Fregate Island Private by Caroline Major

Bill and Melinda Gates and Jennifer and Brad Pitt all chose to stay at Fregate Island on their trips to The Seychelles. No doubt they were attracted by the idyllic beaches, luxurious villas and the privacy of this hideaway one and a half hours by boat or 15 minutes by helicopter from the capital . No-one lands on this island unannounced and for landing rights you’ll need to book a minimum of three nights at this epitome of barefoot luxury.

The Indonesian-inspired, American-designed villas furnish ample indoor living space with some home comforts: tea and espresso, fruits, biscuits and flowers as standard. Panoramic glass frontage provides unobstructed views of an unreachable ocean.

Oddly there is no beach access from the villas, although the nine beaches on the island provide year round swimming options. A 25metre lap rock pool arranged from local rocks with water falls satisfies the sporty.

The villas are spacious and with marvellous views of the stunning sea, but you’re your own atmospheric amenities for the evening: candles and incense seem to have been missed off the housekeeping list. The toiletries, in keeping with the environmental focus of both Fregate and the Seychelles are locally brewed from locally grown produce.

Outside, lounging space on the terraced areas is more upright than relaxed with more chairs and tables than bed. Don’t pass up the sala bed by the Jacuzzi for romantic nights under the stars.

The island itself is awesome. Dramatic granite boulders rise from powdery white beaches and turquoise seas, transitioning through landscaped gardens crisscrossed with buggy paths and dense jungle rising to partly endemic forest on the island peaks. Drive yourself the vantage points in your personal golf buggy for sunsets and sunrises.

Nine beaches shared amongst sixteen villas pile the privacy odds in your favour, Anse Macquereau, can be reserved on a first come, first serve basis. If the “Beach Occupied” sign is up, you’ll have to wait your turn for the chance of uninterrupted nudey swimming! This beach is for couples only. A passionate environmental management team guides attention-grabbing walks, pointing out bugs, endangered birds and historical blunders. It’s all too easy to be carried away with the stories and find you’ve missed your afternoon tea. The genial approachable ecology team is happy discussing their undisputed leadership in the conservation and management of this island ecosystem.

Admirably Fregate produces the overwhelming majority of its vegetables and fruits. Chef Kurt Berman, has implemented a new menu based on personal consultations. The Fregate philosophy is to involve each guest in the entire process of choosing the fresh "garden" products themselves from the Hydroponic and organic plantation fields, to enjoying the presented dish at the dining table.

The second restaurant which was closed for maintenance during our visit and the spa under construction are now open. Overall, Fregate Island Private is a remarkable destination offering full resort services in a splendid location.