Frégate Island Private

Is Frégate Island Private heaven on earth? There's a compelling case: the most secluded granite island in the Seychelles, its 16 environmentally-sensitive mahogany villas rest atop a clifftop plateau. To the rear, luxurious rooms of ultimate privacy; to the fore, 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean.

But perhaps heaven in heaven is more your speed. Frégate's observatory offers transcendent views of the stars through a high-tech telescope - not that you need one. With seven beaches ringing the island's coastline, and skies unpolluted by light, it's no struggle to find a private spot from which to ponder the firmament.

Among Frégate Island Private's many draws are a PADI dive center, marina, and yacht club - plus the award-winning Rock Spa and two gourmet restaurants. Each villa, with its own Jacuzzi gurgling on the terrace, looks out on the sea. And the coup de grace: a personal butler attends discreetly to your requests, 24 hours a day, anywhere on the island.