Honeymoon for a Beatle

Here's proof that the most exotic honeymoon can't guarantee a happy and lasting marriage. The couple were divorced in March 2008.

Following their June 12, 2002 wedding at Castle Leslie, a 17th-century estate in Ireland, former Beatle Paul McCartney, 59, and bride Heather Mills, 34, traveled to the remote Seychelles for their honeymoon.

A thousand miles from the east coast of Africa, the Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago consisting of 115 tropical islands in the Indian Ocean. From Europe, flying time is approximately 10 hours. (Which should remind readers that neither the distance traveled nor the expense incurred on a honeymoon have no bearing on the longevity of a marriage.)

The country's small capital, Victoria, is a port city on the island of Mahé. A French colony, the Seychelles was annexed by the British in 1811 and gained independence in 1976.

FRÉGATE ISLAND

Frégate Island, a hideaway for the rich and famous, is a twenty-minute flight east of Mahé. Former Beatle George Harrison once owned an estate here, which may have been McCartney's introduction to this tropical paradise.

The small island, with its warm and gentle climate, forests, and secluded coves, is ideal for exploring on foot. It covers a mere 740 acres (1.15 square miles). The highest point is Mount Signal, at 410 feet. And the year round temperature is a comfortable 75-86°.

The island is actually named after the Frégate bird, known for its six-foot wingspan. Today these avians and other rare birds can still be seen feeding off the island's coast. Other popular inhabitants include the giant tortoise, the green turtle, and the smaller hawksbill turtle.

THE RESORT

Frégate Island Private is the only resort on the island and one of the most pristine places on earth. This eco-conscious property, with its own marina and airstrip, features just 16 ultra-luxe thatched villas. Fourteen of the villas sit atop cliffs with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Two more nestle in private tropical gardens.

Built from traditional materials such as native mahogany and African teak, the palace-sized villas contain silks brought from Thailand, marble imported from Italy, and antique carved Balinese four-poster beds. CD and DVD equipment ensure that recorded music and entertainment are available at all hours.

On villas' large private terraces overlooking the Indian Ocean, outdoor day beds are situated by sunken Jacuzzis, a perfect setting for romance.

ACTIVITIES

Couples willing to pull themselves away from the everything-at-your-fingertips villas can take advantage of a fully equipped gym, freshwater swimming pool, and library. Ecologists lead nature hikes through the tropical jungle areas as well as along the island's rugged coastline.

Instruction and certification in scuba diving and snorkeling is available at a PADI-certified dive center. To the north of Frégate is Chimney Rocks, one of several popular diving locations where couples explore the dazzling underwater world that encircles the island.

When it's time to eat, resort chefs create meals using hydroponically grown tomatoes, eggplant, squash, cucumbers, peppers, and other vegetables. Dishes also feature the locally grown cashews, coconuts, pineapples, breadfruit, cinnamon, vanilla, mango, oranges, bananas, and herbs and spices that gently scent the air. And fresh fish is abundant.

McCartney, a widower, has four children, including the fashion designer Stella McCartney. His first wife and Wings partner, Linda Eastman, died of breast cancer in 1998 with McCartney by her side.