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Bird Island Lodge Seychelles

Bird Island

A gem in the Indian Ocean. Nature at its best with Aldabra turtles soaking up the sun and impressive hordes of migration birds.  The four of us (2 kids 2 and 3)  had a private beaches during our stay...  Amazing memories for and with the kids. The opposite of mass tourism. Simplicity with the right balance of hospitality services . Very good bedding and home made dinner.  If you need to unwind, this is the place! We hope to be able to go back again.

A gem in the Indian Ocean

Land on a grass runway, live with over one million birds at the right time of year, swim and snorkel in the warm ocean, relax within the most amazing nature.  This is what Bird Island is about.
The amazing staff will cook you dinner in the evening and prepare sandwiches at lunch but you need to take your own breakfast and our group took food for breakfast and lunch keeping it simple.
The chalets are comfortable and clean if in need of a bit or care and attention.  There are separate shared kitchens fully equipped with cooker, fridge toaster, microwave, plates, mugs etc and huge flagons of help yourself water.  Preparing a simple meal is easy and the island has a small grocery shop.
We felt that this beautiful place was under used, especially since covid and runs on few staff who go out of their way to help but the bird list on the wall dated from 2020.
Our visit was part of a small group tour to the Seychelles led by a knowledgeable guides.  It had long been on my “bucket list” and I will treasure my memories of the island and seeing the multitudes of sooty terns, noddies, tropic birds and many more.  I would encourage anyone to visit.

A superb island deserving of a visit

We have just recently returned from our trip in October of this year.  We were amazed by the number of birds we saw, in sheer quantity as well as many different varieties. There are also giant tortoises, who roam around freely.
The chalets were comfortable and well designed for the climate. They are built to ensure air-flow, so that it is always cool inside. My husband, who over-heats very easily, had no problem sleeping. The food in the restaurant was very tasty. My husband and I are vegetarians and this was catered for with no fuss. 
This is a place where you are very much in nature.  The kitchen area is separate from the chalet. It is open, so that birds and other creatures can come in.  In our case we had ground doves and a Madagascan foddy sitting on the furniture. For us, this was magical. We found some great places for snorkeling and a lovely late afternoon swimming spot just near our chalet. 
If an adventure trip, where you are very close to nature, is your thing then you will love Bird Island. We are looking at planning another trip.  If you are looking for perfect 5-star luxury, however, then it is probably not the place for you.

A wonderful holiday

First, the positives.  Bird Island is beautiful. The stars on a clear night are stunning, as are the turquoise fringed beaches with powder soft sand.  Good snorkeling (almost all the coral is dead, however.) Tortoises abound. And the birds are so numerous they cannot help but inspire awe.

But the hotel is poorly managed, and not because of the hard-working staff, like Darel (who brought us to see Esmerlda) or Sebastien, the great cook who took me on a snorkeling expedition.

The  problem is: there appears to be no-one in charge.  And in fact, the owner/manager is in Mahe, 100 km away.  You are handed a map when you arrive with things listed like the farm (which no longer exists), the viewing platform (now overtaken by a tree), information areas (ha!) and reception (which is not used.) So if you have a need or a question, there is no one in charge to ask. There were 11 guests the week we were there.  4 kayaks, 3 paddles to be found, which ant the family of 4 that held on to 2 kayaks and 3 paddles made it impossible for others to kayak. (Eventually we found 2 other paddles in a random spot -- but there was no one to ask. )  

I eventually moved cabins because the internet didn't reach mine. I was delighted that the kitchen in the new unit had a microwave, unlike the first one. But unlike the other kitchen, had no ceiling fan, which made it pretty much unusable during the mid-day because there is no breeze in the middle of the island where the cabins are and it's HOT.

I don't think this is intentional. There's just no one in charge of paying attention to things like: why are there not enough kayak paddles? Why does one kitchen have a ceiling fan and another one not?

The owner, it turned out, flew in during our week.  From talking to the other guests, I don't think he so much as said hello to any of us.  He wouldn't even make eye contact with me or the friends I made on the trip. It's an expensive place to visit, about 425 euros a night, plus airfare. Their client base is down. But honestly, the looked past us las if we were bothersome insects. And I think this epitomizes the attitude of management towards guests. 

This place could be (and apparently once was) so much more.  They're down from 30 staff to 10.  Have someone who people can ask questions to. Perhaps provide a little shade. Make sure the cabins have the basic needs.  Let people know what activities are available (there is no list, no presentation, nothing.)  Maybe someone to occasionally ask you how your stay is going and if there's anything you need or any questions you have.

Am I glad I went? Yes. It was beautiful. Would I go again? Not if it's run the way it currently is

Magical place deteriorating due to indifferent management

We had the island to ourselves for a week with another couple. A private island feeling.

Sebastian gave us a warm welcome and spoiled us with fresh and varied fish dishes in the evenings.

The island can be circumnavigated on foot in about two hours on white dream beaches. 
We snorkelled with turtles, reef sharks, rays, schools of fish and many colourful fish. 
The land turtles like to be scratched on the neck...so, please stroke them!

We were lucky enough to see millions of birds breeding. Fairy terns, sooty terns, millions of lesser nody, dutch pigeons, madagascar weavers, frigatebirds (a spectacle when 500 of them hover in the air).

Darren, the man in charge of the birds and the turtles (including "Esmeralda") gave us a super insight into the flora and fauna of the island on a tour lasting more than two hours. 

The bungalows are large and clean. There is also a large private kitchen bungalow. Here you can enjoy breakfast with a view of the giant tortoises and birds. 

The flights to and from the island are another highlight. 

Conclusion: After an active holiday on the other Seychelles islands, this is an ideal place to end the holiday in a relaxing way.

Greetings to Sebastian, it was an incredible experience!

Perfect location for Bird and Giant Turtle Lovers. Excellent Food

Firstly, 

We met a couple who'd been to the island for 25 consecutive years, we were there in November 2018.

It can't be described fairly without having been there.  It's basic as advertised, but huge turtles roam the Island, the birds nest outside your chalet doorstep as there are no rodent predators.  It's a minute from the beach and if you meet anyone it's most unlikely.
We saw a few turtles in the water but they were disturbed so went back out to sea.

At night there were thousands of small crabs coming up onto the beach, it was amazing and has to be seen to appreciate.

I'd recommend it but you won't ever be satisfied with anywhere else in the world!!!

If you would like to ask for any more info ( Graham on 07785 527201 )

A once in a lifetime experience??

After our short visit 16 years ago, we always said we would return again to the magic of Bird Island, this time for a full week.  Nothing has changed.  If anything, it’s got better with many more birds than before.  Here, humans are guests of the birds. And the birds are very close.  Tropic birds nest between the roots of the larger trees.
The chalet provided a very spacious bed-sitting room plus toilet and separate shower wet room.  It’s more like up-market glamping than a hotel.  No glass in the windows, just shutters.  “Air Con” is the sea breeze through slats in the window shutters.  Digital safe, no TV, thermos jug for drinking water – take it to reception for a refill at meal times. Resident gecko or two – you have to like nature to stay here.  Darryl’s interesting island nature talk is to be recommended.
Tip: take some clothes pegs to clip together the corners of the mosquito net around the 4-poster bed.  And take a torch to find your way to evening dinner, avoiding the land crabs that come out at night.
Meals provide a limited but reasonable selection of wholesome dishes from basic ingredients (remember everything has to be shipped in).  There’s something for all but the most pernickety (no “fast food”). Personally, we enjoyed the cooking (thanks Chef).  Breakfast is a limited selection of dishes plus eggs cooked as required. Lunch and Dinner: a soup dish, salad and/or vegetable dishes and usually a choice of chicken or fish dishes.  Afternoon tea in the bar was a welcome addition since our previous stay.
Electrics: UK-style 13A square pin 240v; no shaver point. Power 24 hours/day by generator.
Wifi: free around reception and restaurant; internet fairly slow but usable.

Magical Paradise

We visited here as a couple in February of this year and had the most amazing time........the Island is exceptional.  From giant Aldabra tortoises, radiated tortoises, myriad of birds, fish, turtles, skinks, geckos, land snails.......plus deserted beaches, stunning sunsets, clear views of the Milky Way and great hospitality from the owners and staff, this place has something for everyone.

The accommodation is basic, but more than adequate, and is as close to nature as you can get.......the noise from the birds can be constantly heard throughout the day and night and they can even enter your chalet; tortoises can also appear outside your door........awesome.

Food was offered on a full board basis and was generally very good, with the main meals mostly based around fish, chicken, rice and lentils, with eggs and fruit at breakfast.  There was always plenty to go around, though after 7 nights on the Island (the maximum you are allowed to stay) it does get a little repetitive.

Staff were attentive and friendly, as were the owners........help and advice was always on hand, and guided nature walks were also offered to guests.......just ask !!!!  Complimentary snorkel equipment, kayaks and beach towels were also available. 

One thing to note if visiting Bird Island is that the flights to/from the island can be delayed or even cancelled due to inclement weather (our flight from the island was delayed by about 5 hours)..........therefore it is wise to book a couple of days in Mahe either side of your Bird Island visit just in case, Im glad we did !!!!!

As you would expect, a visit to Bird Island doesn't come cheap.  For me the slightly surprising aspect was that if you stayed more than 4 nights, then the daily rate went up by €33 for EVERY night of your stay, not just the additional ones.........  

One slight disappointment was the quality of the snorkelling due to the masses of floating sea grass in the water; this was also washed up around the island in large quantities, with one guest saying it was due to recent storms as the beaches had been spotless only a couple of months earlier.  There were also branches and small parts of trees washed up all around the island which did visually impact on what were normally clean, powdery white sandy beaches..........obviously there is nothing the owners could do about this, welcome to Mother Nature.

All in all this was a truly fantastic visit and I would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to be close to nature or just seeking a little bit of solitude, without the feeling of being totally isolated.

A huge thank you to all the Bird Island team for sharing your Island with us - you have your own little piece of paradise and work very hard to maintain it. 

ps:  there are mosquitoes on the Island so don't forget your insect repellent !!!!

An amazing place to relax and unwind !!!!!

We spent five wonderful days on Bird . I read reviews before we went so was not expecting five star luxury.  Instead on offer is five star beauty . I spent my birthday on the island and had the treat of a life time when we saw a turtle dig the hole to bury her eggs , cover them and then she slowly returned to the ocean ,  The chalets are spacious and clean , the bed was very comfortable . The fact that there are no locks on the door didn’t bother us at all . The smiling staff are amazing , the meals are cooked with love and there is plenty of choice . We shall return to once again meander along the beach , swim and snorkel in the ocean , above all to admire the birds and sun sets .

My birthday treat

Just returned to Mahé after a lovely weekend away! Everything was brilliant! We really enjoyed walking around the island and seeing and hearing all the bird nesting, tortoises roaming and even a couple of small black tip sharks swimming by! The food was excellent with plenty of choice each day including plenty of vegetarian options! The room was great and very comfortable. Thank you to all the staff we met everyone was extremely polite and helpful. Can’t recommend this island enough - we want to come back already!!

Bird Island Lodge Seychelles

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