1. Fregate Island Private
There’s really only one way to arrive at your own private island in style, and that’s by helicopter, which is what makes Fregate Island such a rockstar entry in our Indian Ocean round-up. Coined as the ‘mini Galapagos’ of the Seychelles, Fregate is a 16-villa secluded oasis - that can be booked individually or as an exclusive whole-island rental - with its three square kilometres of bucolic greenery creating a world-class hideaway.
The island is also home to 3,000 free-roaming Giant Aldabra Tortoises, a private inland harbour and yacht club, and seven beaches, on which you can flip the ‘Beach Occupied’ sign to ensure absolute privacy. The 1,100sqm Banyan Tree Estate is the place to retreat to, sleeping six adults and three children. Tucked away on a peninsula, it’s perfect for private parties, or just those seeking ultimate privacy. On tap will be a private chef, maid, full-board food and drinks and, or course, commanding views from the finest hilltop.
2. North Island
North Island has been on luxury travellers’ radars for years, yet made all-the-more alluring following Prince William and Kate’s honeymoon here in 2012. With a royal seal of approval aside, everyone who steps foot on this private island will be treated like royalty, and with just 11 villas peppered across its rocky shores, you’re in safe hands for some socially-distanced exclusivity. With the North Island epitomising the freedom that true privacy allows, especially with an all-resort takeover, a holiday here will feel like you’ve been marooned in paradise.
With rugged beauty at every turn, lush tropical palms your sentry guards and giant granite peaks dwarfing the vistas, raw nature reigns supreme. To send your five-star radar into over-drive, book Villa North Island (also known as Villa 11), which is perched at the far end of East Beach. Rustic yet decadent, this supremely private escape blends into is natural habitat, as it spreads across multi-tiered levels that cascade onto the beach like a wooden waterfall. From here, eat, drink, be merry and make the most of your Robinson Crusoe idyll.
3. Denis Island
With its own airstrip, those travelling by private plane can touch down at Denis Island and immediately continue their journey of elevated exclusivity. A completely private coral islet of rugged coastlines, guests can truly immerse themselves in nature, with none of its 375 acres off-limits to see and explore.
Barefoot luxury is order of the day, with five-star service from the moment you arrive. Here, the vibe is laid-back, soulful and sustainable. For example, you won’t find a phone signal and there is no in-room internet or cable TV, allowing you to properly unplug from digital distraction and reconnect with life or those around you. Striving for self-sustainability, the resort is also a eco-traveller’s dream, and is teeming with wildlife, both in and out of the water. With an emphasis on farm-to-table food and spa wellness centred around local ingredients, purity is key. Stay in a beach villa with its private beachfront, wine cellar, dining pavilion, plunge pool and al fresco shower and let Denis Island’s pared-back luxury fully embrace you.
4. Four Seasons Desroches Island
At Four Seasons Seychelles at Desroches Island there is nothing to distract you from its idyllic tranquility, save for the sound of birds singing and a gently kissing ocean breeze. An intimate castaway retreat for those who have struck gold, Desroches is easygoing exclusivity at its finest. A blend of traditional Creole architecture offset against contemporary design, natural wood features throughout, creating a natural, organic ambience that says ‘stay a little longer’.
Days should be spent languishing amid the coralline waters, snorkelling with reef sharks, befriending the island’s resident tortoises, dining at The Lighthouse or Claudine, and succumbing to wellness sensory rituals at the spa, all before turning down the sheets in your Desroches Two-Bedroom Suite. With its three terraces, private pool, freestanding deep soaking tub, and perfect, beachfront views of the endless Indian Ocean, this will indeed do just right.