Alphonse Island Lodge

OVERVIEW:

Alphonse Island Lodge is one of three properties known collectively as Blue Safari Seychelles. All are listed in Classic Portfolio, an exciting selection spanning many parts of Safari Africa as well as a couple of beach destinations. This lodge is the largest of the Blue Safari properties, and it holds a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence! The accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, an assortment of alcoholic and soft drinks, room amenities, non-motorized and land-based activities, scheduled communal excursions, hire of snorkeling equipment, reel rental, and Wi-Fi. Children of all ages are welcome. NB* Please note the camp is open from 8th November to 22nd April. 

ACCESS & LOCATION:

The lodge is accessed via 1 hour’s flight from Mahé. It’s situated on Alphonse Island, one of the Seychelles’ Outer Islands. This island forms part of the Alphonse group of atolls, which also includes St Francois and Bijoutier. All three are characterized by pristine white sands and beautiful thick forest. There’s an impressive array of wildlife!

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT ALPHONSE ISLAND LODGE:

Guest accommodation consists of 22 beach bungalows and five beach suites. From April 2019, there will also be two four-bedroom villas! Each bungalow is positioned amidst tropical plantations and raised well above ground level on sturdy stilts, with a flight of steps up to the entrance. Inside, you’ll find a double or twin bedroom with capacity for an extra bed for a child, and en-suite facilities comprising flush toilet, washbasin, and bath, leading out to an al fresco shower. Additional amenities include air conditioning, ceiling fans, mosquito nets (on request), telephone, Nespresso machine, mini-bar, safe, shaver outlet, hairdryer, and laundry service. The five suites are located just a short stroll from the beach, on the east coast of Alphonse Island. Every suite is set well apart from its neighbour/s, providing plenty of privacy. This option also has one bedroom, but it’s sufficiently spacious to accommodate two extra beds for children. It benefits from all the amenities of the beach bungalow, in addition to indoor shower. There’s also a patio, and a plunge pool! At present, no information is available concerning the villas, but we’ll update this section as soon as we can.

The communal facilities at Alphonse Island Lodge are very impressive. They include Le Lys, a high-quality restaurant, and two bars, as well as a smoothie café! Guests can also dine privately, with advance notice. There’s an entertainment area too, as well as a movie theatre and a lovely boutique where you can browse for souvenirs. If you’re preparing for a fishing trip, you can visit the fly shop for supplies. Azure Spa offers a great range of massages, mani-pedis, facials, and more, for anyone in need of a little pampering. Keep-fit fans can enjoy games of tennis on the lodge’s own court, and even chess players are considered, as there’s a giant board! Finally, there’s a very inviting swimming pool, with sunloungers and parasols set up alongside.

ACTIVITIES AT ALPHONSE ISLAND LODGE:

The lodge offers an exhilarating variety of things to do! Here are a few examples:

• Discover the ‘Blue Five’

  - Go snorkeling and admire the treasure trove of marine life … explore endless flats and view young sharks, rays, and turtles … birdwatch and spot some 238 species of feathery friend … track turtles and watch them nesting … and enjoy fly-fishing, with opportunities to catch-and-release a mighty bonefish!

• Scuba diving

  - Alphonse Island is home to the only PADI dive center in the Seychelles Outer Islands. The waters in this region contain a number of dive sites, with something suitable for all levels of expertise. There’s a real treasure trove of marine life!

• Fishing trips

  - As well as fly fishing, game fishing is available. Off shore, you can choose to spend a half- or full day pursuing the likes of sailfish, wahoo, tunas, and dorado.

• Tortoise sanctuary

  - Visit the sanctuary to view and feed the charming giant tortoises, who can also be seen ambling around the island.

• Bicycle hire

  - The lodge offers bike hire for free! And the activities team accompanies you on a tour of Alphonse Island, showing you all the major landscapes along the forest trails. You’re welcome to explore by yourself too.

• Island Conservation Society Research Centre

  - This is well worth a visit too, for finding out about the conservation team’s successes in caring for Alphonse’s wonderful wildlife. One highlight is guided nature walks, showcasing the spectacular flora and fauna of the island.

• Tree nursery

  - This attraction appeals to anyone interested in botany – and you can plant a tree too!

• Tribe family experiences

  - The lodge offers all sorts of experiences for families, including private picnics, private snorkeling, and guided conservation hikes. For more information, just get in touch with a member of YZ.