Most Beautiful Islands: Seychelles Islands-North Island

North Private Island

North Island, in the Seychelles, is one of the world's most expensive barefoot retreats – a magnet for the rich and beautiful, and the honeymoon destination for Prince William and Kate Middleton. North Island,a unique private resort,is an unspoiled haven of peace and tranquility. From the half-unbuttoned shirt of the absurdly good-looking general manager, Martijn Brouwer, to the cowrie-shell fronds that act as bathroom doors, this is a place designed to appeal to rich people and members of the royal family, who find pomp unrelaxing. Edging a kilometer long ribbon of white sand,it offers its privileged quests a sense of true barefoot luxury. North Island is an example of an ecologically sensitive utilisation of a precious natural treasure. It is a Noah's Ark: a sanctuary where natural habitats are being rehabilitated and where critically endangered Seychelles fauna and flora are being reintroduced.

This relaxed, hippy approach is the main reason why people are prepared to spend nearly £3,000 a night to stay in one of the 11 villas on the island. Exclusivity is the other reason why tired rock and film stars choose to chill out on this granite outcrop in the Indian Ocean. Accommodation at North Island consists of only 11 handcrafted guest villas, each constructed with a touch of understated elegance on the eastern beach - never more than a few steps from the pristine, powder-soft sand.

Villas: Each villa also features second bedroom, making it ideal for children as well. Each villa has two bedrooms, a main bedroom and a second bedroom for study. The bedrooms and dressing rooms are air-conditioned and are aequipped with extra large beds, as well as lounge area with TV/DVD/CD. Spacious main badroom with marble batch, inside and outside showers and twin vanities. There is also a lounge and dining area with adjoining kitchenette.A private plunge pool are the last touches in the private sanctuary.

The activities on offer on North Island are designed to give the guests the opportunity to enjoy the Island and its magic either under guidance from one of the 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. Activities at North Island include mountain biking, gym, guided walks, snorkelling, fishing, boating, sea kayaking, and scuba diving. Although a lazy afternoon simply spent soaking up the breathtaking surroundings is more than a reward in itself.

Note: The idea is to live an idealised Robinson Crusoe existence, exploring the island by bike or in your own buggy, with 100 discreet members of staff ready to make it easy for you in any way they can, whether by amusing the children (handy, no doubt, when Brad and Angelina came to stay) or setting up a moonlit picnic in a particularly romantic spot.