Approaching by helicopter (20 mns flight from Mahe), your first view of Fregate Island Private takes your breath away.

A tiny emerald isle floating in sparkling seas and encircled by a coral reef - it's that island paradise you've always dreamed of. Up close it's even lovelier.

A beach for every day of the week, a fragile forest ecosystem and the ultimate privacy of your villa make Fregate's island fantasy your reality.

This is one of the most exclusive island addresses in the Seychelles, a truly sophisticated and romantic luxury hideaway quite literally in a world all of its own, with a special welcome for honeymooners.

Its lush vibrant contours, covering an area of just a mile in length and less than a mile wide, are yours to explore in your own 'golf buggy'.
The dense vegetation of coconut palms, takamaka bamboo and sangdragon trees are home to rare wildlife species that include a colony of giant tortoises.

Hilltop idylls
Fregate Island's 16 thatched Villas offer possibly the best accommodation in Seychelles.
The elegant Asian-styled pavilions (air-conditioned) are positioned on bluffs above or between two dazzling beaches so as to catch the sun's rays from dawn to dusk.

14 Villas have spectacular ocean panoramas, whilst 2 are in private gardens and perfect for families.

Richly furnished in Indonesian style with much use of hand-carved wood, Thai silk furnishings, Egyptian cotton, antiques and Asian artwork, each interior boast Balinese teak daybeds and a mahogany four-poster bed with mosquito netting.

A spacious open-air foyer opens out onto a grand living room and large bedroom, all with glass walls which slide back to allow the outdoors in.

Villas have two bathrooms (one with bath and both with inside/outdoor showers) and furnished verandahs. Facilities include satellite TV, in-room DVD and stereo with CD player.

The large sundeck, linked by deck or steps, leads to a secluded private jacuzzi and gazebo-style daybed area with dazzling Indian Ocean views.

Home grown-cuisine
Fregate's garden, plantation and surrounding ocean provide the raw ingredients for gourmet meals; the chef will even prepare fishermen's catch of the day.

International dishes are served at Fregate House.
Pirates Bar, situated next to the pool, serves light lunches, snacks and a tasty fresh fruit punch, whilst Plantation House creates Creole specialities on certain days.

Alternatively you can opt to dine in the privacy of your villa or enjoy a picnic on the beach.

Natural diversions
While many guests find the relaxing atmosphere of Fregate Island Private perfect for doing nothing, the lure of the beach might be strongest: fresh towels await you there when you succumb; as does a waiter, ready to take your order.

For the more energetic - there are plenty of activities:
Mountain bikes, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, fishing and snorkelling are all complimentary for guests.

Learn-to-dive courses and 'Bubblemaker' dive courses for children aged 8-11 are available at extra cost.

To help you discover the unparalleled wildlife, island ecologists are on hand to guide hikes through the tropical jungles and along the rugged coastline.

There's also a fully equipped gym, a freshwater 'horizon' swimming pool set in a natural rock basin, an extensive air-conditioned library, boutique and a children's game room.

Golfers can head to the golf course on nearby Praslin Island.

The 47-foot luxury teak launch, Bemfujjo, is ideal for excursions out to sea, or you can go game fishing on the 37-foot Little Frégate Bird.
Her sister vessel, the 43-foot motor yacht Frégate Bird, is also available for charter.
Bring home your catch of the day and one of the chefs will serve it to you for dinner.

Instruction and certification in scuba diving and snorkelling is available at the PADI-certified dive center.

To the north of Fregate Island is Chimney Rocks, one of many popular diving locations where you can explore the dazzling underwater world that encircles the island.

You can mountain bike your way along trails that cross the island, go Hobie Cat sailing, book a sunset cruise or simply stay at home and have a massage on your deck.

And don't worry - there is a babysitting service.

All Photographs Courtesy of Frégate Island Private