Frégate Island Private offers everything for which the Seychelles is famous and a whole lot more besides. It’s the most remote and secluded of the Seychelles granite islands and amongst its natural attributes you’ll find giant tortoises, flying foxes, rare magpie robins and no less than seven different beaches protected by huge granite barriers. The exclusive hotel that has been dropped right in amongst this Eden-esque landscape also comes with a successful conservation programme that makes it just as much of a perfect fit for nature-loving families as it is for romance-seeking couples.

The hotel’s own architectural style has been borrowed from the Far East, the native mahogany woods and thatched roofs blending harmoniously with the towering coconut palms. All sixteen villas are positioned to ensure premium views and absolute privacy, their interior décor charmingly colonial in style and their sizes ranging between a generous 300 to 400 square-metres. Satellite TVs, CD/DVD players, internet facilities and private pools with Jacuzzis cater for most requirements; private butlers on hand to take care of every other little whim and fancy.

Yet it is still the ocean that takes pride of place here, all the buildings overlooking it and most leisure pursuits centred upon it.Water sports, scuba-diving and boat excursions from the private marina are all on offer here (the time of the year dictating which activities are best), with the two swimming pools and cliff-top Rock Gym and Rock Spa catering for those wishing to keep in shape both mentally and physically. And it would certainly be a pity not to take advantage of the guided nature walks run by the island’s very own ecologist – you might come across one of the unique Coco de Mer palms and, if you’re particularly lucky, a nesting Hawksbill turtle.

Good fortune is a given when it comes to dining, of course, Creole delicacies and international cuisine both on the menus of the Frégate or Plantation House restaurants, most of the fruit, vegetables, salads and herbs homegrown on the island and harvested daily. Yet why not dine in romantic seclusion on your sundeck, atop the tree house or even on the beach, perhaps sparing a moment to drink a toast to others not so fortunate?

ACCOMMODATION: 16 VILLAS.
ACCESS: 20 MINUTES BY HELICOPTER FROM MAHÉ.
CHILDREN: WELCOME, WITH THEIR OWN CLUB.
7 NIGHTS: FROM £11,360 P.P. IN THE HIGH-SEASON (£1,385 P.P.P.N.) & £9,675P.P.
IN THE LOW-SEASON (£1,355 P.P.P.N.).
MEAL PLAN: FULL-BOARD.
SPECIAL OFFERS: FREE NIGHTS.