As the Conservation Manager and Marine Biologist at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, Nasreen Khan spends each day immersed in the island’s natural rhythms. Her work blends environmental stewardship with guest engagement, creating a dynamic routine shaped by wildlife, weather and the rich biodiversity that surrounds her. From dawn beach patrols to night-time stargazing, her days reflect her passion for preserving Desroches while sharing its wonders with visitors.
Morning: Welcoming the Day with the Island
Nasreen begins her day at sunrise, cycling along sandy paths to check the beaches and observe the island’s wildlife. She monitors sea turtle nests, watches for shifts in bird activity and ensures the coastline remains healthy and undisturbed. Her rounds often include a visit to George, a good friend and a giant Aldabra tortoise and long-time island companion, who just happens to be around 125 years old. With his slow, deliberate movements and gentle nature, George is an essential part of her morning routine, and, as she often jokes, “the calmest colleague anyone could ever hope for.”
After completing her patrols, she meets with the Island Conservation Society (ICS) team to reflect on the day’s discoveries and observations. Together, they review findings from the field, discussing everything from the condition of shearwater nests encountered along the trails to notable wildlife activity around the island. She often shares moments from her encounters, including the quiet excitement of checking on shearwater nesting sites and the unforgettable sight of hawksbill sea turtles at the aquarium, gently bobbing their heads up toward the surface as if in greeting.
These meetings provide a vital space for coordination and learning. With the ICS team, she aligns on ongoing wildlife monitoring efforts, fine-tunes conservation strategies where needed, and helps plan the day’s guest activities to ensure visitors engage meaningfully and responsibly with the island’s ecosystems. Through these daily briefings, the team remains connected, informed, and prepared to respond thoughtfully to the island’s evolving conservation needs.
Midday: Guest Experiences and Conservation in Action
Late morning usually includes a guided kayak tour with guests, an experience closely tied to the ongoing efforts to conserve the island and protect the Seychelles’ unique endemic species. As they paddle through crystal-clear waters and along mangrove-fringed shallows, Nasreen points out the marine life, ranging from corals, sea cucumbers and more and explains how these fragile environments are carefully protected, highlighting the role mangroves and shallow lagoons play as vital nurseries for marine life.
Throughout the day, she stays responsive to calls and updates from guests and colleagues, reflecting the ever-changing nature of conservation work, whether it’s a rare endemic bird sighting, a turtle emerging on the beach to nest, or a rockpool creature needing gentle attention. Each encounter underscores the dedication required to safeguard the island’s biodiversity, ensuring that no two days are ever the same.
A highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to join Nasreen for tortoise feeding, an activity that blends conservation with education. Whether meeting guests at reception or cycling together to the habitat, she introduces them to the island’s giant Aldabra tortoises - George, Philly, Drilling, and others - sharing stories about their personalities, behaviours, and the long-term efforts invested in conserving this iconic species of the Seychelles.
For energetic guests, she helps coordinate or participate in the Desroches Challenge, a scenic 14-kilometre (9 mile) ride around the island. The route winds through varied ecosystems, offering guests a firsthand look at the continuous work being done to preserve the island’s natural beauty and protect the endemic species that make the Seychelles so exceptional.
Evening: Finishing the Day Under the Stars
As evening settles, Nasreen leads guests on stargazing sessions, often on the runway, where the island’s dark skies offer unobstructed views of constellations shimmering over the Indian Ocean. It’s a tranquil end to a full day, creating moments of wonder for visitors and a sense of fulfilment for her.
Nasreen’s Reflection
“I’m constantly moving, from beaches to forests to the shorelines, but it’s worth every moment. The connection I have with the island, its wildlife and our guests inspires me every single day. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” says Nasreen.
Her passion, dedication and warmth make her an essential part of the Desroches experience, ensuring that every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for the island’s natural world, and the people who protect it.
Mahé,
Seychelles
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island
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