British interior designer Kelly Hoppen gives tribute to Mauritius’s tropical style throughout the spaces of this luxury hotel.
"Interior designer Kelly Hoppen was inspired by the hotel’s location, its light, smell and foliage to create the tropical atmosphere."
Located In the middle of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a paradise for lovers of both leisurely and aquatic activities. Designed by architect Jean-Francois Adam, the Lux Grand Gaube hotel reflects a timeless vision of the tropical lifestyle. In charge of creating the interior spaces, Kelly Hoppen strove to honour this aesthetic. To achieve it, the Cape Town-born British designer drew from her childhood in South Africa. Kelly was also fascinated by the hotel’s dream locale, natural light, aromas and surrounding vegetation. As an avid traveller, she knows the importance of comfort in accommodations, and made that priority.
Every detail was carefully taken into account to provide the best possible experience. Kelly not only spent a lot of time on the decoration of the rooms and restaurants, but also on designing all the other elements such as the path that leads from the hotel to the beach.
The tropical gardens, two pools and breathtaking views of the bay, lagoon and islands are an invitation to relax. For the interior spaces, Kelly used a neutral palette and layered it with diverse textures and colourful accents. In the ensuites, geometric tiles add a graphic touch.
A feeling of absolute tranquillity pervades the entire property. The rooms, suites and villas open up to the ocean panorama; some offer an outdoor bathroom and a terrace. Details such as plants, hand-woven African baskets and wicker tables contribute to the warm ambience.
Located on a private peninsula, the three Lux Villas—which feature a pool and private beach—blend indoor and outdoor living.
The six restaurants and seven bars—each distinctly designed—provide unique culinary experiences. In Palm Court, for example, the glass ceiling allows diners to admire sunny blue skies or the stars at night. In Inti, guests savour Peruvian and Argentinian cuisine. Meanwhile in Bodrum Blue, the menu features Turkish flavours.
Nestled in an idyllic landscape, the Lux Grand Gaube’s retro-chic style keeps nature at its heart.
“For me, when designing a project, especially a hotel, my love for the end result and how people will feel is what I love most”, Kelly confesses. She adds, “An experience is the strongest feeling to have.”
The natural landscape was the main source of inspiration for the interior, as apparent in this inviting corner.
All rooms, suites and villas open out to airy verandas.
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text KARINE MONIE photos COURTESY OF KELLY HOPPEN AND LUX RESORTS
