Fregate Island Private - A Mini Galapagos in the Seychelles…
A (Virtual) conversation WITH Angelika Vater - Head of Sales and Marketing
How did Fregate Island Private come about?
First, the owner of the island did not want to build a hotel, he bought the island and wanted to create and declare it a nature reserve in the late 1980s. It is these early stages of conservation efforts that made Fregate Island what it is today, a mini-Galapagos with indigenous species that only exist on our bountiful island. Due to the big interest of international environmentalists and scientists all over the world and the many published articles, the traction for tourists to come to the island convinced the owner of building a small, exclusive resort whose footprint would not disturb the ecology of the island.
What is The mission of the Fregate Island Private?
To preserve our bountiful island, reconnect our guests to nature, and educate them on our conservation efforts. We have more than 100 species of flora and fauna that are on the red list of extinction and we have also saved a bird - The Seychelles Magpie Robin - from extinction. The Seychelles Magpie Robin was the second rarest bird in the world 40 years ago and only 12 were left in the world – all on Fregate. Because of the conservation and reforestation efforts, we are now have a population of about 200 birds and donated some of our birds to other islands for repopulation.
what does a perfect day look like at fregate island private?
8 AM: Start the day with a refreshing dip in your pool at your private villa followed by breakfast in our Banyan Tree Treehouse. Lizards and Birds will be your guests of honor.
10 AM: After breakfast, patrol for turtles on one of our 7 beaches. See and count new nests or, if your lucky, view baby turtles hatching.
12 PM: Spend the afternoon diving or fishing with our highly-skilled Marine Team and enjoy a fresh and delicious lunch on the boat.
2 PM: In the afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing massage in our spa (or a spot of your choosing on the island). For our more active guests, join our Eco Team for a guided nature hike on our 11km of trails.
5 PM: Treat yourself to a glass of bubbles while watching the sun set on the beach or at the top of Mont Segnal following your nature hike.
7 PM: Go on a night safari with our ecology team to find the “Fregate 5/Small 5”. Any guesses on what these might be?
8:30 PM: Enjoy an amazing beach BBQ followed by marshmallow roasting at our bonfire while our team enthralls you with pirate stories.
Do you have a famous menu item we can share with our clients?
Fregate Banana Cake
By Giovani, Chef at Fregate Island Private
on Instagram @gayan3344
*Editors Note: I converted these amounts and can, in no way, guarantee they are correct.
Ingredients:
250g cake flour (2 Cups)
150g sugar (2/3 Cup)
250g very ripe bananas (2 Cups)
7,5 g baking soda (1.5 Tsp)
7,5g baking powder (1.5 Tsp)
10g mixed spice (3/4 tbsp) - similar to pumpkin pie spice
10g cinnamon powder (3/4 tbsp)
95g sunflower oil (1 Cup)
2 large eggs
95g whole milk (1 Cup)
10g vanilla essence (3/4 tbsp)
Method:
Sift together all the dry ingredients.
Whisk together the eggs, sugar & sunflower oil.
Smash the bananas and add to the egg mixture.
Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and combine thoroughly, repeat until all is combined.
Lastly add the milk and vanilla essence and stir in to make a smooth batter.
Pour into prepared baking tin and bake in 170C (~350F) preheated oven for 40 minutes or until your cake tester comes out clean.
Enjoy your Fregate Banana Cake!
LUXE & NYx PICK - Join A Conservationist for an educational hike/Bike/Buggy (whatever your speed!) and participate in the Tortoise adoption program
There are 11 km of trails criss-crossing the island, which you can walk, mountain bike or explore by golf buggy. A nature walk with the resident conservationist is an inspiring and encouraging journey into the island's ecosystem, giving you a deeper understanding of the role conservation plays in island life.
During the day, find the rare Tenebaum beetle, unique to Fregate Island Private, or the precious Wrights Gardenia, the first to flower in the Seychelles.
Jump in and assist the team in their field work, searching for emerging sea turtle hatchlings or checking nest boxes for eggs and chicks, or participate in the Tortoise Adoption program.
If you are a night owl, join a nightime safari to see the rare fluorescent scorpion and discover that this variety with small taills and big claws can only sting. Nature is gentle on the island.
Finish the day stargazing - there is no light pollution - from a hilltop vantage point, a boat on the sea, or a sandy shore (you can choose - it is a private island after all!) The team will guide you around the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.
luxe & Nyx amenity
For each booking, Fregate Island Private will plant a nearly extinct Wrigths Gardenia on the island.
Ready to Book or Have Questions?
We can’t wait to experience Fregate Island Private - unique on the planet!
Visit us here or reach out - hello@luxeandnyx.com.
xx, The team at luxe & nyx
