Fregate Island Private, the exclusive private island sanctuary in the Seychelles and a member of the Oetker Collection, has completed a major refurbishment project unveiling a new modern island style and facilities. The renovation work includes the 16 beautifully appointed private pool villas, the ultra-exclusive Banyan Hill Estate comprising three residences, the marina, restaurant, bar and resort’s additional swimming pools.
Since taking over Fregate Island Private in 2013 the Oetker Collection has embarked on a major 24- month renovation project to completely refurbish the island focusing on upgrading and modernising all accommodations and facilities.
The villas have been totally refinished and given a cleaner and more modern feel with beautiful white linen fabrics complementing the natural African hardwood interiors. The new style fully complements each villa’s existing framework focused around a huge private pool and Jacuzzi dramatically overlooking the Indian Ocean. There are also new air conditioning systems, high speed wireless internet, TV systems and mini bars. In addition all the private pools and pool decks have been totally renovated.
The Presidential Villa, Banyan Hill, long a favourite retreat of those looking for the ultimate retreat, has had its 3 separate villas and the core entertainment building completely renewed to the standard of the rest of the resort’s villas. The commanding view of the Indian Ocean and the privacy of this amazing location sets it apart.
The island’s beating heart – the marina – has also been restored and brand new equipment has been introduced. There are now multiple places to relax, socialize and dine around the island including the Yacht Club, the Anse Bamboo Beach Bar and even the island’s treehouse – the perfect place to have breakfast in the wild. All the resort’s gardens and private green spaces have been groomed to perfection and there is also a brand new kid’s club located on one of the islands seven beaches.
The renovation work has been undertaken under the expert hand of Fregate’s Managing Director Wayne Kafcsak – a hugely respected resort professional who has managed luxury hotels around the world including Peter Island and Raffles Canouan Island. Staff training has been a major focus for the team adhering to the Oetker Collection standards as experienced at Le Bristol Paris and the collection’s other hotels. Of the 150 staff on the island on hand to help a maximum of approximately 60 guests, each villa has its own butler plus there are other experts on hand such as a resident Marine Biologist and Conservationists. New Head Chef Alan Larch prepares superb dishes using 70% of his ingredients from the hotel’s own vegetable gardens. Approximately 80% of fish served in the hotel are caught by the resorts own fisherman.
Fregate Island Private has long been considered one of the world’s great conservation sanctuaries. Home to 2,200 free-roaming Giant Aldabra Tortoises as well as numerous other endangered animal and bird species, the island is made up of two square kilometres of pure and pristine wilderness with seven private white sand beaches.
All photos: Gregoire Gardette