Cousine Island

Located just 6kms off the west coast of Praslin, this tiny pristine island is a private nature reserve, home to a variety of endemic flora and fauna – as well as several endangered species of land and sea birds, including the Seychelles Magpie Robin (one of the world’s rarest birds). Cousine is a conservation success story – and enjoys the status of being the only island in the Seychelles archipelago which is free of alien mammals. The island can accommodate a maximum of just four privileged couples at any one time – ensuring intimacy, privacy and a unique peaceful isolation found in so few other places on earth.

Your sanctuary is one of four individual villas, built in the old French Colonial style. Each one discreetly nestles amongst the natural vegetation –just 30 metres from the beautiful sugar-white sandy beach which fringes the island on the east coast. Once a private home, now beautifully restored, the main Pavilion’s French colonial design evokes memories of Seychelles’ past and sets the romantic ambience for a memorable stay. The Pavilion has a bar, swimming pool, library, lounge and open dining area where friendly Seychellois staff serve fabulous gourmet meals –you will soon become acquainted with the glorious smell of freshly baked bread and croissants – and succulent tuna steak with coconut sauce.

Cousine is also a nesting haven for two species of turtle – and you may even be lucky enough to witness the wonderful sight of a turtle coming ashore to lay its precious eggs. The breeding season for both the Hawksbill and rare green turtles is November to February – and the nests remain under the watchful eye of the island’s dedicated conservation officers, who are always on hand to guide you along the hill paths and introduce you to some of Cousine’s natural treasures. The island is also home to a small population of friendly giant land tortoises.

Tranquillity prevails – a solitude ‘disturbed’ only by the natural sounds of the ocean and the birds. ‘Nature conservation and rehabilitation are at the forefront of the activities’, says the guests’ handbook – and this philosophy certainly makes the island unique. It has been said that spending a few days on Cousine offers ‘the nearest thing to owning your own island’ – and in fact, you can hire the whole island just for yourself, to share only with a special partner, friends or family.

You can swim, dive, fish and snorkel – but for many, the Cousine experience is all about enjoying the blissful peace of this untouched island paradise.

Cousine is accessible via a scenic helicopter flight from Mahé or Praslin. Boat charter transfers are also available – but these are not recommended between May to October.