North Island is a small private granitic island run as one of the most exclusive resorts in the world, with only a handful of villas. It is famous for its barefoot-luxury style and for the Noah's Ark conservation project that restored native habitat and reintroduced species like giant tortoises and the Seychelles white-eye. It is reached by helicopter or boat from Mahe. Booking is direct with the resort, and it sits at the very top of the price scale.
North Island is the name people drop when they talk about the most exclusive corners of the Seychelles. It is a single small granite island given over to one resort of just a few villas, the kind of place that trades on absolute privacy. It became widely known after hosting a famous royal honeymoon, but the more interesting story is what was done to heal the island itself.
The Noah’s Ark project
Decades of coconut plantation and introduced pests had stripped North Island of much of its native life. The owners turned it into a conservation project nicknamed Noah’s Ark, clearing invasive species, replanting native forest and reintroducing animals that belong here. Aldabra giant tortoises now roam the island, and rare birds such as the Seychelles white-eye have been brought back. Guests are part of a place that is being actively restored, not just decorated.
The style of the place
The look is barefoot luxury rather than glossy and formal. Villas are large, hand-built from wood and stone, open to the sea, with private pools and a deliberately rustic-elegant feel. Service is highly personal because the guest numbers are tiny. This is privacy and space taken to an extreme, with beaches you may have entirely to yourself.
Getting there
Access is by helicopter from Mahe in a short, scenic flight, or by boat transfer. There is no public day access. Like the other private-island resorts, you arrive because you are staying.
What it costs and how to book
North Island sits at the very top end of the market, among the most expensive resorts anywhere. There is no point quoting a figure that changes by season and villa, so treat it as a special-occasion splurge and request current rates directly from the resort. Booking is handled by the property, not through general listings.
Who it suits
This is a honeymoon, anniversary or once-in-a-lifetime island for travellers who want total seclusion and are comfortable at the highest price level. If that is the trip you are planning, it belongs on the shortlist with Fregate and the other private islands. If you want the same wild beauty without the private-island price, the main islands deliver beaches just as beautiful.
How to plan the rest of your trip
Many couples pair a few nights on a private island with a stay on Mahe, Praslin or La Digue to balance the budget and see more of the country. For those stays, browse verified places in our directory, and if you are planning a wedding or honeymoon, our weddings team can help shape the trip around it.
Frequently asked questions
What is North Island known for?
Being one of the most exclusive private-island resorts in the world, with only a few villas, barefoot-luxury style, and the Noah's Ark conservation project that restored native habitat and reintroduced giant tortoises and rare birds.
How do you get to North Island?
By a short, scenic helicopter flight from Mahe, or by boat transfer. There is no public day access. You arrive as a staying guest.
How much does North Island cost?
It sits at the very top of the global market. Rates change by season and villa, so request current pricing directly from the resort and treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime splurge.
Is North Island worth it?
For a honeymoon, anniversary or special occasion where total privacy and the highest level of service matter, it is a bucket-list island. For the same natural beauty at normal prices, the main islands have beaches just as stunning.
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