Bird Island Resort by Caroline Major

Bird Island is about complete immersion, of human guests in a seabird colony. This Private Island is the first land-mass for many southbound migratory birds after a long flight over the Indian Ocean. Common Noddys nurse chicks on the ground, Wagtails bounce on their tiny legs, and Wedgetails wait ‘til dusk to return to their offspring. Tropic Birds bring fresh fish for their chicks. Tree tops are full of croaking, warbling, screeching and whistling and on the ground, species nest in tree roots. Placid birds sit still and stare back into human faces marvelling at their fluffiness, their colours while people joke about male birds being better dressed than females. There’s no bird on the menu here.

25 large bungalows on this private coral island ringed with fine white beaches provide year round options for observing birds and turtles. From April to September a million pairs of Sooty Terns reside on the northern tip of the island. Hawkesbill turtles nest between October and February and green turtles the rest of the year. Knowledgeable and passionate staff who are the longstanding and permanent community on the island give guided walks and at times in the year will recruit you to help with their ongoing conservation, protection and research work if you’re interested.

Five kilometers of spectacular white beach surrounds the entire island. Coral sands range from fine powder to a more coarse grain. Swimming is safe and the water is clear and beautifully coloured. The food is simple but honest in a country where others import much of their food. Fresh fish or locally reared pork served with salads and fruits, finished off with satisfying puddings.

There are no alternative places to eat or any kind of commercial activity on this private island resort.