There’s an often unspoken guilt associated with private island holidays. Transporting resources and energy to inhospitable environments comes at a cost, not just to someone’s back pocket, but to the planet, too. Which is why the 62-acre Cousine Island in the Seychelles, 1,000 miles east of Africa in the Indian Ocean, is different: every penny of profit generated by hiring it out is reinvested back into maintaining the island’s lush ecosystem, which consists of 95 per cent endemic plants.
Residents can go for private walks with conservation officers to explore the flora and fauna; check out the hawksbill, green and giant aldabra turtles; plant an indigenous tree from the nursery; go kite surfing, kayaking and wind sailing; or try traditional bottom, deep sea or fly fishing, all done sustainably.
And this focus on nature complements, rather than hinders, its luxury credentials. The fine dining comes courtesy of ingredients sourced from the island’s fruit trees, herbs and vegetables, for example, while the beautiful Presidential Villa is built from eco-friendly materials and nestled in local vegetation.
It also features two master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, private spa, gym and kitchen, as well as access to a complimentary private chef and au pair. Meanwhile, there are also four elegant and equally tucked away French colonial luxury villas with sea views, each furnished with its own individual handcrafted furniture – perfect if you’re planning a stay in a bigger group. The island even caters for weddings and honeymoons.
The Seychelles themselves make the perfect destination all year round, with temperatures between 25–35ºC 12 months a year, while water temperatures range between 28–31ºC. It’s the perfect home away from home.
For more information, visit Cousine here.
All photos from Cousine.