the Takamaka
tree in the Seychelles, and several of our large
trees have been vaccinated against the deadly
Takamaka wilt disease.
• Guest transport on the island is environmentally
friendly: bikes and electricity-powered golf
buggies. The introduction of renewable energy
on the Island is being explored.
• No jetty has been constructed.
• The nature and use of chemicals and pest
control products is strictly proscribed.
• Only low-impact activities are offered.

TO KEEP UPDATED ON OUR ENVIRONMENTAL

ACTIVITIES, PLEASE READ OUR BLOG
WWW.NORTH-ISLAND.COM

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diving and dive center
NORTH ISLAND’S DIVE SITES AND MARINE LIFE
North Island presently has over 20 dive sites, of
which eight are more frequently dived due to their
proximity to the island and the prolific marine life
found there. Most of the sites are around North
Island itself with several more situated around
neighbouring Silhouette Island (approximately
half-hour’s boat ride away). Long-range dives such
as the South Marianne (good for grey reef shark
sightings) and Shark Bank are situated further afield
and are therefore chargeable.
The diving itself is hugely interesting and the sites
offer a range of diverse topographies and sightings
– each site is fascinating in its own way.
The coral life around Seychelles was severely
affected by the El Nino weather phenomenon in
1998 in which many shallow reefs were bleached
(lost their colour and died). However, despite the
bleaching, there is good coral growth on many
of the dive sites as well as a variety of soft and
hard corals that have re-established themselves.
Common coral sightings on our prime sites
are that of daisy coral, lettuce coral, plate coral,
staghorn coral, palmate sea fans and a wealth of
sponge life.
Fish life is abundant around the Seychelles islands
and apart from the array of resident reef fish that
are present on almost all the dive sites, it is also
common to spot large shoals of silver kingfish and
sea-pike as well as giant barracuda, bonito, golden
pilot jacks, wahoo and many other species of the
kingfish family.
Spotted eagle rays are also common sightings
as are humphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse,
whitetip reef sharks, round ribbontail rays,
porcupine rays and the inquisitive orbicular batfish.
The depth of the dive sites range from 5 to
30m. Open Water-certified divers (or equivalent
certification) are permitted to dive to only 18
metres (without further training) while Advanced
Open Water divers (or equivalent certification) are
permitted to dive to a maximum of 30 metres. No
dives are conducted deeper than 30 metres.
Many of the sites allow for multilevel dive planning
and have sloping topography that begin at around
10 metres or so, gently sloping deeper to 24
metres or more.
The water temperature ranges from a minimum
of 24º Celsius from around June to early October
(the winter season) and increases to around 30-
31º Celsius by the end of the summer in March
and April.
While there is seldom current, drift diving
techniques (the dive team’s preferred method of
diving) are conducted on all dive sites, thereby
ensuring minimal impact on the reefs. This also
means that a dive float is towed by the dive leader
so that the skipper of the boat can easily locate
the group at any time – no long swims back to the
boat or shore.
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NORTH ISLAND DIVE SITES IN DETAIL
Of the wealth of dive sites that are available for
North Island guests, the nine listed below are
worthy dive sites for seasoned divers. Those that
have not been included below are very shallow and
would suit less experienced divers or snorkelers.
SPRAT CITY (RATED: 7/10)
• Situated at West Beach, North Island, average depth
ranges between 7 and 21m.
• The big attraction about this site is the abundance
and variety of fish life that teem around three coral
mounds.
• Seasonal shoals of sprats inhabit the reef from
late June, making it virtually impossible to see the
reef, hence the name Sprat City. Other common
sightings are great barracuda, golden pompano,
fulvie kingfish, golden kingfish, regal angelfish,
humphead parrotfish, napoleon wrasse, powder blue
surgeonfish, bluebanded surgeonfish, unicornfish,
white-tip reef sharks, variegated lizardfish, emperor
angelfish and oriental sweetlips. Shoals of gamefish
move in and out, depending on the season and
time of the day. Spotted eagle rays are also a regular
sighting. Coral growth is returning well so that there
are many species of hard coral on this site.
• This dive site is approximately 10 minutes from the
launch area.
THE SPOT (RATED: 9/10)
• Situated near North Island, the average depth is 18-
35m and slopes to greater depths.
• This is an incredibly active dive site that is rated one
of the top sites by the dive team. Strong currents
often prevail here, making it difficult to remain on the
spot. This dive is only recommended for experienced
divers.
• Hard corals can be seen on this dive, such as the
likes of staghorn coral.
• Large shoals of fish move in and out and shark
sightings are almost guaranteed. Large shoals of blue
banded snappers are always seen here, in addition
to many species of the kingfish family. Large round
ribbontail rays are also spotted here.
FISHERMAN’S PLATEAU (RATED: 8/10)
• Situated near North Island, the depth ranges between
18 and 30m, a sloping dive site that attracts life at
18m.
• Similar to The Spot, an abundance of fish life is the
main attraction here. Shark sightings are good. The
kingfish family is a common sighting, with many
varieties within the family being seen. Other regular
sightings are emperor angelfish, powder-blue
surgeons, many species of the butterflyfish family
and blue banded surgeonfish.
• The exciting aspect of this site is that anything can
happen here and the diver merely needs to wait and
be patient. There is plenty of action on this site.
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diving and dive center
MARIA REEF (RATED: 6/10)
• Situated near North Island, the depth ranges between 20
and 40m as the site slopes down greater depths.
• Again, this site has most of the action on the shallower
parts. Bigger fish move in and out whilst the smaller
inhabitants go about their business. Octopi are regular
sightings here. Oriental sweetlips are common as well
as ray activity.
• Coral life is fair.
TENDY BANK (RATED: 6/10)
• Situated near North Island, the laid-back atmosphere of
the site is what gave it the name Hang Ten.
• This has the same type of depth as Outer Banks, ranging
from 20 to 30m, sloping down to greater depths.
• On a good day this site can be very active, but quiet on
others.
TWIN ANCHORS (RATED: 8/10)
• Situated off Silhouette Island, the average depth here is
6-19m.
• In addition to the stunning topography, the other exciting
feature of this site is the coral growth and amount of
coral life.
• There are two anchors lying somewhere in this site and
it is always a challenge to find both.
• From the dive team’s perspective, an exciting encounter
here is the orbicular batfish. Towards one end of the reef
they appear as ghosts and circle the divers for a long
period of time. If divers are quiet and steady enough, the
fish will approach and nibble on their fingers!
• Nudibranches are often seen, along with the Spanish
dancer’s eggs. The odd white-tip reef shark can be seen
as well as green jobfish.
THE ROCK (RATED: 5/10)
• Situated off Silhouette, the average depth here is 2 to
18m.
• This is a large rock that sits very high up in the water,
almost reaching the surface. The attraction here is that
the diver can swim along the massive rock and look up
toward the surface for an interesting “fish-eye’s” view.
• Gamefish are not often seen here but smaller reef fish
are in abundance.
CATHEDRAL (RATED: 8/10)
• Situated off Silhouette, the average depth is 12 to 35M.
• This is a very interesting site, rated very highly by the dive
team. Of interest is the fact that the diver is swimming
alongside granite cliffs that have some major cracks in
them, producing awesome underwater scenery. The
diver is able to swim into the cracks and the sound of the
waves breaking overhead is something to experience.
• Shark activity and gamefish sightings can be expected.
SHARK BANK (RATED: 9/10)
• Situated close to Mahé, the depth ranges from 20 to
27m.
• This is a typical shark dive with sightings almost
guaranteed.
• Other sightings that can be expected are spotted eagle
rays and round ribbontail rays.
• Shoals of gamefish can be sighted here as they move in
from deeper to shallower depths.
• This is an exciting and interesting dive.
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FISH SPECIES AROUND NORTH ISLAND

The following fish species and coral species can be expected on most of the sites:
• Oriental sweetlips • Blue spotted kingfish
• Unicornfish • Yellowtail kingfish
• Powder blue surgeons • Golden kingfish
• Regal angelfish • Fulvie kingfish
• Emperor angelfish • Golden pompano
• Variegated lizardfish • Bigeye kingfish
• Trumpetfish (in an assortment of colours) • Twobar anemonefish
• Smooth flutemouth • Queen coris wrasse
• Devil firefish • Rainbow wrasse
• Broadbarred firefish • Ember parrotfish
• Raggy scorpionfish • Pennant glider – golden headed jawfish
• Crescent-tail bigeyes • Bluebanded surgeon
• Blackspotted sweetlips • Boxfishes
• Striped grunter • Shortspine porcupinefish
• Bluebanded snappers • Corals
• Yellowback fusiliers • Clustered finger corals
• Orbicular batfish • Staghorn corals
• Spadefish • Green tree corals
• Goatfish • Thistle soft corals
• Purple butterflyfish • Palmate sea fans
• Moorish idol • Whip corals

THE DIVE CENTRE

The attraction of diving on North Island is that guests don’t have to do a thing. Diving equipment is
preprepared by Dive Centre staff and is already on board the boat when the guests arrive for their pre-dive
briefing at the Centre. Similarly, guests do not have to disassemble their equipment – again the Dive Centre
staff takes care of this. While on board, the guests hardly have to do anything more than fasten their weight
belts – the skipper will even take the weight of the scuba equipment while the guests amble to the edge
of the boat – it’s the most indulgent way to dive possible!

A qualified PADI Dive instructor or PADI Dive master accompanies all guests on dives and acts as a tour
guide whilst on the dive, thus ensuring that the North Island focus on attention to detail is applied even
underwater. Attention is also given to strict buoyancy control on all dive sites to avoid any accidental
damage to the reefs.
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diving and dive center
North Island has an established Marine Code of
Conduct designed to minimise the impact divers
have on the marine environment as a whole. Several
of these regulations are orientated toward avoiding
impact on the reef itself during the dives and include
a no-touch, no-take policy to ensure that we limit
our effect on the recovering coral reefs.
Only PADI-sanctioned dive courses are taught
on North Island and range from the children’s
Bubblemaker programme (a scuba programme for
8-year-olds and upwards) and the Discover Scuba
Diving (DSD) course, more commonly known
as the Resort Course, through to the PADI Dive
Master level. Night diving is also available and is
qualification- and weather-dependent. Our resident
sponge crab on Sprat City is always a favourite
sighting for a night dive on this site.
Proof of dive qualification is essential in order
to make a dive booking. This can take the form
of the actual dive certification card or the signed
diver’s logbook. Guests who have not dived in 18
months will be required to complete the full PADI
Scuba Review programme, designed to refresh the
knowledge development and the confined water
skill sections of the PADI Open Water course.
Those wishing to complete the Scuba Review
programme or to enrol in other PADI training
courses will be required to complete a PADI Medical
Statement. In order to avoid hassles with questions
arising as to the medical fitness of the diver,
guests should please bring along a recent Medical
Certificate from their doctor verifying specifically
that they are “fit to dive and currently have no pre-
disposing conditions that are incompatible with
diving.”
Student training either takes place in the bay off
Main Beach (water conditions permitting) or in our
stunning, 45-metre infinity swimming pool, which
has a shallow section perfectly designed for small
children and a deep end of approximately 2.5 m.
EQUIPMENT
North Island’s Dive Centre is fully operational
with 16 sets of Seaquest/Aqualung dive gear. Dive
cylinders range in size from 10-litre to 15-litre
aluminium cylinders. 10-litres cylinders are mostly
used for swimming pool lessons and Bubblemaker
for younger divers.
The Dive Centre also stocks Cressi-Sub, Cressi
bigeye,cressi focus and Dive-tek masks, Mares
Aqualang fins(open heel and closed heel fins),
Cressi dive booties and custom-made Cressi-Sub
wetsuits. Weight belts are also provided, along with
dive computers and compasses.
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fishing
NORTH ISLAND FISHING INFORMATION
Shore-, bottom- and deep-sea fishing are available
on North Island. Deep sea fishing has generally
proven more successful and thus more popular and
is covered briefly hereafter. Fly-fishing is also available
for those enthusiasts who do not mind working a
little for their catch. Please bear in mind that all fish
caught from the shore or the rocks around North
Island are strictly on a catch- and-release basis. No
fish caught around the island will be permitted to be
kept and prepared in the kitchen.
DEEP SEA FISHING TRIPS
A half-day fishing trip at North Island is normally
approximately 3 – 4 hours in duration but depends
entirely on the request of the guest. Some trips
incorporate snorkelling at some of our preferred
snorkelling reefs or even a picnic lunch served
on board during the trip – we are flexible in this
regard and the trips can be custom-designed to
suit the guests’ preferences.
FULL DAY FISHING TRIP
Seychelles’ location in the Indian Ocean, within
striking distance of the drop-off into the abyssal
depths, means that it is a fisherman’s paradise.
This spot, near Desroches Island, is renowned as
a big game fishing location and has seen many
people land truly impressive tuna, sailfish, wahoo
and jobfish, as well as a variety of snapper, wrasse
and grouper.
Fishing the drop-off is an exciting and authentic
way to ensure that your on-board lunch begins
memorably, with the freshest sashimi you’ll ever
taste. In keeping with the Noah’s Ark philosophy
of island conservation, we also recognise the
importance of preserving reef habitats and
therefore we do not consume reef species or any
other endangered marine life.
NORTH ISLAND FISHING TRIPS
North Island will provide the following for our
fishing trips:
• Provision of the boat and all required fishing
equipment;
• Experienced skipper and deckhand;
• A set up of at least 4 rods – lures will be
prepared by the crew;
• Harnesses if required;
• Gaffing and storage of fish on board;
• Refreshments and snacks on the boat (as per
guest’s request);
• Beach towels.
Types of fish caught typically include Dorado,
Wahoo, Yellow-fin tuna, Bonito, Barracuda, Job
fish, selected species of Kingfish and Rainbow
runner.We practice strictly catch- and-release
techniques on all members of the billfish family
(i.e. Marlin, Sailfish and Swordfish)Sharks are
also specifically avoided (several shark species
are already protected in the Seychelles) and if
accidentally caught are released immediately.
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north island
gym
On the eastern side of North Island, above the
swimming pool and nestled into the side of the
mountain, is a 10 x 6m air-conditioned gym.
This indoor area includes space for stretching,
cardiovascular and weight training, while an
additional stretching area on the outside deck is also
suitable for the yoga enthusiast.
Overlooking the aquamarine waters of the Indian
Ocean, the facility incorporates a circumference of
glass, framing some of the most spectacular views
on the Island.
GYM EQUIPMENT INCLUDES:
• 2 x Technogym Treadmills – Excite Run
Inclusive model
• 1 x Technogym Stationary Bicycle – Excite Bike
Med model
• 1 x Technogym Kinesis Class (for toning and
weight training)
• 1 x Technogym Crossover – Excite Cardio Step
model
• 1 x Technogym Elliptical Trainer – Excite Cardio
Wave model
• 1 x Technogym Pure Strength Rack with Plates
and Bench
• 2 x Technogym Spinning Bicycles
THE EXERCISES THAT CAN BE DONE ON THE
KINESIS CLASS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
• Upper Body – Chest Press, Row, Arm Extension,
Arm Curl
• Trunk – Trunk Rotation, Downward Trunk
Rotation, Upward Trunk Rotation
• Lower Body – Squat, Lunge
FREE WEIGHTS / DUMBBELLS:
1 pair of each size – in Kilograms: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10,
12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32
ACCESSORIES:
• 3 x Technogym Adjustable Benches
• 2 x Medicine Balls – 3, 5kg Title
• 2 x Technogym Wellness Balls
• 1 x Technogym Wobble Board
• 2 x Technogym Pro-Form Mats
• 2 x Yoga Mats
YOGA
A personalised yoga programme can be created
for you by North Island’s yoga instructor, at extra
cost. Based on Hatha Yoga, this programme can
be done in the comfort of your Villa or at the gym.
Complimentary group yoga classes are run every
morning. Yoga mats are provided.
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north island
kids at play

INDO O R OUTDOOR
CRAFTS BEACH
• Jewellery making • Sandcastles
• Friendship bracelets • Beach Exploration & shell collecting
• Painting/Colouring • Turtle Patrol
• Coconut painting
WATERSPORTS
GAMES • Bubblemaker (8 years & up)
• Board games • Discover Scuba Diver (10 years & up)
• Card games • Swimming
• Memory games • Pool Activities
• Toys • Body Boarding & Surfing
• Hide and seek
• Giant dominoes LANDSPORTS
• Treasure Hunt
“KITCHEN” ACTIVITIES • Croquet
• “Cooking” lesson (in villa) • Beach Tennis
• Cupcake decorating • Bicycle Riding
• Cookies & pancakes • Beach Soccer
• Pizza making at West Beach • Beach Volleyball
• Badminton
OTHER • Basketball (soft ball)
• Movies
• Mini spa treatments EDUCATIONAL
• Walks
• Tortoises & Birds Discovery

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north island
weddings on north
North Island is the perfect, idyllic setting for a
wedding. While we do not offer a “Wedding
Package,” in keeping with our flexible philosophy,
we prefer to handle and arrange each couple’s
request individually and personally, thus tailor-
making specific requirements.
It is our aim to provide a wedding service for our
guests, where the only extra costs incurred will be
in the set-up of the couple’s choice.
All arrangements can be made by North Island. All
extras will then be included in the overall package
then paid to North Island, as the Island will take
care of all arrangements.
THE FOLLOWING LEGAL DOCUMENTS
ARE REQUIRED:
• Birth certificates (certified copy or extract of
an original copy)
• Passports
• Details of name, address and occupation of
both parties and their parents
• If previously married, the decree absolute or
death certificate of the former spouse
• Divorce document if one of the parties is a
divorcee
• Two witnesses (provided by the bride and
groom, or North Island staff members)
• Document to show that there is no
impediment or lawful hindrance to the
intended marriage. (If this cannot be
obtained, an affidavit has to be signed in
Seychelles after a solemn declaration has
been made to that effect.)
• All documents to be translated into English or
French
• All documents to be originals or certified
before departure from one’s home country
The above documents are to be faxed to North
Island prior to arrival and a confirmation from the
Civil Status office is only given upon receipt of
these documents. The latest time for submission
is one full working week prior to the date of the
ceremony. Ceremonies can be held on any day
of the week; there is a slight extra charge for
weddings held at the weekend. Please consult
rates at the end of this sheet.
THE SETTINGS
Our favourite locations are either West Beach
(recommended for late afternoon weddings,
leading into sunset for photographs) or on
the beach in front of the couple’s villa. This is
dependent on the time of the year and the beach
movement and is best decided and discussed with
the couple once on the island.
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north island
weddings on north
We have also utilised the magnificent Villa North
Island (Villa 11) for a beautiful lunchtime ceremony
overlooking the ocean and island. This is perfect for
couples staying here and preferring an alternative
to the beach-style wedding.
For either location, our set-up is very “island style:”
using the palm available built into either an arch or
a pergola and decorated accordingly with flowers.
We surround the area with many tropical flowers,
creating a fairly simple but very natural look. While
we require an idea of the extent of set-up the
couple requires, it is best to work this out with
the bride and groom once they on the island, and
then adding an element of surprise… we have yet
to disappoint!
THE FLOWERS
Flowers for the general set-up are an extra charge,
and include a large number of frangipanis mixed
with spider orchids, birds of paradise and any other
flowers available in the Seychelles at the time.
We mix the flowers that are purchased with flowers
grown on the island and are able to add colour
to the overall green of the palm set-up, such as
colours of deep orange, dark pink and reds. For
those couples wanting specific flowers we are
always happy to arrange a quote for this. However,
as they will need to be imported, the cost will be
considerably higher, due to seasonal availability.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony is conducted by a Registrar from
the Civil Status Office. This can follow the more
traditional format or couples are more than
welcome to make this as relaxed and informal as
they wish. A signed wedding certificate, which can
be written in either English or French, will be ready
a couple of days after the ceremony. Our staff in
Mahé will collect it and bring it to the island for the
couple to take home with them.
Vows can be a simple “I do”, or they can be more
personal and written by the guests themselves.
After the ceremony we also invite the couple to
participate in a sand ritual as a sign of their love
and unity. This is a very special ceremony and
sometimes preferred over the legal one!
We are also able to perform a typical “island style”
ceremony but this will not carry any legal or official
recognition, more appropriate for renewing vows
or a ceremony after the couple have just been to a
registrar’s office in their home country.
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north island
weddings on north
WINING AND DINING
PPrior to the ceremony, and to calm a few last-
minute nerves, we invite the groom (and other
members of the party if present) for a cocktail
either at the West Beach Bar or in their villa.
After the ceremony, we offer champagne (from
the reserve wine list) and suggest that this is the
time to cut the wedding cake. We are happy to
provide the cake at no extra cost and the couple
can discuss their thoughts with our Executive Chef
prior to their arrival or even once on the island.
Wherever the couple decide to get married, we
then offer them a very private dinner to celebrate.
West Beach offers one of our top exclusive
locations for this. Couples (and other guests if
present) can enjoy a sumptuous private BBQ with
such dishes as lobster, beef fillet and freshly-caught
fish all prepared and cooked in their presence. Our
Sommelier will be on-hand to suggest the wines
to compliment the menu chosen for the evening.
However this is by far not the only option. We
typically offer a “spoil, surprise, personalise” concept
on North Island and the couple’s requirements will
always be discussed with the Executive Chef on
their arrival.
We will then design a menu based on what is
available and fresh on the island at the time, which
can be delivered to the couple’s preferred dining
venue for their ‘reception’ dinner – anywhere from
their villa to a dining venue around the front areas.
Again, this is best discussed and decided once on
the island.
PHOTOGRAPHER
At present we suggest using a professional
photographer who is based in Praslin. His work is
of a very high standard and his rates include shots
pre, during and post-ceremony. He is also available
for video work at an additional cost. All work is
in digital format and a couple of days after the
ceremony, the couple will receive a professionally
edited DVD with high resolution photos, including
the same shots in a tastefully composed moving
slide show for viewing while on island.
Some North Island staff can also be available to
take some digital photographs to be downloaded
on to a CD, but bear in mind that they are not
professional photographers.
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north island
weddings on north

HAIR AND MAKE-UP

Our spa therapists are not trained in either hair or make-up, but are prepared to help out, depending on the
bride’s specifications. We can provide some accessories for hairdressing; however it would be advisable
for any decorative items to be provided by the bride. Unfortunately we are unable to provide any make-up
and again this would need to be carried with the bride, should she require our assistance. If something
particular and detailed is required, we can suggest hairdressers from Mahé to come across to North Island
and we would quote on this individually depending on requirements.

Normal spa rates apply.

47
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