Alphonse Island
Seychelles
Accommodation
The Alphonse atoll group is considered one of the most pristine, untouched sanctuaries of the world, making it a nature lover’s paradise. Alphonse Island features a single resort, Alphonse Island Lodge, that offers 22 Beach Bungalows, five Beach Villas and two 4-bedroom Beach Retreats. Originally the island catered mainly for fishermen, the island is developing more and more towards leisure tourism and the two worlds mix here without any problems.
The Beach Bungalows are located on both sides of the main building just a few meters from the beach. The A-Frame cottages are comfortably and cozily furnished and have en-suite bathrooms, outdoor shower, veranda with day bed and seating, safe, tea/coffee station, desk, air conditioning and ceiling fan.
The Beach Villas join the last of the Beach Bungalows. At 126m², the villas are about twice as large as the bungalows. All 5 villas are spaced for optimum privacy, complete with a private plunge pool, indoor and outdoor shower, open plan living and bedroom, and private deck with sun loungers and relaxation area. The Beach Villas are more modern and chic than the bungalows and offer all the comfort you could wish for. Check out the images of the Beach Villa.
The two Beach Retreats are perfect for families and small group of friends (up to 8 adults and 4 children on extra beds). The Retreats feature four double rooms with en-suite bathrooms, expansive living and dining area, entertainment area, private plunge pools, kitchen, and a dedicated club car. Check out the images of the Beach Retreat.
Alphonse Island offers the best of both worlds: remoteness and comfort. A variety of facilities make each stay extra enjoyable; located on the beach, the Le Lys bar and dining area is the heart and soul of Alphonse. This is where the bell rings in the evening when the excursionists are honored with a medal for their exploits, whether it's a good catch ("Catch & Release") fishing or a canoe trip around the island - the Activities Team at Alphonse Island is fun and honors young and old alike.
Breakfast and lunch are served in the the Bijoutier restaurant. Ice-cold beers or a refreshing cocktail can also be enjoyed in the Beach Bar on the Northern point of the island, or the Barnacles Bar at the activity center. A tennis court, PADI diving center, fishing center, swimming pool and azure spa complete the lodge’s public areas.
Location
The magnificent island threesome comprising Alphonse, St. Francois and Bijoutier lies in the very heart of the Indian Ocean as part of the Seychelles outer island group. Lying 7 degrees south of the Equator and 400km (250 miles) South West of Mahé, it is blessed with miles of unblemished shorelines, lagoons and sea flats.
The island is open all year round and can be reached by a one hour flight from Mahé on certain days of the week.
Wildlife
Due to its remote location, the islands of the Alphonse Group play host to a variety of endemic vegetation, animal life and impressive marine life. The sandy beaches and coconut forests make it a quiet retreat as well as breeding ground for a host of migratory seabirds and turtles. With over 130 bird species recorded, guests can expect glimpses of Red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. When the giant frigatebirds take to the sky in their thousands before sunset, waiting in the evening breeze to steal the spoils from the returning terns, it's great cinema.
On a trip around the island, whether in a kayak or on a Standup Paddle (SUP), you may see numerous sea turtles, small reef sharks and sometimes rays, right on the beach. Alphonse island is also home to a small reintroduced population of Aldabra giant tortoises.
Activities
Besides unrivaled fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling, Alphonse Island offers you an array of other water-based activities, such as snorkeling with mantas and sailfish, watch dolphins & whales in action, turtle observations, reef flats expeditions, conservation experiences, bird watching, cycle tours, kayak & SUP boards, tennis.
Excursions to the uninhabited islands of Bijoutier and St. Francois can be undertaken as well. Bijoutier is only about 15 min boat ride from Alphonse, to St. Francois it is a little further, about 30 minutes. On Friday, the famous Flats Lunch is held, where lunch is served in the middle of the ocean on a sand bank that is exposed during low tide.
Good to know
No cell phone reception on Alphonse. Wi-Fi available at the main building.Alphonse Island on the map
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