After taking over Seychelles’ Fregate Island Private in 2013 and embarking on a 24-month renovation, Oetker Collection has unveiled a total restoration including the renovation of all public areas, marina, Banyan Hill Estate and the resort’s 16 private pool villas.
Long considered one of the world’s great conservation sanctuaries and home to 2,200 free-roaming Giant Aldabra Tortoises, the now-modernized resort has a new lease on life.
The villas have been totally refinished and given a cleaner and more modern feel with white linen fabrics complementing the natural African hardwood interiors and an obvious focus around huge private pools and Jacuzzis overlooking the Indian Ocean.
There are also updated air-conditioning systems, high-speed wireless Internet, TV systems and minibars. In addition, all the private pools and pool decks have been totally renovated.
The Presidential Villa, Banyan Hill, has had its three separate villas and the core entertainment building completely renewed.
The island’s marina has also been restored with multiple places to relax, socialize and dine. All the resort’s gardens and private green spaces have been groomed. The property also added a kid’s club, located on one of the island’s seven beaches.
Staff training has been a major focus. There are 150 staff on the island to service a maximum of approximately 60 guests. Each villa has its own butler, and there are other experts on hand such as a resident marine biologist and conservationists.
New Head Chef Alan Larch prepares dishes using 70% of ingredients from the hotel’s own vegetable gardens, and approximately 80% of the fish served in the hotel are caught by the resort’s own fisherman.
The renovation work has been guided by Fregate’s Managing Director Wayne Kafcsak, who has managed luxury hotels around the world including Peter Island and Raffles Canouan Island.
The Island has installed fuel-efficient generators and a wastewater plant that converts wastewater to 95% pure usable water for irrigation.
Fregate Island Private recently purchased a fleet of golf carts powered by hybrid technology as well as new fuel-saving boat engines. LED and CFC lighting has been installed throughout the property. Finally, major pruning and landscaping improvements completed in several locations on the island have significantly assisted pest control.