I’m excited. Because although my next goals are close together, they are very different in type and character. Both have in common their home in the Indian Ocean, and both are among the destinations from which island dreams are made – with snow-white sandy beaches, turquoise bays, lush green coconut palms and ancient giant turtles. The two luxury resorts I have the pleasure of visiting here both have the gift of reading every wish from the eyes of the guest. And that’s the difference: On North Island, a uniquely exclusive private experience awaits me in the nature reserve, wonderful enjoyment in the midst of tropical gardens on Mahé.
The Aldabra turtle leisurely makes its way towards a shady spot. Considering that she is about 180 years old, one can understand her serenity. I notice how peace and relaxation also spread within me. The journey itself had already been quite pleasant – in Business Class from Turkish Airlines from Zurich via Istanbul to the main island of Mahé and on with a comfortable 15-minute helicopter transfer by Zil Air directly to this untouched island paradise. North Island is a private Seychelles island dedicated to sustainable luxury tourism. It is part of the portfolio of Wilderness Safaris, the environmental protection organisation and eco-luxury safari company, which focuses on gentle tourism. On North Island, a harmonious combination of protected unspoilt nature and luxurious accommodation is achieved. There are only eleven guest villas on the island, which is about the size of Monaco. Embedded in a paradisiacal scenery of palm forests, crystal clear water, white sand and the typical granite rocks – in each villa, one can enjoy 450 m2 of spacious elegance distributed over different buildings. The master bedroom with a magnificent sea view can be opened on three sides via glass fronts, the adjoining bathroom is also open, but not visible from outside. A living room with lounge area and entertainment centre, as well as a kitchenette, a dressing room and a private terrace with pool and a covered deck with daybed and deck loungers, are available. The rainforest outdoor shower offers wonderful refreshment. Flora and fauna unfold their splendour all around, which you can see and feel, smell and taste – for example, on the dinner deck, where fresh ingredients from the island’s own vegetable and herb gardens find their way into the varied cuisine. What can I say? North Island is a unique Robinson-Crusoe hideaway and barefoot paradise. If you are looking for a truly natural experience, dream beaches and solitude, if you want to experience luxury in a casual, somewhat less perfect way, you will find the ideal destination here.
Turkish Airlines
Turkey’s leading airline is one of my preferred airlines, both in Europe and on long-haul routes. The service on board and in the lounge is really superb, and the meals on board are excellent. Even though this Turkish-Airlines flight to and from the Seychelles used older aircraft models to fly to this very exclusive destination – the staff in business class were as friendly, committed and service-oriented as ever.
www.turkishairlines.com
Wilderness Safaris
With North Island, the environmental organisation, which is also a safari tourism company, has once again proven that tourism can be unimpactful, that luxury and environmental protection, sustainability and economy are indeed very compatible. The uniqueness of extraordinary wildlife and nature regions makes Wilderness Safaris not only in the Seychelles, but also in approximately 50 camps and lodges in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Rwanda and Kenya well worth the experience.
www.wilderness-safaris.com
Zil Air, Seychelles
If you are looking for a fast, comfortable and luxurious transfer service to the Seychelles, Zil Air is the one for you. This small but sweet company is a premium provider for transfers or island hopping in this island paradise and uses an exclusive fleet of three modern Eurocopter helicopters and a twin-engine Vulcan Air aircraft. Experienced, skilled pilots, as well as first-class, friendly service, are a matter of course when booking.
www.zilair.com
Mason's Travel, Seychelles
What could be better than a local partner who has so much expertise and knows so much about the destination? Even better if it contributes to your unforgettable holiday moments. Mason’s Travel is just such a partner – specialising in the Seychelles, you can book transfers, plan your wedding, go on a private day trip with a guide or a boat tour. Ideally networked, with a high level of expertise and outstanding commitment, your every wish will be fulfilled and the impossible made possible.
www.masonstravel.com
