North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles

We have been passionate about exceptional cruises and lodges for several decades. I have often cited our trips to Antarctica, Amanikan, the 5 Amankora in Bhutan and the Widerness lodges in Botswana as some of the most exceptional over the last 25 years, but I admit that the North Island dethrones all these references in terms of exclusivity. The island has been supporting an environmental project aimed at reintroducing the natural fauna and flora of the Seychelles to the island, including giant tortoises and certain birds, as well as the takamaka, the badamier and the coco de mer for 20 years. The 11 villas, ranging from 450 to 750 m², were built in the pure Wilderness tradition, with architecture and materials perfectly integrated into the site and have aged well for over 20 years. Privacy is completely preserved. We were amazed by this stay from start to finish. Thank you to Mark, Nicolas, Peter, Moses, Chef Jones and the team for a memorable stay.

Deeply Disappointed – A Letdown from a Supposedly World-Class Resort As someone who’s visited over 84 countries and stayed at many of the most exclusive properties in the world, I had high expectations for North Island. Unfortunately, what I encountered was one of the most frustrating and unprofessional booking experiences I’ve ever had. After receiving a confirmed industry rate, I restructured my entire trip — changed international flights, adjusted hotel bookings across multiple countries, and made significant financial and logistical sacrifices to include North Island in our itinerary. Only days later, I was informed that the confirmed rate was suddenly no longer available. The new rate was more than double what had been originally quoted. The explanation? A vague and evasive response: “Due to circumstances beyond our control.” When I asked for clarity, I was told: “Unfortunately, I am not able to disclose the information.” And perhaps most baffling of all: “The uniqueness of the island sometimes makes it challenging to adapt to specific rates.” This level of opacity and lack of accountability is unacceptable for any hospitality brand — especially one that markets itself as the pinnacle of ultra-luxury. I wasn’t simply shopping around. I committed. I canceled other high-end stays and rearranged our plans based on their confirmation. As a travel advisor, luxury travel content creator, and owner of multiple businesses, I value reliability and professionalism. North Island failed on both fronts. No alternative solution was offered. No real attempt at service recovery. Just templated apologies and doors closed. For travelers who value transparency, trust, and a seamless luxury experience — you may want to look elsewhere.

North Island is wonderful when it comes to the villas, the service, the food, the activities, but is it really worth its exceedingly high price? I don't think so, quite frankly, it's overpriced compared to other luxury places on the Seychelles. When we were there, there were only 3 couples in a total of 11 villas. It's a bit laughable if you have to pay extra for cocktails and mini bar when the daily rate is around € 4600, per person mind you. All in all, it's going to be our one and only visit, I am sorry to say.

This is by far the best place on earth to feel one with nature, combined with excellent service and I have visited a lot of high-end resorts in various places. You see huge turtles strolling around, you can enjoy a variety of wonderful sand- beaches and the serenity of the island.

Our anniversary week at North Island in the Seychelles was absolutely amazing — even as it wasn’t perfect. But our 2.7 million Bonvoy points were very well spent, indeed. And that’s much better than the US$74.5K it otherwise would have cost! #northisland #seychelles #luxurycollection #diving #scuba #turtles #tortoises #privateisland #privatebeach North Island is spectacularly beautiful. Having been fortunate enough to have stayed at many private island resorts over the years, we certainly think North may be the most beautiful and serene. The Seychellois certainly make it easy to love. The arrival by helicopter certainly is one to remember, too. The beaches have incredibly soft white sand, crystal clear blue/green waters, and few if any other people on any of them at any time. It all feels so worlds away from everything — even as it’s just a 20 min helicopter ride or 1 hr 15 min boat ride to the main island of Mahé. The North Island facilities and villas are all “rustic elegant” in style and generally very comfortable — and with a tremendous sense of place that makes you know you’re on a private tropical island and not the usual luxury resort. North Island isn’t the usual modern 5* luxury resort. North Island is a private tropical island luxury getaway with a completely traditional Seychellois ambience and sensibility. With the Seychellois islander service touch to match. About 65% of staff are Seychellois. Our villa was enormous and definitely rustic chic. The online videos and photos speak for themselves. It’s important to note that the Villa’s main suite bedroom and studio suite room (which I had requested before arrival to be converted into a second bedroom as a back up for air con) are enclosed and air conditioned; but the Villa’s main bathroom and studio bathrooms both are outside and not air conditioned. Not everyone will appreciate going out to the bathroom or to shower in the heat and humidity. But if I could handle it, it’s hard to imagine that most others couldn’t. My husband absolutely loved it. The GM Oliver had indicated plans to enclose the bathrooms with air con for a few villas in the coming year. I’d definitely love to stay in one of those on a return visit, indeed. One of the 10 regular villas was closed during our stay as it was getting a new roof installed, but we never heard anything of it. There are 10 “regular” villas (we had villa 😎, all around 450 square meters (4900 square feet), plus the larger Villa North Island (villa 11) at 750 square meters (over 8000 square feet) that also includes a cinema and study in multiple stories. All 11 villas are found on the East beach, along with the main Piazza restaurant and bar, boutique, activity center, library, spa, gym, and office/reception. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be had at the Piazza or in your villa. But you can have any meal anywhere on the island. Some special locations incur extra charges, but in-villa dining and even on the beach dining are complimentary

Wonderful island with wonderful staff, they do their best to attend to Guests. But such a disgrace towards the management which has no decency towards integrity and staffs' welfare and well-being. Poorly overworked staffs which at the end of the day who are working for nothing. North Island is such a 'wonderful place' but a true nightmare for the Islanders. That hotel is not who it claims to be 'A Luxury Collection'.