The Hidden Luxuries of a Secluded Island Retreat
Alphonse Island in the Seychelles is a luxurious paradise with beachside villas What sets it apart is its commitment to sustainability, boasting its own on-island farm Experience the perfect desert island getaway while supporting a pristine environment
Seychelles Alphonse Island is the quintessential desert island getaway. With its white sandy beaches, swaying palms, and warm azure waters, it's the perfect destination for a serene escape. The coral reefs and sand flats are bustling with marine life, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Introduce a luxurious hotel offering breathtaking beach bungalows priced at over $1,000 per night, and it's easy to assume that this destination luxuriates in exclusivity. However, located in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, approximately 250 miles southwest of the main island of Mahé, this private island is the site of an innovative and comprehensive sustainability initiative.
Keith Rose-Innes is leading the sustainability efforts at Alphonse Islands as the director, prioritizing eco-friendly practices such as The Farm. This project focuses on supplying organically grown produce to the island's restaurants and other Blue Safaris properties in the region. The goal is to reduce food miles and decrease carbon emissions.
"He says flying produce in is not sustainable. The alternative is to transport it by boat, but this method takes two days and is highly polluting. We only use a barge every two months, so we can only bring in large quantities of fruit and vegetables every two months."
A massive game-changer
The Farm on Alphonse Island provides much of the fresh produce consumed on the island.
Blue Safari Seychelles
The World Bank reports that in 2021, the Seychelles imported vegetables from various countries including India, United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Tunisia, and Turkey. A staggering 90% of the food consumed on the islands is brought in from abroad.
Despite this, Rose-Innes and his team at Alphonse Island have managed to shift the scales, at least within the Blue Safaris group of properties, by prioritizing the growth of their own produce.
"It's a huge game changer for us from a sustainability standpoint. Any leftover fruit and vegetables can go right back into the ground, and the fresh produce is much more sustainable and higher in quality." According to him, The Farm operates based on a seasonal calendar, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables such as bananas, figs, limes, honeydew melons, beetroot, cucumbers, pumpkins, and Chinese cabbage.
It has been a difficult journey, filled with numerous attempts and mistakes. With salt present in the soil just 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) below the surface, farmers on Rose-Innes and Alphonse Islands have had to devise strategies for cultivating crops that can not only withstand these conditions, but also flourish.
Mike Butler
How travelers help to protect the Outer Islands of the Seychelles
The Farm at Alphonse Island produces 27.6 tonnes of fruit, vegetables, and herbs annually, with an average monthly yield of 2.3 tonnes. It operates as a closed system, utilizing any surplus for compost to support future crops. According to Rose-Innes, a recent redevelopment has elevated the farm to new heights.
We have utilized consultants to install fully shaded tunnels, as well as tunnels with 20% and 40% shade. Additionally, we have seeding beds, trays, and tunnels, automated watering systems, and various planting schedules. In addition, we have brought in a microgreens expert from South Africa to provide a variety of plants for daily culinary enhancement.
Rose-Innes states, "We conduct thorough audits to determine the best planting timing and ensure a consistent supply of high-quality fruits and vegetables throughout the season." As a result, Alphonse Island now cultivates approximately 75% of its own produce, significantly reducing the reliance on imports.
Taking sustainability further
The luxury resort says it also invests in protecting marine life.
Blue Safari Seychelles
Alphonse Island has been recognized as a finalist in the inaugural Star Sustainability Initiative Awards 2023, a new category in the prestigious Travel Bulletin Star Awards, now in its 25th year. In addition to this accomplishment, Rose-Innes has set his sights on further environmental improvements. He strictly prohibits the importation of mineral water and single-use plastic bottles to prevent pollution on the island. Instead, fresh water is obtained through desalination or collected from rooftops after rainfall and then distributed to the farm through a central pump. The island also relies on more than 2,000 solar panels, which provide 80% of its energy needs.
Meanwhile, all the fish are caught with lines in the deep waters on the far side of the coral reef surrounding Alphonse Islands.
"We strictly avoid purchasing fish from other regions. Our commitment to sustainable fishing drives us to catch fish away from the reef, far from the diving spots, in deep waters where we know the fish population is plentiful," he explains.
Anse Source d'Argent beach, La Digue Island, Seyshelles
Shutterstock
The man searching for pirate treasure in the Seychelles
Using nets or drag nets to catch fish defeats the purpose of the business," he adds.
This effort goes beyond simply providing food, energy, and power. The island is home to a dedicated team of scientists and conservationists who are committed to caring for and preserving the delicate waters and sand flats that make the ecology here so captivating.
Guests visiting the island make a daily contribution of $30 per person to support the independent foundation devoted to preserving these natural sanctuaries. Our initiatives and responsible practices are guided by the scientific research conducted by the Island Conservation Society. Their expertise in the local environment and wildlife is instrumental in informing the decisions and actions taken by our team led by Rose-Innes.
A pristine environment
Villas on the island start at around $1,000 a night.
Blue Safari Seychelles
Rose-Innes first visited the Seychelles 25 years ago, when he worked as a fly-fishing guide. He was captivated by its unspoiled beauty. The introduction of hotels and tourism has contributed to the local economy, but he stresses the responsibility of the hospitality industry to preserve the natural wonders of the islands.
"Exploring the flats, observing rays and sharks in the shallows, discovering the diverse microorganisms, going on a dolphin or manta ray safari - it's full of adventure. There are so many activities that are unique to us because the underwater environment is unparalleled in its pristine state."
courtesy Six Senses
8 incredible resorts in the Seychelles
Strolling along the beach, you may spot 40 or 50 Hawksbill turtles gracefully swimming in the crystal-clear waters. These remarkable creatures nest on the beach every single night, and their hatchlings can be spotted at any time. The Seychelles is truly a one-of-a-kind destination, authentic and awe-inspiring.
Concerns are mounting over the impact of tourism on the environment, which is disproportionately affecting communities in places like the Seychelles. Rose-Innes is optimistic that a balance can be achieved.
He says, "If we can do it, anyone can do it. It's much easier to be responsible on land or closer to a main island. Being responsible in these destinations sets an example. You can be responsible anywhere.
"Everything is handled in a sustainable manner. Sadly, it's more costly to do it this way, but it's the right thing to do."
