ALPHONSE ISLAND SEYCHELLES

Alphonse Island

a Seychelles Paradise

Part of experiential travel company, Blue Safari

Seychelles and located 400km southwest of the mainland of Mahé, lies the untouched Eden that is Alphonse Island. Part of the Alphonse Group of Islands, which also comprise St Francois and Bijoutier, this pristine, natural paradise is considered one of the purest natural idylls in the world. Alphonse Island is blessed with one of the world’s healthiest climates and gorgeous, consistent weather. Alphonse offers guests year-round summer days with temperatures seldom dropping below 22°C.

Beautiful white beaches line the edges of tropical forests, surrounded by miles of unblemished shorelines, lagoons, sea flats and protected coral reefs, home to the vast array of wildlife that exists in this ecosystem.

Alphonse Island is truly unlike any other island in the Seychelles. Just 7°South of the equator, accommodation is simplified barefoot luxury. With two four-bedroomed Beach Villas, five Beach Suites, and 22 Beach Bungalows, all have been decorated in hues that complement the natural surroundings and all have outdoor showers and are just steps from the beach. With three accommodation choices, there is something for groups of friends, families, multi-generational families, as well as smaller families and couples to enjoy.

Alphonse Island encourages its guests to spend as much of their time as possible discovering all the island offers. Due to its size and remote location, Alphonse Island is free from the influx of tourism that is often present at resorts. Guests can explore the island by bike and encounter the array of wildlife that inhabits the island on land as well as discovering the marine life by scuba diving or snorkelling. The experiences are the true luxury of Alphonse Island and are authentic and cannot be encountered anywhere else in the Seychelles. and marvel at the pristine Guests of Alphonse Island can experience the fascinating marine environment on a first-hand basis as they swim in the Indian Ocean and encounter shoals of assorted, vibrantly coloured fish of varying species: green and hawksbill turtles, spinner dolphins, and humpback whales, all in their natural environment. Swimming with sailfish and manta rays is an unforgettable experience, like no other. An encounter with these animals in their habitat is an incredible and unforgettable experience, whether seen from a boat, from the shore, or in the Indian Ocean itself.

Be amazed as they flash through the crystal waters and witness these craniate animals in their environment. These unique experiences make Alphonse Island nothing short of spectacular.

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Beautiful white beaches line the edges of tropical forests, surrounded by miles of unblemished shorelines

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Aquatic adventures at Alphonse Island are not limited to below the water. Kayaks are a perfect and non-intrusive way to get up close to turtles and rays

Alphonse Island

Alphonse Island Dive Centre offers a full range of PADI courses from Discover Scuba diving to Divemaster. The PADI-certified dive centre caters to children, who can experience their first foray into the underwater world from nine years old by completing a Bubble Maker course. It also offers exclusive dives to families where children from the age of eight can experience the wonders of scuba diving with their parents. 34 dive sites that surround Alphonse Island, all of which are easily reached in under 30 minutes on comfortable purpose-built dive boats. Manta rays and squadrons of Eagle rays, the ‘Wolf Pack’ of hundreds of Bluefin trevally and associates patrolling or even attacking prey on the reef can be seen. Groups of Bumphead parrotfish, schools of batfish numbering in the hundreds as well as interesting animal behaviour such as nesting triggerfish can be viewed. Aquatic adventures at Alphonse Island are not limited to below the water. Kayaks are a perfect and non-intrusive way to get up close to turtles and rays around the flats. Choose between a guided tour by nature experts who will point out seabirds and spot fishermen’s delights such as bonefish, permit, and triggerfish, or explore the island at your own pace. Kayaks are readily available for guests to use and a picnic basket can be organised to choose a spot for a secluded meal. Set sail into the Alphonse Lagoon on one of the luxury boats, ready to salute the setting sun with a cocktail or beer from the onboard bar. This is an exceptional way to view the island from a different perspective as the sun sets, providing an incredible backdrop. It’s not just the resort, the diving opportunities, the thrilling activities, and the weather that makes Alphonse Island so spectacular. Add in the terrain, the techniques, the season, and the species diversity and you have an incredible mix, custom-made for fly fishing. On the terrain front, fly fishing in the Alphonse Atoll sets itself apart due to the largely land-based approach it offers. While blue-water, boat-based fishing is available to anglers, the main draw these atolls holds is for the angler to be able to target challenging species on foot. In line with its environmental ethos and practices, a strict catch and release system is in operation. Saltwater fly-fishing destinations in many parts of the world are boat-based, the Alphonse Atoll stands apart because of the opportunities it gives anglers: to wading in shallow, warm water on hard white sand and turtle grass, on coral flats to discover a plethora of exciting new species. It’s the opportunity to cast at behemoth giant trevally or shoals of bonefish in the same knee-deep water you are standing in, is not something many fly anglers who are accustomed to boatbased fishing, will ever forget.

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Alphonse Island

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The idyllic, pristine, and picture-perfect paradise that is Alphonse Island is the definitive wedding destination.

The Island Conservation Society (ICS) team offers activities enabling guests to connect with the natural environment and surroundings whilst respecting it. By assisting the ICS, guests gain a wider understanding of the ecology and ecosystems that exist on Alphonse, St François, and Bijoutier, and the importance of their work and how it greatly affects the islands. As part of the guided walks and the Native Vegetation Restoration project, guests can choose to plant an endemic tree. Swimming with – and photographing – Manta Rays, is a particularly magical ocean experience, which helps capture important data about individual specimens and their movements. These islands provide important nesting grounds for our endemic Hawksbill and Green turtles; the turtle patrol and tracking project provides important insights into the population numbers and their movement, which helps the team protect them.

With days filled with adventures on land, in or above the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean, relax at the central dining and bar area, as the sun slowly dips into the ocean and melts away, signalling the end of another day in paradise. Menus are created from freshly caught fish, and grilled meats and 65% of the fruits and vegetables served are grown on the island’s farm. Combining the influences of local Seychellois Creole and French cuisine, dishes are inspired from all corners of the Indian Ocean.

In addition to the restaurant, private dining can be arranged to allow guests to enjoy meals on a special spot on the beach, or alongside the pool.

The idyllic, pristine, and picture-perfect paradise that is Alphonse Island is the definitive wedding destination. Alphonse Island has a full license for weddings and the talented team of staff can arrange every detail from providing the registrar to working with the bride and groom to create delicious menus, signature cocktails and canapés, as well as arranging tropical flowers and fantastic music. Each detail is carefully considered to create an unforgettable wedding in paradise. For those who seek exclusivity, Alphonse Island can be hired in its entirety-the ultimate wedding venue!

Exceptional experiences last a lifetime. They are stories that people tell people with enthusiasm, passion, and love, they are memories that can never be erased. Alphonse Island is a sanctuary for the senses, a discovery for the mind, and food for the soul. It is a place where guests are at one with the environment, where peace and tranquillity reign. It is a destination like no other, it is paradise perfected and this enchanting island is just waiting to be explored!

For more information, please visit www.alphonse-island.com

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