One of the world’s most exclusive island destinations - North Island Seychelles - is known for its natural beauty, emphasis on privacy and its renowned approach to barefoot luxury and personalized service. North Island is also a pioneer in the field of ecotourism and enviromental responsibility.

Originally purchased with the aim of restoring the unique biodiversity of the Seychelles to the island, North Island has become a rehabilitation success story in the Seychelles. The Noah’s Ark project, North Island’s conservation plan, was set into action to reverse the damage caused on the island due to decades of direct and indirect human intervention. A series of native species were successfully introduced whilst pests and harmful non-native animals and plants were eradicated to create the necessary enivornment for the reintroduced species to thrive. These efforts were further recognised with the awarding of the prestigious National Geographic World Legacy Award in the category of Conserving the Natural World earlier this year.

In 2005, North Island successfully completed the eradication of the black ship rat; a difficult feat and a huge milestone in the rehabilitation effort that now makes North Island the world’s largest tropical island with hills in the world that has been successful in this suppression. In addition to this, North Island was also successful in reintroducing the critically endangered Seychelles White-eye Bird as well as Giant Aldabran Tortoises and Black Mud Turtles. Latest census information shows that the Seychelles White-eye population has quadrupled since it was first introduced in 2007 while the population of the Giant Aldabran Tortoises is estimated to be around 100. Native bird species such as the Seychelles Blue Pigeon and the White-tailed Tropic birds have returned to island with an increase in nesting on North Island’s shores which is further evidence of the program’s success.

North Island’s vision is to create unique luxury experiences for guests connecting them with nature and the environment surrounding them whilst maintaining its commitment to restoring and conserving the island’s biodiversity with a low environmental footprint. The guest villas and common areas were constructed using reclaimed wood and trees found on the island whilst strict waste management and water treatment and consumption monitoring procedures are in place to ensure minimal impact to the surrounding habitat.

“We are very proud of what we have achieved so far and the results we are demonstrating are a testament to the entire team’s efforts in both the luxury tourism as well as conservation sectors. There is still a lot to be done to fully rehabilitate the island but we are certain that we will eventually get there and hopefully continue to assist other islands in doing the same,” commented Bruce Simpson, Managing Director, North Island Seychelles.

Rates at North Island start at €5,835 ($6,895.7) per night exclusive of VAT.

Children under the age of 17 sharing the second bedroom are free of charge. For young adults aged 17-19 sharing the second bedroom, the rate is €640 ($756.3) per night, exclusive of VAT. - TradeArabia News Service