An expedition in 1609 by Captain Sharpeigh and the crew of the English East India Company vessel Ascension reported that the island had a large population of giant land tortoises.

During this time, the island had a plantation for growing fruits and spices, as well as producing guano, fish oil, and copra.

He intended to return the island to its former pristine state before human settlers arrived, including the removal of many unwanted animal and plant species, including pigs, rats, coconuts, casuarina, cows, Indian mynah birds, cats and a very intrusive weed called lantana.

He re-introduced the Seychelles' natural flora and fauna, including giant tortoises, certain birds, and trees such as takamaka, badamier and the famous coco-de-mer palm.

In 1997, North Island was purchased for US$5 million by Wilderness Holdings Limited, an ecotourism company from South Africa.

The resort offers a unique dining concept: the chef discusses guests' likes and dislikes upon arrival and bases available ingredients on this information.