A large number of reefs within the inner granitic islands of the archipelago of Seychelles could be entirely lost, unless concerted action is taken soon to control crown of thorns, warns Dr. Udo Englhardt, the expert on on the management of crown of thorns in a...
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Fregate Island
Frégate Island is in the easternmost of the granitic Inner Islands of the Seychelles, east of Mahé. It has an area of 2.07 square kilometres. It was named by explorer Lazare Picault after the abundance of frigate birds on the island. The island is an hour by ferry or 20 minutes by helicopter from Mahé.
A German industrialist leased Frégate, and started comprehensive restoration measures. In 1998, the island’s only resort opened, which now belongs to the Oetker Collection, undoubtedly one of the finest hotel chains in the world.
A modernisation programme in 2014 improved its sustainability infrastructure with a water bottling plant and state of the art energy generators, and also the renovation of 16 villas. The 200 years of intensive agricultural practices during the plantation era almost completely cleared the native woodland. So, the conservation team are restoring the natural habitat and have replanted over 10,000 indigenous trees including the very rare Wrights Gardenia, as well as the Indian Mulberry.
Seychelles magpie robin which was on the way to extinction was resurrected by the conservation team. Its population increased from 14 in 1980 to 120 in 2016.
The beaches are also the nesting habitat for two species of sea turtle: the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle and the endangered Green Turtle. Over 2,200 Aldabra giant tortoises are the island.
Fregate Island upgrade
Fregate Island was closed from the beginning of 2022 for 2 years in order to carry out some critical conservation and upgrading work. The 18 villas in the island are being redesigned to be slightly larger and to be made out of glass, stone and light wood. Partial use of solar energy will minimize fossil fuel energy consumption. A new road system and upgraded building infrastructure will ensure the island operates even more sustainably.
The Conservation & Sustainability department will continue to oversee all aspects of the island’s environment from habitat management, landscaping, bio security, pesticide use and scientific research as well as studies and projects in cooperation with different NGO’s.
Fregate Island highest point
The highest point on the island is called Mount Signal which reaches a peak of 125 metres. The Riviére Bambous flows from approximately 300 metres north-east of the mountain where it flows down past the Gros Bois Noire and Plaine Magnan areas of the northern inner island and then acutely northeast until it reaches the Indian Ocean
Fregate Island Beaches
Seven beautiful beaches provide plenty of opportunities for sun worshiping. Enjoy a stretch of sand all to yourself by simply flipping the “beach occupied” sign at the entrance to the clifftop path.
Anse Victorin beach in the island was voted “The World’s Best Beach” by The Times. Beaches on the north coast include the award-winning Anse Victorin beach, Anse Maquereau and then Anse Bambous. On the western point there are La Cour, the Grand Anse, Petit Grande Anse and the small beach Anse Felix. On the southeastern coast there are the small beaches of Anse Coup de Poing and Anse Parc.
Fregate Island Poolside
There are two large communal palm-fringed infinity pools. Each villa has its own private infinity pool and Jacuzzi, reached via a wooden staircase.
Fregate Island Accommodation and facilities
The island can be privatised for up to 79 guests. There are 2 restaurants, a spa, a yacht club, a library, a Catholic chapel and museum. Transport is by golf buggy, bicycle or foot. Facilities are extensive, including a dive centre, deep sea fishing boat, surfing, kayaking, and a host of other water sports options.
Creole and African cuisine is served up in the main Fregate House restaurant, while barbecues with live entertainment are held regularly in the colonial-style Plantation House. Pirates bar beneath the thatched roof provides a variety of drinks and cocktails.
Special facilities include Marina with yachting club, PADI diving center, scuba diving and certification, fishing equipment, water ski, boat charters as well as massages and treatments at the Rock Spa are available for a fee. The spa treatments might include a lemon and cinnamon immune-boosting scrub, a hydrating coconut and avocado body mask or a soothing scalp massage with hibiscus and holy basil.
Each villa comes with its own golf cart to help you navigate the island. Each night, your vehicle is charged, packed with fresh towels and water bottles, and parked facing the ocean, so all you have to do is hop in. Butler service comes standard here. Your helping hand will be as attentive or elusive as you wish.
About 80 percent of the produce used at the Seychelles hotel is organically grown on the island.
Guide to budget travelers to Seychelles
Seychelles islands are rich in tropical plants including coco-de-mer. You can see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and spot various species numerous tropical birds. It is a major attraction for bird lovers on Bird Island.
Bird Island is the northernmost island in the Seychelles archipelago, 100 km from Mahe.
When you visit Seychelles as a tourist if you need cheap accommodation this is a guide for budget travelers. There are plenty of budget Seychelles accommodation to choose from Seychelles islands. Enjoy the community tourism and experiencing Seychelles culture at its best. Here are some of the accommodation suitable for budget travelers.
Dan Kazou is located in Island named La Digue and it is a family run self catering service. It has two bed rooms with a kitchenette. It has a veranda and is located close to the beach. They provide bicycles on request and you can contact them on;
- tel : + 248 2 56 45 89
- fax + 248 4 23 50 79 and
- their email address is [email protected]
Garden hut is located in the Island of Mahe in Mt Posee Road Mahe in Au Cap District and it has one room only and it is ideal for general guests. It has a garden and it is only 10 minutes drive to the most popular Fairland and Anse Royale beaches. You can contact them on;
- tel: + 248 4 41 55 46 and
- their email address is [email protected].
La Casa Sorento has 4 rooms located in Sorento , Glacis only minutes away from the Beau Vallon Beach. This is air-conditioned accommodation and equipped with a kitchen , living room and two master bed rooms on ground floor and two bedrooms on the top floor with bathroom and balcony with ocean view. It is in close proximity to the main road walking distance from shops and restaurants. They will also offer you spa treatment and car rental service on your request. You can contact them on;
- telephone + 248 426 12 71.
- Their e-mail address is [email protected]
Vila Verte is located in Anse Gulette La Digue in La Digue island and it has three rooms .It has a large veranda runs across the front of the house offering fine views of the sea and nearby islands. It has modern entertainment system with TV and DVD .You can contact them on;
- telephone + 248 4 34 43 34 and
- their e-mail address is [email protected]. In the event you need further information you can visit
- their website www.villavertesseychelles.com.
The Marble Villa is located in Aux Cap Mahe. It has three bed rooms situated on the mountain overlooking the sea. It is situated close to the reef gold course about five minutes from the beach and airport. The living area includes flat screen TV DVD fridge with freezer, toaster, microwave oven, washing machine and dish washer. They offer laundry services free of charge. You can contact them on;
- telephone + 248 2 74 30 48.
- Their fax number is + 248 4 32 37 65 .
- You can e-mail them on [email protected].
Plan your marvelous holiday in Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago of islands located in the Indian ocean. It consists of 115 islands and they are considered having oldest granite in the world. Many islands are excellent for nature lovers and some are not inhabited. In Seychelles it has very strict environmental legislations and it is a world leader in sustainable tourism. Nearly 50% of the land are under the natural conservation.
Seychelles is a well known and it has a reputation as a country which has protected its flora and fauna. Seychelles are home to about seventy five endemic plant species. There are many kinds of orchids can be found in the islands. More than thousands species of fish have been recorded in the Seychelles.
Seychelles International Airport was opened in the year 1971 and and tourism is an important industry in this country. The plantation sector of the country was earlier dominant but at present tourism industry has dominated that place. International Airport and the Capital Victoria and neighboring island of Prasilin and La Digue are situated in Archipelago cluster around the main island of Mahe. Within these Inner islands contain the majority of tourism facilities of Seychelles as well as its most eye-catching beaches. Seychelles holiday can be organized through a tour operating company or through a Travel Agent in your country or in Seychelles. You can directly reserve hotel rooms in Seychelles.
Seychelles has to offer so much of diversity to the travelers who visit Seychelles and you have to decide where to start your journey. If you discuss with a travel agent you can work out a itinerary which will help you to make the most of your holiday in a logical way. It will enable you to enjoy a wide range of experiences from primordial forests and beautiful beaches. Holistic therapy center named Wishing Well Clinic is located just opposite the international airport of Mahe and it offers holistic healing hypnotherapy and aromatherapy. List of therapies they are providing can be found in their website www.transorm-therapies. Seychelles has to offer holiday makers unparallel opportunities for big games, popping, jigging, bottom and fly fishing and snorkeling amid turtles, mantas and dolphins.
Elegant yachting offers and impressive fleet of vessels and that will assure you a memorable sea journey. Tequila Boom located in the North of Mahe at Beau Belle is well known for night life and night club is well equipped with the modern lighting and sound systems. Hottest music and it is famous for theme nights. Local and international artists are participating in shows in the night club. Praslin’s World Heritage–listed Vallée de Mai is one of only two places in the world you can watch coco de mer palms growing in their natural state and you can see more than 50 other indigenous plants and trees. Bird lovers also like Vallée de Mai as a top bird watching spot. You can also see endemic species, including the Seychelles bulbul, the blue pigeon, the Seychelles warbler and the elusive black parrot.
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