A 15-minute helicopter flight from Mahé brings you to this 25-acre granite island to the west of Praslin. Ringed by inviting turquoise seas, privately-owned Cousine Island has become a world-renowned nature reserve (it’s home to such rare and endemic bird species as the Magpie Robin) and has been a major conservation success. It also boasts an exclusive little beachfront villa retreat elegantly designed in the classic French colonial manner. Accommodation is in four air-conditioned villa units, each with separate lounge, satellite television/DVD/video, kitchenette, large bathroom with jacuzzi bath and twin shower, front/rear outside showers and sea and island-facing verandas. Cousine’s facilities include a main pavilion, with air-conditioned restaurant, bar and library, freshwater swimming pool and FREE snorkelling. Escorted walks with a conservation guide - perhaps to view the turtle-hatchings - are a feature of the unique Cousine experience.