One of my favorite places in the world, Fregate Private Island lies just four degrees south of the equator, accessible easily by a scenic 20 minute flight from Mahe. It is a spectacularly beautiful island, rising 125 meters out of the Indian Ocean, like the bird after which it is named, Frégate symbolizes tropical paradise at its most inspirational. Fregate Island Private covers three square kilometers and is the most remote and secluded of the Seychelles granite islands.

Boasting seven white beaches and vibrant coral reef. No more than 40 guests at a time, which helps preserve the island’s unique flora, fauna, and natural beauty. I spent many afternoons at the Rock Spa perched on a clifftop plateau over the sea. Treatments stem from India, Australia and Polynesia, all use locally grown ingredients. Afterwards, relax with a cool coconut-milk drink and enjoy the expansive views of the Indian Ocean.

Quick Facts

Accessibility

Accomodations

Frégate has 16 villas, restricting the number of guests to a maximum of 40 at any one time. The island remains exclusive to its guests – no day visitors are allowed – with each villa positioned to ensure ultimate privacy.

The villas are built of native mahogany and blend harmoniously into the natural surroundings. The tropical feel of the buildings is deliberately casual. Each villa has a large terrace with a day bed and jacuzzi as an extension of the living area. The light and spacious interior houses colonial-style furniture and state-of-the-art technology.

Food and Drink

During the 16th and 17th centuries, seeking shelter following their raids, pirates made fregate their home. The island would have provided them with everything they needed: secret hideaways, fresh water and an abundant supply of food. Their stories are told in the museum housed in the Plantation House. In the evening, the Plantation House turns into a romantic restaurant serving traditional Creole dishes and island specialities. This historical building evokes memories of the island’s past and is a wonderful venue for open air dining.

The alternative dining venue is Frégate House, where a gourmet menu features the Chef’s daily selection of local produce. Dining is available on the lower terrace and also in the restaurant. Guests can also dine in the privacy of their own villa or at the Beach Bar at Anse Bambous.

Activities

Frégate Island offers a host of activities on, in and under the water. There are two freshwater pools and seven beaches – one of which, Anse Victorin, is renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Discover another world while snorkeling, explore the ocean aboard a hobie
cat or kayak, go game fishing aboard the island’s launches, Fregate Bird and Little Fregate or take a boat trip to explore a remote island.

For those who prefer to stay ashore there is a fully equipped gym and an extensive library. Guests can also climb Mount Signal, with a summit of 125 meters, or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Seychelles aboard a helicopter or a small aircraft.

For the Kids
Frégate’s Cast Away Club keeps younger guests entertained with outdoor activities, crafts and cookery that immerse them in their own tropical island fantasy.

The Castaway Club is for children between 5 to 12 years of age. The Castaway Clubhouse is the meeting place for Frégate Island’s Castaway kids. Importantly, it is a platform to educate and teach the kids (and parents) about the environment and conservation of our natural heritage. This is a rustic structure above Frégate House, and it’s from here that all the activities will be co-ordinated. The clubhouse offers games, videos, craft material, books and much more.

The Rock Spa

The Rock Spa is a haven of serenity, perched on a cliff-top plateau overlooking the sea.
Entered through a granite canyon, flanked by freshwater pools and cascading waterfalls, the spa celebrates the island’s unique surroundings and embraces all elements of nature.

Weddings

Frégate’s stunning natural beauty, soft tropical air and relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect destination for a paradise wedding. And with dedicated staff ready to co-ordinate every detail and fulfill even the most demanding wish, getting married on the island is a dream scenario from start to finish.

Frégate has a host of beautiful venues to choose from including a traditional and intimate chapel, the summit of Mount Signal, seven pristine beaches and a luxury yacht. Every detail will be taken care of, from administering all documents to arranging make-up artist, stylist, florist, Creole band and tailored menu. All that is left for the bride and groom is to relax and enjoy their perfect day.

Boutique Shop

The boutique collection is exclusively designed for our guests to take home to remember their unique experience on Frégate Island. All items have the highest quality materials and the finest craftsmanship.

These include:

1. A collection of Frégate Island Private branded fashions and accessories
2. An exclusively designed, hand painted, batik and embroidered clothing, sandals and accessories for adults and children.
3. Zentoosh shawls or the “fabric of the gods”
4. Swimwear from top designers
5. Frégate Island Private grown and bottled Frégate Island Private Plantation jams and chutneys
6. Frégate Island Private bottles oils from The Rock Spa
7. Exquisitely crafted Mother of Pearl, horn, shells with silver homeware
8. Books and postcards

Authentic Seychellois inspired design, our exclusive collection of diamonds, tanzanite, pearls and 18K jewelry is one of a kind opportunity.

Visit the gallery collection represented by talented artwork of renown artists living in the Seychelles.
These include Camille Mondon, George Camille, Michael Adams and Jules Berard.

Getting There

The easiest way to Frégate Island from Mahé is via the air. The helicopter is for 6 people maximum and costs from 969 Euro one way. The twin-engine ‘Twin Otter’ is for 20 people maximum and costs from 1,070 Euro one way. All flights are managed by independent companies, ‘Helicopter Seychelles’
and ‘Air Seychelles’ and are subject to change without prior notification.

Marina
Fregate’s Yacht Club, Marina and PADI Dive Centre are situated on the lower plateau of the island, opposite the plantation. Sailing and motorboats take guests to the numerous dive sites around the
island. The marina overlooks a turquoise lagoon, protected by a small reef which restricts the waves and makes the beach here particularly safe for swimmers, snorkelers and beginner divers.

Worth Knowing

Internet:
An individual Internet connection (high speed Broadband) is available free of charge for your personal laptop directly from your villa. A computer is also available in the Library for your convenience.

Mobile Phone:
Most mobile phones are supposed to work on the island as long as the phone has International Roaming capabilities. Reception can be interrupted on the island with it being a granite island, but around the main guest areas (lobby etc.) the signal is adequate. Dual or tri-band mobile phones can be used. The user will be able to use the network of Airtel (sms available) or the Seychelles net Seycell (no sms available).

Credit Cards:
The hotel accepts American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and Visa.

Fitness Center:
Enjoy the facilities and services of our air-conditioned Fitness Centre in a relaxing and peaceful ambience overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Fitness Centre is equipped with a variety of machines to suit all abilities and is open 24 hrs. Fully operable fitness equipment includes reclining cycle, upright cycle, climb/stair machine, indoor seated rowing machine, free weights, weights machine and treadmill. There are also a number of pleasant and challenging outdoor running paths.

Rates

DAILY RATES 2008/2009 Rates are per person per night, miniumum occupancy 2 persons Including Fullboard (incl. non-alcoholic beverages only) Rates are subject to 10% tax and 10% service charge

1 Bedroom Villa – from Euro 1,300
2 Bedroom Villa – from Euro 1,925

Facilities

• Two Restaurants (Frégate House, Plantation House)
• Two Bars (Pirate’s Bar, Anse Bambous Beach Bar)
• Wine Cellar with dining facilities
• Award winning ‘Rock Spa’
• Marina with PADI Dive Centre and Yacht Club
• Fully equipped Fitness Centre (air-conditioned)
• Tennis Court
• Two Freshwater Swimming Pools – Small Relaxation Pool and Active Lap Pool (25 metres) with Jacuzzi
• Plantation and Hydroponics
• Giant Tortoise Nursery
• Castaway Kids Clubhouse (seasonal kids program)
• Children’s Playgrounds and Children’s Bay
• Island Boutique and Gallery
• Library with DVD, Books, Board Games and Music