North Island by Caroline Major

South African, Italian architect Silvio Rusche has outdone himself in his third challenge for Wilderness Safaris, combining elements of an African bush camp with remnants from North Islands’ coconut plantation past in eleven sophisticated villas overlooking the sea

Crafted with timber, stone and palm leaves then finished with glass, North Island villas are a showcase of ethnic craftsmanship. Hardwood floors are pieced together with oversized wooden nails curled around whole, upended Takamaka tree supports by Zimbawean craftsman. In a tropical climate with an average temperate of 30 degrees, and regular sea breezes, great design has enabled incredibly open, abundantly spacious but very private villas. This island is outdoor living in great comfort and style, surrounded by ocean and jungle.

Collections of artifacts from Africa and Bali are purposeful additions in the interior design. Wicker wrapped picnic thermos and ice-bucket stand at ready attention next to woven towel shoulder packs and exquisitely crafted backgammon to go. Antique stone mortars and carved Ethiopian coffee trays hold bundles of candles and incense. Pyramids of guam-coloured towels wait for wet-bodies to emerge from any of the four outdoor showers, the pool or the sea. Three day beds and a sala, a sofa, square metres of decking and two tables provide choices for lounging. Homely encouragement has banished the mini-bar, and replaced it with a kitchen stocking homemade sorbet, icecream, cookies and vegetable chips. There’s an espresso machine, and facilities enabling your attendant to serve meals in the villa.

Contemporary food is conceived primarily with what the island produces. North’s environmental team cultivate fertile chocolate coloured soils, harvesting fruit, vegetables and herbs which are combined with the days fish catch. Indian and African influences add spice to Creole inspired dishes. There is no menu, simply a conversation about your preferences with Chef Geoffrey Murray when you arrive. The approach works, being both personal and innovative: Fresh Palm Heart Salad with Red Snapper and a Star-fruit Marinde; Grilled Crayfish with Pickled Coconut; Pineapple Fish Kebabs with Young Papaya Salad; and French Toast, Bacon and a Ginger Vanilla Syrup were some of our favourites. It’s light, fresh, herby and healthy, and perfect for the climate and the North Island lifestyle.

Fun and fantastical, each villa comes with its own off-road golf buggy, inviting the laziest to explore the islands stunning beaches. These rival the more famous of Mahe and Praslin in beauty, with the added benefit of privacy. Take a jungle trail to secluded Anse Honeymoon or to Sunset beach with its bar, swings, hammocks, bean-bags and in the evening a beach fire and bbq. Diving, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, mountain biking and walking will easily fill ten days.