Ensconced in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Fregate Island is a small inland in Seychelles teeming with pristine wildlife. This private island is the epitome of conservation, offering unparalled luxury in the lap of nature. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Fregate Island promises an experience that nourishes the soul and enchants the spirit.
For 25 years, Fregate Island remained untouched by commercial ventures, serving as a sanctuary for its rich flora and fauna. It wasn’t until a quarter-century later that the idea of welcoming guests emerged—not as a commercial enterprise, but as a unique opportunity for discerning travellers, conservation enthusiasts, and nature lovers to contribute to the island's conservation efforts. A rare opportunity to reconnect with the natural world in an environment that prioritises space, freedom, and privacy prospered and is now one of the leading names in sustainable luxury. This vision allowed visitors to experience the profound beauty of nature up close, all while enjoying the utmost in luxury. Thus, the island was carefully developed to offer an unparalleled blend of ecological stewardship and indulgent comfort.
Angelika Vater, Director of Sales & Marketing at Fregate Island takes us on an insider journey into what makes Fregate Island truly unique. While it’s still under transformation, new sustainability innovations and upgrades are steadily reshaping the landscape, ensuring that Fregate Island not only preserves its natural beauty but also sets new benchmarks in eco-friendly luxury.
A Legacy of Conservation
The owner purchased Fregate Island 50 years ago, driven by a deep love for nature. Long before conservation became a popular movement, he began protecting the island's flora and fauna, establishing efforts to preserve its natural beauty. Interestingly, the hotel came along only after 25 years of ownership, and even then, it was never intended to be a commercial venture. The owner's primary goal has always been to fund conservation efforts and bring guests closer to nature.
Fregate Island stands out because it is four times larger than a typical Maldivian island, yet it only has 17 villas. This means guests enjoy unparalleled space, freedom, and privacy. The island's biodiversity is extraordinary, with species found nowhere else on Earth. Fregate is often likened to a mini-Galapagos, offering a truly unique and intimate connection with nature.
Conservation Initiatives: Protecting Land and Sea
The Fregate Island Foundation plays a crucial role in safeguarding the island's rich biodiversity. Among the island's notable residents are the Seychelles Giant Millipede, the Black Giant Scorpion, the Fregate Beetle, and the Fregate Island Enid Snail—all of which are classified as endangered. These species are part of the island’s unique ecosystem, lovingly referred to as the "Fregate Little Five."
One of the island’s most iconic conservation successes is the resurgence of the Giant Aldabra Tortoise population. From a mere 150 tortoises 25 years ago, their numbers have grown to over 3,500, thanks to the island's dedicated sanctuary and breeding programs. Guests are invited to adopt a baby tortoise, contributing to the ongoing conservation efforts.
Fregate Island was also the last refuge of the critically endangered Seychelles Magpie Robin, a bird that has made a remarkable comeback due to extensive habitat restoration and pest control efforts. The island’s marine life is equally spectacular, with healthy coral reefs and diverse marine species that are carefully protected by the island's environmental team.
Balancing Luxury and Sustainability
At Fregate Island, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We've implemented solar water heating, electric golf carts, refillable amenities, and reusable glass bottles for drinking water. Plastic straws and bottles were eliminated long ago, and our Sustainability Team meticulously monitors waste disposal, recycling biodegradable products on the island and shipping others to the mainland for recycling.
Our hydroponics system uses only captured rainwater, and with three freshwater springs on the island, we produce our own drinking water, freshly bottled every two days in glass. The decision not to build more villas and to maintain our current footprint is a testament to our commitment to preserving the island's natural beauty.
We also educate our guests about sustainability, encouraging them to make conscious choices during their stay. While we offer local, sustainable food options, we never impose or guilt-trip our guests for their choices. Instead, we inspire them to think about how small changes can make a big impact. Our staff undergo continuous training on waste separation and the importance of safeguarding Fregate Island, ensuring that our commitment to sustainability is deeply ingrained in every aspect of our operations.
Tourists by Nature; Conservationists at Heart
There are countless ways for guests to participate in our conservation efforts. They can join eco-tours during the day or night, take guided nature walks, and explore our medicinal herb garden. Guests can also get hands-on by planting trees, tagging sea turtles, or helping with the yearly tortoise census, which involves measuring, identifying, and marking tortoises.
Other activities include translocating turtle nests to safer locations, assisting in cleaning coral domes underwater, planting new corals, and protecting hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean. Guests can even participate in ringing baby Magpie Robins and other birds, offering a truly immersive experience in our conservation work.
Beyond Nature: Indulgent Experiences
Fregate Island offers a wide range of activities beyond nature and conservation. Guests can indulge in spa treatments, play tennis or padel, and enjoy various watersports like diving, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and sailing. For those seeking adventure, there's fishing, hiking, beach volleyball, a pump track, archery, a climbing wall, and a fully equipped gym. Whether you're looking for relaxation or excitement, Fregate Island has something for everyone.
Stay tuned for more updates on new sustainability innovations and upgrades upon Fregate Island’s reopening in 2025. Subscribe to our newsletter to ensure you never miss an update.
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