North Island in the Seychelles is an oasis of calm, offering each guest a private villa to call their own.

In 1998, Cape Town architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens first visited North Island and by 2001 they lived on site with their two children; designing and creating the staff and sample villa. Their design celebrates nature with small details like the outdoor showers allowing guests to feel the night air or dining on the beach with feet in the sand. North Island was finished in July 2003. It has hosted many prestigious guest including Prince William and Kate for their honeymoon in 2011.

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Materials

The original island buildings, originally a coconut plantation and copra furnace, were renovated to make the library and dive centre. Indigenous Takamaka trees were used to create the villas structure and smaller details such as handrails, showers, screens and root pergolas. Casuarina trees, an invasive species to the Seychelles were removed during construction and used to make furniture. The decks were made from sandblasted pine from South Africa and Banuas a chunky hardwood was used for the upright columns in the bedrooms. Other materials include Rosewood, Teak, Giant Bamboo as well as copper and brass. The materials of North Island’s construction have so much texture and natural synergy, such as the beachrock curtains that create privacy at the outdoor showers, the ylang ylang roofing grass, sandstone in the kitchenettes and the extensive use of Seychelles granite rock.

Villa Design

The essence of luxury is captured in the sheer indulgence of abundant volume - space is life’s big luxury. Each villa is a private domain allowing guests to surround themselves with all the features and experiences that they are acquainted to. Guests enter via a ramp at the rear and are immediately greeted by the panoramic view of the ocean. This outdoor room contains a comfortable couch and dining table as well as sandstone hanging drinks tables. The main bedroom has a small lounge area, dressing room and the a locally hand-crafted bed. The bathroom is more of a bathhouse with a large bath for two, huge vanity area and two large mirrors. We love the sala for relaxing next to the plunge pool and the outdoor shower pours out of a log instead of a shower head.

Interior Design

Understated elegance and authenticity is the hallmark of South African interior design firm LIFE, who texture the interiors of North Island with mindful creativity. Textures are tactile - rock, cork, sandstone, silk, cadiz shell, velvet, cotton and copper. Raw nature appears throughout, such as weathered wood, smoothed rock, granite walls and mother of pearl chandeliers. Tones and hues are subtle; sage, beige, stone, chalk, coral, sand, turquoise and aqua.

North Island is one of the finest private island in our Private Islands Collection. It is available for exclusive use as well as partial rental; a naturally crafted paradise, fully staffed and featuring plenty of luxury facilities and experiences. We look forward to arranging your North Island stay, please do get in touch.

Art de Vivre is proud to announce its new luxury Private Island Collection. These islands feature exclusive-use rentals, often with their own endemic ecosystem and unique experiences for their prestigious guests. These island paradises are an unrivalled luxury escape for the adventurous traveller.

Cousine Island, Seychelles

As one of the smallest of the Seychelles islands, Cousine offers unparalleled privacy and seclusion to its visitors. With only four luxury villas on the entire island, and some of the most stunning views of untouched nature in the world, Cousine Island is a must visit for lovers of uninterrupted natural beauty.

As well as being home to beautiful flora and fauna, Cousine Island hosts a variety of native animals, including lizards, turtles and birds. Visitors will be sharing the island with twelve Aldabra giant tortoises, and many extremely rare and exotic Seychelles birds, including the warbler, the blue pigeon and the sunbird.

Cousine is one of the most conservation-friendly islands in the world. It is managed by the non-profit Nature Seychelles, and part of the profit from each stay at our Cousine Island villa goes towards conserving the island.

Coco Privé, Kuda Hithi Island, Maldives

Of the 1192 islands that make up the Maldives, Kuda Hithi Island is one of the most beautiful. The island prides itself on being among the most exclusive in the world, reserved only for the lucky few who seek it out and choose to stay.

At Coco Privé, visitors can walk across the white sandy beaches and soak in the sun by the azure sea or relax and unwind at the island’s luxurious private spa. Those who are feeling a little more adventurous can observe the island’s exotic colourful sea life while snorkeling, or ride the waves on a surfboard, jet ski or kayak.

North Island, Seychelles

Much like Cousine, its Seychelles cousin, North Island is gorgeous and secluded with stunning beaches and views of the Indian Ocean. The people on the island are also equally dedicated to conserving the natural environment, which features abundant rare wildlife and plants.

The proprietors of North Island are extremely passionate about the wellness of their guests. The island has a spa that takes a holistic approach to rejuvenating the mind, body and soul. Where better to do that than on a private island, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the everyday stress of modern life?

Miavana, Madagascar

A stunning new exclusive-use private island located off the coast of Nosy Ankao. There are fourteen one, two and three bedroom villas decorating the western coast. With wild beaches, incredible diving, fishing, helicopter tours and a world class spa, Miavana brings a new level of luxury adventure to the Indian Ocean. Designed by Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, who also designed the award-winning North Island, Seychelles and Leobo Observatory Villa.

All aspects of design, construction and the management of the lodge have been created with the environment, local wildlife and regeneration of native plants in mind. Restoring the ecosystem by replanting trees endemic to the island has become an important role for the island. Conserving endemic species of wildlife prevents these rare and exclusive animals from becoming endangered. Community work that the estate has focused on includes building a local school and teaching sustainability. Solar, wind and Biomass energy is used to power the island to achieve an independent renewable resource for the villas’ delicate and isolated environment.

Thanda Island, Tanzania

Opening to guests this month, Thanda Island is perhaps the most exclusive private island in the world. Ten years in development, Thanda Island will give visitors the chance to swim with whale sharks and watch nesting sea turtles in a private marine reserve.

Thanda Island is located off the coast of Tanzania, in a very secluded location giving guests complete privacy in their personal paradise. The island’s sole villa sleeps up to ten guests, plus children, and has dedicated staff, catering to your every need. Excursions to other islands will be available, though Thanda Island should be varied and exciting enough for even the most experienced private island visitor.

Our Private Island Collection is the perfect inspiration for a unique and beautiful holiday in the Indian Ocean; the most untouched paradises, fully staffed and featuring plenty of luxury facilities and experiences. We look forward to arranging your island stay, please do get in touch.

Luxury and Simplicity at North Island Seychelles