Much more than a honeymoon destination, Mauritius is a jewel floating in the Indian Ocean. With incredible beaches and a growing reputation for adventure sports, this lush tropical island is also home to some of the world’s best spas.
Much more than a honeymoon destination, Mauritius is a jewel floating in the Indian Ocean. With incredible beaches and a growing reputation for adventure sports, this lush tropical island is also home to some of the world’s best spas.
Mauritius is renowned as a honeymoon destination, with its long sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and romantic sunsets. But reach beyond the coast and the island is a vibrant blend of African, Indian, French and Chinese cultures. Reflecting its colonial past it has a vibrant blend of cultures with unique food and warm and friendly locals, which makes it an ideal escape for anyone who wants to relax and unwind in the most stunning surroundings.
The coastline is where most of the action takes place with luxury resorts lining the prime positions on the island. From here it’s possible to swim with dolphins, deep-sea dive or visit a remote deserted island for the day. Nature lovers can head to the famous Pamplemousses Royal Botanical Gardens or the more adventurous will love the Black River Gorges National Park for hiking and bird watching.
Sugar cane production is the main industry with its popular by-product, rum production, an essential ingredient for great cocktails by the pool after a hectic day of sightseeing. The island is surrounded by a huge reef sheltering the shallow lagoons making water sports like snorkelling and diving popular activities, but this also ensures smooth waters for swimming or just lazing by the beach, soaking up the sunshine.
Break away from this and the spa scene pays homage to the local tropical setting. Think coconut oil massage, frangipani flowers, a heady mix of local oils and African-inspired massage techniques plus the most attentive therapists. The spas also make the most of the climate and location, many opening on to the beach or set in lush gardens filled with flowers. It’s a spa-lovers paradise.
Lux Me Spa at Lux Belle Mare
With a vibrant beach life and the largest pool on the island, Lux Belle Mare is a jewel on the east coast of Mauritius, combining a lighter, brighter take on luxury resorts. Redesigned by internationally renowned Kelly Hoppen, the modern well-appointed suites and villas enjoy sea views and are just a few steps away from the beach.
Take a boat tour, learn a water sport or laze by the pool with an ice cream (made on-site), the resort has unique touches like the red London phone boxes where you can call home (for free) and the secret bar. Popular during the day is the food van for lunch, or in the evening guests love the international cuisine from Chinese at Duck Laundry to Indian at Amari by Vineet.
With a Lux Wellness concierge on hand, the spa journey begins. An active spa option could feature the Wellbeing Safari combining a walk through nature, meditation and breathing exercises to the signature Zhengliao Chinese Medicine treatment. This is an exclusive therapy to Lux and attends to aches and pains featuring moxa heat and cupping therapies.
The spa has a tranquil pool and relaxation day beds and includes high-tech facials and a full selection of Asian massage from Thai and Balinese traditions. www.luxresorts.com
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
Situated on a quiet stretch of coast on the east coast of the island, Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita is a luxury personified. With its own private island, calm lagoon and pristine white beaches guest accommodation includes a range of secluded private pool or garden villas.
The resort makes the most of its coastal setting offering water sports and diving activities for all ages. The pristine beaches with comfy loungers and attentive waiter service ensures that there’s little more to do than enjoy a cocktail or two. Dining is a relaxed affair in the main buildings looking across the fish ponds with a choice of Italian, modern grill, or the relaxed beach bar restaurant Bambou.
A highlight of any stay at Four Seasons is the spa and Four Seasons Mauritius doesn’t disappoint. The spa features 12 signature treatment rooms built over the water with views of the Indian Ocean. Blending the African roots of Mauritius with the best of Asian-inspired techniques, its treatment menu includes Terre D’Afrique, Sundari, Themae Paris and MCCM products.
Combing high-tech anti-ageing facials with deep wisdom from traditional Thai and Ayurveda therapies, the spa menu is world-class. The spa is set in landscaped tropical gardens where the team grow fresh ingredients like aloe vera and lemongrass, which are blended with local honey, sugar and salt to add an extra touch of authenticity to the local treatments. www.fourseasons.com
U Spa by Constance at Constance Le Prince Maurice
Constance Le Prince Maurice is an exclusive property on a 60-hectare peninsula in the tranquil north-eastern corner of Mauritius. Set on a pristine white sandy beach overlooking a sheltered part of the coast, guests can be as adventurous or chilled as they wish. All rooms are single-storey thatched chalets combining suites and villas situated in lush tropical gardens.
Inspired by Feng Shui principles, all beds stand high above floor level to help the circulation of chi. Dining is a highlight at Constance Le Prince Maurice with four restaurants offering international and Mauritian cuisine. Le Barachois is the most romantic offering, a floating restaurant, reached by a raised wooden boardwalk over the water. There is a kids club and golfing fans can check out the 72 par golf course Legend.
The elegant U Spa by Constance has seven thatched treatment rooms around a thermal pool. The spa’s philosophy is holistic, looking at the whole person to better achieve a relaxed state and has a wide choice of massage, facials and body treatments using Sisley and Brice Nicham ranges.
The menu also includes international favourites such as Balinese, Ayurvedic, Thai-shiatsu, and Swedish massage. Kids are welcome thanks to a special Kids Spa menu for children from six to 16 years old. www.constancehotels.com
OPPOSITE PAGE: Constance Le Prince Maurice’s gorgeous pool. THIS PAGE: Take advantage of the restorative vitality pool at Angsana Spa at Angsana Balaclava Mauritius; U Spa by Constance offers holistic , relaxing treatments.
Angsana Spa at Angsana Balaclava Mauritius
Bringing a touch of Asian hospitality to the Mauritian island, Angsana Balaclava occupies a stunning spot on the scenic northwest coast of Mauritius on the tranquil shores of Turtle Bay. The all-suite resort is a romantic getaway emulating a traditional Mauritian style with thatched roofs and natural stone.
Rooms have sea or mountain views and showcase the sunset every evening. The boutique resort is set around a central pool and bar, which leads to the private beach and beach house with a selection of watersports on offer. The main restaurant, Oryza, offers both al fresco and indoor dining and features a combination of local and international dishes to complement the popular Asian fusion menu.
Angsana Balaclava Mauritius is just 15 minutes from the main attractions like Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens and Port Louis, but for those seeking rest and relaxation, the spa is the main event. Combining the very best of Asian expertise with a warm and friendly Mauritian welcome, The Angsana Spa features nine treatment rooms (three double rooms and six single rooms), a fully equipped gym, yoga pavilion, restorative vitality pool, sauna and a hammam.
The spa therapists have been trained by experts from the Banyan Tree Spa Academy who offer Asian and Ayurvedic spa treatments using local ingredients from botanical coconut, ylang ylang and sugar cane to marine elements such as seaweed and mud. www.angsana.com
Nira Spa at Shanti Maurice
Set between the beautiful blue water of the Indian Ocean and the vivid green sugar cane fields, Shanti Maurice is positioned on a quiet horseshoe coral cove on the relatively untouched south coast of the island. Sixty-one suites and villas are dotted amongst the fragrant tropical gardens with villas benefiting from private pool, dining pavilion and outdoor rain showers.
Focusing on locally sourced ingredients from farmers and fisherman, the restaurants blend Mauritian flavours with inspiration from India and around the world. The signature restaurant Stars prepares contemporary Cape cuisine with a South African wine list. Children can enjoy the kids club every day and can take part in a yoga class designed just for them.
Beyond the resort, guests can explore the Bois Cheri Tea Factory, which has been making tea for over 100 years, or take a leisurely lunch at Le Saint Aubin, a plantation house built in 1819 serving classic Mauritian cuisine. Nira Spa takes guests on a journey around the world through well-being with treatments and experiences influenced by the Orient, India and nature.
Each area of the spa is themed accordingly, with Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Balinese, Ayurvedic and eco-friendly treatments using Comfort Zone products. For a total wellness break, yoga and Pilates feature on the menu as does stress management, aqua gym and Watsu. www.shantimaurice.com
OPPOSITE PAGE: Take a leisurely stroll in the tropical gardens of Shanti Maurice. THIS PAGE: Treat youreself to a massage at the One&Only Spa; One&Only Le Saint Géran offers a secluded escape on its private peninsula.
One&Only Spa at One&Only Le Saint Géran
Offering a secluded, luxury escape on its own private peninsula, One&Only Le Saint Géran combines first-class service with a relaxed and friendly attitude, making it a popular choice for holidaymakers on the north-eastern coast of Mauritius. Its sheltered lagoon is the ideal place to waterski, kayak or paddle board, or you can simply take in the surroundings from the beach or by the pool. Golfers will rejoice at the nine-hole course and kids are welcome at the complimentary Kids Only club.
All the resort’s 162 suites and signature villas feature a private terrace or balcony facing the ocean or cove. The decor reflects the colourful spices of the Indian Ocean and nod to the Mauritian heritage while ensuring all the mod cons are included. Epicurean delights range from the contemporary grill Prime, to international cuisine and the Indian Pavillon which specialises in northern Indian food.
For guests seeking a quieter retreat, the One&Only Spa offers a sanctuary of quiet pampering nestled amongst a tropical setting with views of the Indian Ocean. In partnership with ESPA, the treatments nurture and rebalance the body, according to the pillars of unwind, restore and elevate, key mantras at One&Only Spas worldwide. Expert therapists guide the mind and body back into harmonious balance while using indigenous ingredients and techniques. www.oneandonlyresorts.com
OPPOSITE PAGE: Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa blends Chinese, Ayurvedic and local influences; Lux Le Morne is sheltered by the peak of Le Morne Brabant. THIS PAGE: The Oberoi is a refined spa escape.
Spa at The Oberoi, Mauritius
Nestled amongst 20 acres of the verdant subtropical gardens with unrivalled views of the shore of Turtle Bay, The Oberoi, Mauritius is a refined and elegant spa escape for the luxury traveller. Its expansive beachfront of white-sand beaches is blessed with magnificent views of sunsets every day.
With something for everyone, the hotel also houses four national monuments that date back to the French Colonial period and together make up a battery that was an integral part of the defense system of Mauritius. The main gunpowder store now serves as an exclusive dining space.
Dining options include Mauritian flavours and international cuisine and accommodation ranges from luxury pavilions to private villas with gardens or pools, all with fabulous views of the sea and mountains. Whether its swimming in one of the two pools or the crystal-clear waters of the turquoise lagoon or just lazing in the sun, a holiday can be as active or peaceful as guests like.
For total relaxation, the spa is secluded by indigenous trees and framed by gardens where treatments are designed to harmonise ancient philosophies with modern wellness. Ayurvedic and Asian therapies feature heavily on the menu which are expertly blended with African scrubs, masks, rituals and music to create a truly authentic, unique spa experience. The spa also offers Omorovicza facials plus a fitness suite and hatha yoga, tai chi and meditation. www.oberoihotels.com
Spa at Lux Le Morne
Sheltered by the dramatic peak of Le Morne Brabant, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lux Le Morne enjoys a tranquil position on a calm lagoon on the southern tip of Mauritius.Landscaped gardens, four pools and 600 metres of white sandy beaches give this resort a true sense of a tropical escape.
All rooms are sea facing with a mix of superior rooms and suites just steps away from the beach. Food enthusiasts will love the Beach restaurant for its fresh fish and Nira for its modern Thai menu. Famous for kitesurfing, a whole range of water sports are on offer, including the iconic experience of swimming with dolphins.
For a more relaxed vibe, the spa has an extensive menu focussing on health and wellness. Unique to Lux Resorts is the dedicated wellness concierge who personalise spa and wellness activities to guest needs, combining fitness assessments with diet tips and activities recommendations linked to their chosen programme. Integrated yoga and meditation can be found alongside high-tech Shirley Page facials, as well as a selection of international therapies including Thai and Balinese massage. www.luxresorts.com
Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius
Positioned on the untouched eastern coast of Mauritius, Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa is the latest luxury opening on the island with plush contemporary design. Every room and suite incorporates indigenous island touches, featuring uninterrupted, postcard-perfect views of sparkling, turquoise waters.
Water sports of all kinds are available, and the resort benefits from two paradisiacal islands – Ilot Mangénie, which is open exclusively to Shangri-La guests and features a trendy beach club and on-island butlers, and Ile aux Cerfs, which has a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course.
The resort features five restaurants that serve the finest Western and Asian cuisines from the spices and fragrances of India to the pure, fresh ingredients of Japan. Chi, The Spa draws inspiration from the origins of the Shangri-La legend, which describes a place of personal peace, enchantment and well-being, with a primarily holistic and Ayurvedic slant.
Set within a secluded area of the resort, enclosed by luscious, verdant vegetation, the spa has eight treatment rooms. The menu includes Chinese and Ayurvedic treatments which incorporate the renowned yogic practice of pranayama in each, all beginning with breathing and meditation exercises. For a more local flavour, the Traditional Tipik Massage features rhythmic strokes administered by a therapist to the sound of Sega music performed by local musicians. www.shangri-la.com
