overview
Lying 6km off the West coast of Praslin, the tiny granite island of Cousine is a miniature version of all that makes the Seychelles unique. It is a rare example of nature at its most natural and most beautiful. The white sandy beaches, waxy green palms, smooth grey boulders and cobalt blue seas are just what one would expect in this idyllic part of the world. The entire island is a private nature reserve and in the midst of this natural paradise lies a truly fabulous small hotel.
Cousine Island is French colonial architecture at its elegant best and provides the utmost in comfort and unpretenious sophistication. Once a private home, the lodge allows no more than ten guests at once. Four elegant villas set 30m back from the beach are cleverly arranged to provide total exclusivity. Nestled amongst lush vegetation, these wonderful bungalows include enormous bedrooms and drawing rooms, gorgeous bathrooms with jacuzzis and prettily furnished terraces with magnificent sea views and private beach access.
Each meal on Cousine Island is a culinary adventure; their open plan cooker allows guests to interact with the chef while he prepares seriously accomplished delicacies to order from the freshest local ingredients. These can be enjoyed in private or in the romantic setting of the beachside pavillion.
Cousine Island’s thatched Beach House comprises a spa and a fully equipped gym. Spa facilities include a wet and a dry treatment room and a space for holistic wellbeing. Guests can choose to be pampered with a broad array of treatments by Ligne St Barth either in the beach house or in the privacy of your villa.
There is a well stocked library by the hotel's fresh water swimming pool, and if you are feeling more active you might try a bit of snorkeling, boating, fishing or scuba diving, or perhaps a nature walk with the island's conservation officer. Cousine is far more than just an atoll; it is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Magpie Robin. Hawksbill Turtles come ashore to nest and Green Turtles, rare to the Seychelles, nest occasionally throughout the year. Cousine Island is the only island in the Seychelles to be completely free of alien mammals and the the wildlife has no fear of humans. It is a naturalist's paradise.
Staying on Cousine Island is like staying on one's very own desert island. It is a unique natural paradise being one of the worlds last remaining pristine islands and provides a degree of privacy almost impossible to find in the 21st century. This is escapism at its very best!