The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago of 115
islands anchored in the western part of the Indian Ocean.
Covering an area of just three square kilometres, one of
these is Frégate Island Private. It is a protected natural
paradise where man has rediscovered how to live in harmony
with the natural environment.
Text: Gundula Luig-Runge · Fotos: Klaus Lorke
The sisal-like structure of this endemic fruit is ideal for a gentle
back massage.
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I can smell the aromatically intensive fruity aroma of freshly pulped
papaya as my body begins to relax muscle by muscle in a wonderfully gentle
manner ... Apart from a few drops in the corner of my mouth, it's just a
shame that I can't taste the deep-orange fruity pulp that has been thinly
coated to cover all of my face. It's a wonderfully cool and tingling
sensation.
What I'm experiencing is a delightfully natural way of firming skin
that involves no chemicals, no animal experiments, no doctors and no
guilty conscience. The papaya mask is a constituent part of the "Zoli
Figir", a regenerative and firming facial treatment that is only
available on Frégate Island in this form.
Just like all the facial and body treatments available at the Rock
Spa, which was opened in May 2004, only garden-fresh produce from the
island is used for "Zoli Figir".
Depending on the time of year this means
fruits, flowers, aromatic leaves and spices. Picked freshly on a daily
basis, the therapist first uses a mortar to work the ingredients into
the right consistency before applying them directly onto the skin of
the island's guests. Each and every treatment begins with a relaxing
foot bath as way of introducing you to the bewitchingly relaxing world
of the Rock Spa.
Australian Spa Manager Pippa McGann in the lobby of the new Rock Spa.
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Covering an area of 4,500 square metres and nestled
between the island's natural rocks, the Spa really does live up to
its name. Of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, 42 are
characterized by granite rock while the rest of them are
founded upon coral. Even the journey to The Rock Spa is an experience.
Steep roughly-hewed steps wind their way upwards between greyish black
rocks, before you are treated to the wonderful panorama provided by the
Spa facilities. It is a really meditative and enchanting location with
sensual Asian Credo, characterized by water pools, lush
vegetation and exotic architecture, which manages to remain true to
the natural environment while containing contemporary elements.
In the middle of the trilogy of buildings, a two-story massaging
house accommodating both of the extraordinary twin massaging
suites rises pagoda-like from the ground. Pippa McGann, the friendly
Australian manager of the Spa, was nice enough to give me a personal
tour of her realm.
Dark tropical wood and a ceiling of delicate batik give the generously
proportioned massaging room striking character.
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The high ceilings are covered with fine Indian batik
and its windows provide all-round views of the spa area extending to
the tropical treetops. The cosy outdoor stone baths for wonderfully
revitalizing and regenerative treatments are hidden from view.
You only have to go a few steps further through the purist Zen garden
before reaching the building containing the two individual
treatment suites, which also offer open-air showers and massaging
beds in the small garden. Those wanting to enjoy the almost mystical
flair of The Rock Spa once the treatments are over might want to
consider taking a swim in one of the round rock pools or relaxing in
the open and airy Spa Lobby to a cool and refreshing cup of lemongrass
tea. The mighty halved Takamaka tree trunk that provides a natural
divide for the reception area is impressive.
The Rock Spa offers a wide range of exclusive health, wellness and beauty
treatments that have all been specially developed to conform to Frégate
Island Private's purely ecological concept. In addition to the island's own
natural products, which are mainly used for the Spa's Signature treatments
such as the Papillon body scrub, Lekor wraps and Coco de Mer hot-oil wraps,
the Spa also uses exceptional Li'Tya Australian natural beauty products.
Sandragon Rock Stone therapy stimulates the body's chakra points.
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The literal translation of Li'Tya is "from the earth" and is based on
traditional Aboriginal recipes. All of the products in this line draw on
centuries-old knowledge about the medicinal properties of plants. They are
also based on an holistic view of the world that seeks to harmonize the body
from within giving it new energy and radiation. These Li'Tya applications are
provided with a particularly spiritual backdrop by the natural rock caves
located only a few hundred metres from the Spa.
Beauty treatments, yoga and meditation have also been taking place here since
September.
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Managing Director Patrick Brizio is totally committed to the project.
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The Managing Director, Patrick Brizio, is keen to point out that "we want to
share our paradise with people who appreciate sharing the luxury of one of
the last real hideaways on earth with us". Patrick leads a team of 120
incredibly committed employees from all over the world. A great deal of care
is taken to make sure that everything that is done on the island is in balance
with nature.
Protecting the island's ecology, flora and fauna is a major
priority. Indeed, it is for this reason that the Frégate Island Private has
voluntary limited itself to only 16 villas with 185 square metres of floor
space to accommodate no more than 40 guests. Both the architecture and décor
draw on Balinese and Thai influences. Fourteen of the villas sit on top of
the cliffs with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. Two more nestle
in their own private tropical gardens and are particularly good for
families with young children. Each villa has been located to make it
feel like a part of the surrounding landscape and to ensure maximum
privacy and seclusion for the guests. Sliding glass walls and French doors
that can be opened to the elements help to further blur the line that
separates inside from outside.
The island's own green garden produces
over 60 different vegetables, herbs and fruits,
forming the basis for its superb cuisine.
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Despite their traditional appearance and
supremely laid-back ambiance, the villas come well-equipped with DVD and CD
players, TV, mini bar, coffee and tea-making facilities, safe and
air-conditioning.
In keeping with the resort's commitment to providing its
guests with the finest quality, ecologically-friendly produce is used for
the resort's cuisine. The island's own small plantation grows over sixty
different fruits and vegetables. The South African landscape gardener,
Barry Luckman, and his team grow almost everything needed on a daily basis:
including lettuce, paprika, beans, zucchini, tomatoes, sweet corn, water
spinach, mangos, melons, 16 different types of bananas and countless herbs.
And when it comes to fish, the Indian Ocean provides it in abundance.
The chef, Kurt Berman, is well travelled and a gifted professional who
enjoys creating delicious dishes from the island's ingredients.
Chef de cuisine Kurt Berman from South Africa is responsible for the resort's
wonderful gastronomy. |
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You can enjoy Berman's excellent cuisine in the main restaurant in Frégate
House, in the attractively renovated Plantation House close to the harbour
or in the privacy of your own villa. The open-air Pirate's Bar serves light
lunches and snacks, as well as palatable cocktails and long drinks.
While many guests find that the relaxing atmosphere of Frégate
Island Private is perfect for doing nothing, this small island offers
plenty of activities for the more energetic. From sunbathing on one
the island's seven wonderful sandy beaches to scuba diving, sailing and
game fishing. The island even has its very own kids club.
Professional biologists such as Beate Sachse will take you out on an unmissable
expedition to discover the local plants and animals. Beate is from
South Africa and is in charge of the island's breeding centre for
giant Aldabra tortoise babies.
160 adult tortoise have been released to live freely here and anyone
wanting to see these magnificent ancient reptiles can do so on a tour of the
island. Beate's tours are unforgettable and very exciting. On our trip
she showed me the breeding grounds for thousands of seabirds, the
majestic Frégate bird and brooding sea turns with their fluffy chicks.
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The Magpie Robin is a kind of thrush that was on the verge of
extinction until Frégateís committed ecologists started a
breeding program. |
We were also lucky enough to witness the enchanting singing
Magpie Robin, a kind of thrush that was threatened with extinction
until recently. Thanks to the commitment of the island's nature
protection program and the ecologists working on breeding the bird, the
number of magpie robins on Frégate has increased to more than 60.
Frégate Island Private's unspoilt and untouched character, its endemic
wildlife and the beauty of its beaches makes the island a unique
treasure that should be regarded as one of life's true privileges by
anyone lucky enough to experience it.
Frégate Island Private
Managing Director: Patrick Brizio
P. O. Box 330, Victoria, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
Telephone: +248 / 28 22 82
Facsimile: +248 / 28 22 85
E-mail:
Internet: www.fregate.com
Reservations:
Sales & Marketing Office Worldwide
Schwalbenstraße 15
D-63263 Neu-Isenburg
Telephone: +49 / 061 02 / 501 321
Facsimile: +49 / 061 02 / 501 322
E-mail:
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