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NORTH ISLAND , SEYCHELLES
Camp Info
 North Island is one of forty inner granitic islands of the Seychelles located around the two main islands of Mahé and Praslin. These granitic islands and their beaches are often referred to as the most beautiful on Earth. North Island Lodge is a rare sanctuary for guests seeking a gorgeous, unspoiled tropical haven on a large and private island. With three mountains, a small lake and four beaches located at each end of the compass, North Island is able to offer a year-round tropical beach and island experience.
All the structures at North Island Lodge have been individually handcrafted to give it a unique atmosphere and the distinct flavour of the Seychelles. The main areas and all the villas are built directly on the eastern beach: a lounge, dining room and library, beautifully located health spa and gym, world-class dive centre, and a beautiful swimming pool are all built into a granitic outcrop. A sunset bar is tucked away on the western beach of the island.
 There are only eleven handcrafted guest villas on the entire island. Each villa, about 5 000 square feet in size, is completely self-contained and comprises a luxuriously proportioned air-conditioned bedroom with overhead fans, fully retracting sliding windows with views onto the beach, and a writing and change-room area with a huge en-suite bathroom. Each bathroom has a large bath, double vanities, as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. An additional study or bedroom is equipped with a DVD/CD system and Internet access if requested. This room can be rearranged as a second bedroom  to accommodate children. Each villa has its own mini-kitchen, a large sun deck and covered lounge area, a private plunge pool and sala, all of which creates a private sanctuary within a sanctuary. A full butler service caters for every need, from in-villa light meals to picnics on secluded beaches. Each villa has its own mountain bicycles and an island buggy to get guests around the island.
Activities included in the tariff are: excellent snorkelling right off the beaches, scuba diving to the reefs around North and Silhouette Islands (as well as the use of the equipment from the dive centre), nature walks, mountain biking and the use of the island buggy, windsurfing, sea kayaking, fly-fishing around the island, hobie sailing and the use of the gymnasium. Drinks and all meals are also included in the tariff. Yacht charters, deep-sea fishing, golf on Praslin (18-hole course but requires a private helicopter transfer), in-villa massage and spa therapy are at additional cost, as are drinks on the reserve list.
 Activities
The activities on offer on North Island are designed to give our guests the opportunity to enjoy the Island and its magic either under guidance from one of our hosts, or to give you the complete freedom to move around the Island at your own pace, either on foot, on our mountain bikes or by Island Buggie. These activities will have a minimal impact on the environment whilst providing the thrill and enjoyment of entertainment and exercise.
Scuba diving: Seychelles forms part of the world's longest coral reef system and has some of the world's best scuba diving sites. Numerous dive sites have been identified around North Island and its nearest neighbour Silhouette Island. We offer a "guided" scuba experience and our dive masters are not only experts in scuba practices but also in the underwater universe.
Snorkelling: there are good snorkelling sites around North Island and Silhouette Island. Masks and fins are available at the dive centre if you wish to explore these sites, either on your own or in the company of a staff member (depending on your snorkelling skills).
Sea kayaking: those wishing to explore the Island from the water are able to do so using sea kayaks with all necessary tuition and guidance provided.
North Island Gym: is air-conditioned and is situated near the main swimming pool.
Island bicycles: are available for guest use and are suitable for getting from one side of the Island to the other with ease.
Island Buggies: each Villa has its own dedicated Island Buggie. These specially adapted electric carts look like miniature 4 X 4s that give our guests the freedom to move around the Island with ease.
North Island Sunset Bar: a walk along Grande Anse Beach as the sun sets is an enlivening experience not to be missed - especially as the Sunset Bar lies at the end of the walk. This simple, rustic bar is located just above the high water mark on the northern end of Grande Anse. Drinks and light snacks can be served for those wanting to enjoy this beach.
Fly-fishing: is an option for any guest. North Island has fishing rods, tackle and flies in stock for guest use. However, we recommend that serious fly-fishermen bring their own rods and tackle.
Trips to Silhouette Island: located some five kilometres to the south, Silhouette Island is a soaring granite island, whose peaks are constantly enveloped in clouds. The granite cliffs drop sharply into the sea. Silhouette Island has few beaches, though there are some wonderful tiny coves with remote beaches that are worth exploring. Silhouette Island's attractions include an excellent example of a Seychelles plantation house (built in 1850), now a museum, and the remains of its once thriving copra processing plant.
Ron Gerlach is the resident ecologist and runs a breeding programme for the highly endangered Seychelles giant tortoises and terrapin. His immaculate research centre is worth a visit and, depending on the time of the year, you may see turtle eggs (Hawksbill ad Green turtles) being incubated. For the energetic and fit, Silhouette Island has some challenging hiking trails.
Boating and island hopping: Boating around North Island or other trips could include visits to Mahé and the outer islands, including the spectacular bird islands, Arid and Cousin, and can be arranged at an extra cost.
Slide shows and talks: will be offered enabling interested guests to learn about Seychelles and North Island, as well as a wide range of ecological and conservation topics.
 Turtles: depending on the time of the year guests may be lucky enough to witness the Hawksbill and Green turtles laying their eggs on the eastern and western beaches of North Island. Our researchers will tag the turtles so that their breeding activities can be monitored.
Walking: guests are able to explore the Island by walking around it and along its extensive beaches, or by climbing the granite outcrops and crossing the saddle linking the eastern and western plateaux.
Owners
North Island is owned by a consortium of five shareholders, including Wilderness Safaris.
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