The Seychelles’ exclusive North Island has already received the seal of approval from celebrity couples, including Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, George and Amal Clooney and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Its first-class credentials were elevated further last month when it became part of Marriott’s The Luxury Collection, a group of 120 spectacular independent hotels and resorts around the world.
With just 11 villas created from reclaimed materials and a strong focus on conservation and sustainability, North Island is the ultimate retreat for the ‘New Purposeful Luxurian’; a new breed of luxury traveller that Marriott’s global brand officer and luxury portfolio leader, Tina Edmundson, says will play an increasingly important role in the future of luxury travel.
“It is a breed of travellers which could be described as more proactive, progressive and looking to affect positive change, all while still delighting in the indulgence of global exploration,” she explains. “They want the comfort of luxury travel but are looking for deeper meaning and more impactful experiences.” According to Edmundson, the New Purposeful Luxurian considers travel as a means to improve physical and mental wellbeing, a means to create an emotional relationship with a place and as a means to do good; three interests which are particularly prevalent among younger travellers.
North Island is home to four picturesque beaches dotted with the Seychelles’ iconic granite boulders, criss-crossed with the trails of nesting Hawksbill and Green Turtles. Acres of palm forest are home to Aldabra Giant Tortoise and rare Seychelles White-Eye birds, both of which are the subject of pioneering conservation programmes. Guests can look out for the island’s myriad wildlife and discover its surrounding waters on guided excursions, or explore the network of forest trails at their own pace on foot or by bicycle.
North Island Spa is central to the experience, with a welcome treatment upon arrival (via helicopter or speedboat) and a personal consultation to create a bespoke programme of spa experiences to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Prices start from
US $6,000 per night.
www.north-island.com