Spa and Beach Vacation Guru

This private island, only three square kilometres, offers 16 luxuriously appointed villas, which are arranged to assure total privacy. There are only 40 guests at any one time, guaranteeing seclusion on the island's seven pristine sand beaches. Exclusivity is Fregate's maxim as well as the preservation and protection of the unique natural environment. Fregate is the pioneer of eco-tourism in the Seychelles, and numerous innovative conservation programmes are in place to rehabilitate and nurture indigenous flora and fauna.

The island's plantations are currently the principal suppliers of fruit and veg to neighbouring islands, 60 per cent of its produce being exported. The new Rock Spa administers indigenous treatments using only local ingredients. View the island's unparalleled wildlife with ecologists on hikes through the tropical jungles and along its rugged coastline, or flake out on the sand.

To maintain Frégate Island’s tranquillity and beauty without impacting the delicate balance of its ecosystem, Frégate Island Private voluntarily restricts itself to just sixteen 185-square-metre (2,000-square-foot) villas. Built from traditional materials such as native mahogany and African teak in a simple post-and-lintel style, the villas are topped off with dense thatched roofs. Both the architecture and decor draw on Balinese and Thai influences. Fourteen of the villas sit on top of the cliffs with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. Two more nestle in their own private tropical gardens, and these are particularly good choices for families vacationing with young children.

Each villa was situated to make it feel like a part of the surrounding landscape, and to ensure maximum privacy and seclusion for the guests. Sliding glass walls and French doors that can be opened to the elements help to further blur the line that separates inside from outside.

Despite their traditional appearance and supremely laid-back ambiance, the villas come well-equipped with DVD machines and CD players. And, of course, if the fresh sea breezes aren’t quite cool enough for you, there’s always air conditioning.