"How is it possible that this place only scores 4.6! its honestly epic. Visiting North Island is like having your own vacation home on the most incredible picture-perfect desert island, with a team of staff attending to your every whim. The F&B is better than most 5* city hotels depsite the remote location (better in may ways with the artistry of the chefs and the incredible fresh seafood) and they adapt the menu to delight and please you throughout your stay. The team are hard-working and authentic with incredible integrity, conserving the beautiful island and the creatures that live there for future generations. Baby turtles hatch on the beach, huge numbers of giant tortoises roam freely (and babies are looked after by the team until they are old enough to be released). Guests can hike for awe inspiring views, fish for their dinner, snorkel in aquarium-like seas, or just hang out in the villa being looked after by butlers that lead the world with their service ethics. Kiki we miss you since we left, you looked after us so well, bringing us food from the gorgeous menu, treats that you knew we would like, topping up our glasses of champagne and telling us all your stories. On top of all this guests at North island enjoy the use of their own golf buggy to tour the island, yoga classes that are tailor made to your needs, and spa treatments that delight. the whole team sang to my daughter on her birthday - everyone dedicated to making sure you have the best possible time - and we did, world class. when can we come back please?"

"We have been passionate about exceptional cruises and lodges for several decades. I have often cited our trips to Antarctica, Amanikan, the 5 Amankora in Bhutan and the Widerness lodges in Botswana as some of the most exceptional over the last 25 years, but I admit that the North Island dethrones all these references in terms of exclusivity. The island has been supporting an environmental project aimed at reintroducing the natural fauna and flora of the Seychelles to the island, including giant tortoises and certain birds, as well as the takamaka, the badamier and the coco de mer for 20 years. The 11 villas, ranging from 450 to 750 m², were built in the pure Wilderness tradition, with architecture and materials perfectly integrated into the site and have aged well for over 20 years. Privacy is completely preserved. We were amazed by this stay from start to finish. Thank you to Mark, Nicolas, Peter, Moses, Chef Jones and the team for a memorable stay."

"Deeply Disappointed – A Letdown from a Supposedly World-Class Resort As someone who’s visited over 84 countries and stayed at many of the most exclusive properties in the world, I had high expectations for North Island. Unfortunately, what I encountered was one of the most frustrating and unprofessional booking experiences I’ve ever had. After receiving a confirmed industry rate, I restructured my entire trip — changed international flights, adjusted hotel bookings across multiple countries, and made significant financial and logistical sacrifices to include North Island in our itinerary. Only days later, I was informed that the confirmed rate was suddenly no longer available. The new rate was more than double what had been originally quoted. The explanation? A vague and evasive response: “Due to circumstances beyond our control.” When I asked for clarity, I was told: “Unfortunately, I am not able to disclose the information.” And perhaps most baffling of all: “The uniqueness of the island sometimes makes it challenging to adapt to specific rates.” This level of opacity and lack of accountability is unacceptable for any hospitality brand — especially one that markets itself as the pinnacle of ultra-luxury. I wasn’t simply shopping around. I committed. I canceled other high-end stays and rearranged our plans based on their confirmation. As a travel advisor, luxury travel content creator, and owner of multiple businesses, I value reliability and professionalism. North Island failed on both fronts. No alternative solution was offered. No real attempt at service recovery. Just templated apologies and doors closed. For travelers who value transparency, trust, and a seamless luxury experience — you may want to look elsewhere."

"Great service and beautiful private island. One of the best resort arrivals ever, staff great the helicopter and whisk you away to your villa with a beach view, private pool two outdoor showers, and extra suite. The butler took care of every need, stocking the refrigerator with items preselected during booking. The beach is stunning, etc. Now, everything can be improved and there were a few minor issues. We had a wine tasting in thier private wine cellar but the selection was pretty mediocre and the sommelier wasn’t very knowledgeable. Mostly South African wines which are fine moderately prices wines but nothing compared to Napa or Bordeaux. They tried hard to create custom menus but perhaps language got in the way. I explained that I grilled fish and I love chicken curries, but I don’t for fish curries. The curry sampler they prepared for us was exclusively fish and octopus curries. Nonetheless, the island and the villa were stunning, we rarely encountered other guests, and we will be back."