To maintain Frégate Island’s tranquility and beauty without impacting the delicate balance of its ecosystem, Frégate Island Private voluntarily restricts itself to just sixteen 300-400 square-meter (3,200-4,300 square-foot) villas. Built from traditional materials such as native mahogany and African teak in a simple post-and-lintel style, the villas are topped off with dense thatched roofs. Both the architecture and decor draw on Balinese and Thai influences. Fourteen of the villas sit on top of the cliffs with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. Two more nestle in their own private tropical gardens, and these are particularly good choices for families vacationing with young children.

Each villa was situated to make it feel like a part of the surrounding landscape, and to ensure maximum privacy and seclusion for the guests. Sliding glass walls and French doors that can be opened to the elements help to further blur the line that separates inside from outside. 

Despite their traditional appearance and supremely laid-back ambiance, the villas come well-equipped with DVD machines and CD players. And, of course, if the fresh sea breezes aren’t quite cool enough for you, there’s always air conditioning.