Mauritius the LUX* Way
The island of Mauritius, surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean, has long been a popular holiday destination because of its white sand beaches, lagoons, and tropical reefs, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sunshine, as well as explore the magic of the world beneath the waves. Add to this hiking trails through the tropical forests, and the array of delicious cuisine on offer, and it’s clear Mauritius truly is an ideal holiday destination.
LUX* Resorts decided to take the magic of Mauritius to new heights with the absolute luxury of its two resorts on the island: LUX* Belle Mare and LUX* Le Morne.
What stands out particularly about the resorts – apart from their beauty, luxury, and incredible amenities – is the attention to detail that LUX* has paid to every experience at the resort. Everything has the LUX* stamp of approval, meaning it is of superb quality. LUX* Belle Mare Nestled on the east coast of Mauritius, LUX* Belle Mare is a paradise within an island paradise. The warm smiles of the staff greet guests as they arrive. Outside, an immense pool is enjoyed by holiday-makers either bathing in the refreshing water, or relaxing on the sun loungers, and a row of palm trees fringes the beach with its turquoise water and powder-white sand that is just a few steps away.
The suites and rooms of LUX* Belle Mare are calming, airy spaces decorated in pale shades, each with an expansive bathroom adorned with high-end LUX* toiletries. The rooms are relaxing places in which to unwind, with glass doors or windows opening out on either the spectacularly manicured gardens (where yoga classes are held in the shady spots) or the brilliant ocean view.
When it comes to cuisine, be prepared to indulge. Next to the pool, the ice cream parlour, ICI, LUX*’S very own brand, specialises in hand-made ice cream in a variety of flavours – the perfect addition when relaxing next to the pool. For an al fresco, laidback lunch, the food truck – inspired by the movie Chef – is ideal. The
Latin American flavours prepared are exquisite, as is the setting. Sitting down to a plate of nachos and a cold beer, with Latin music mixing with the sound of the waves, is a fantastic way to lunch on the island.
A stay at LUX* Belle Mare is not complete without experiencing dinner at Duck Laundry. Decorated in dark wood with touches of red, Duck Laundry serves up contemporary-style Chinese dishes. In order to get a taste of everything (because you will regret it if you do not), ask the chef to create tasting plates of his favourites and indulge. From the Peking duck with steamed pancakes to the dim sum, dinner here is a gastronomic fanfare of flavours, and one of the highlights of a stay with LUX*.
Accompanying this Chinese food extravaganza is LUX* wines, Scrucap. LUX* goes to South Africa, one of the best winemaking countries in the world, to source vintages from some of the most revered wine estates in the country before adorning them with its stamp of approval.
To assist in unwinding, visit the onsite spa for some pampering – LUX* style. LUX* has gone above and beyond with everything at the resort, and LUX* Me Spa is no exception. The LUX* team has created its own exclusive oil blends – which all smell heavenly, and each with their own unique purpose, from stress-relieving to invigorating – that guests can choose from for their massages. LUX* Le Morne On the more mountainous side of the island, LUX* Le Morne is more intimate than its sister property, but no less luxurious. It is the perfect place for a romantic rendezvous.
As with LUX* Belle Mare, LUX* Le Morne also has a Café LUX*. Here, their passion for java is obvious. For the coffee lovers, there is a full LUX* coffee experience where guests can taste the different methods of brewing – from cold press all the way through to drip. LUX*, as with everything the brand does, has placed its own quality stamp on the coffee. All the coffee is sourced by LUX*, and roasted onsite to the high standards of the brand.
An experience offered by LUX* Le More that cannot be missed is the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins. Early in the morning, before the sun is up, guests can join guides on a boat. Upon spotting the graceful creatures making an appearance among the waves, you can strap on your flippers and goggles and dive in to catch up with them to witness their majesty.
As LUX* Le Morne is an intimate resort, there are three swimming pools to choose from, instead of one large pool. Beautifully tiled and surrounded by comfortable loungers and palm trees, a day by the pool at LUX* Le Morne is a fantastic way to relax.
Hammocks are arranged where the white sand of the beach meets the Indian Ocean – yet another perfect place to relax, cocktail in hand, watching a sunset.
Mauritian cuisine is an amalgamation of different cultural flavours from around the world. Indian spice can be tasted in curries, as well as other Asian influences in noodle dishes and stir fries. To get a more handson experience of Mauritian food, guests can participate in a cooking class. One of LUX* Le Morne’s excellent chefs will take you through making a Mauritian dish to replicate at home when you’re missing Mauritius (which you certainly will).
As mentioned, LUX* Le Morne is nestled in the forested, mountainous section of the island. To explore more of it, an experienced guide is on hand to take guests on a hike along the mountain. Along the way, the guide will tell interesting tales of the history of the land, as well as providing information about the incredible plant life that is found there.
Back at the resort, a foodie experience like no other awaits on the beach. Sitting on a couch, enjoying some LUX* sparkling wine, Popcap, guests can eat sea urchins just plucked from the ocean. Cracking them open, dressing them with lemon juice and Tabasco, before indulging in this unique treat, one cannot help but feel, once again, the exclusivity that comes with a stay at LUX* Le Morne.
Both LUX* Belle Mare and LUX* Le Morne are astonishing. LUX* has gone to new heights to make the brand so synonymous with all-round luxury – from the LUX* wines enjoyed during dinner and the LUX* coffee sipped at the counter of the café, to the lavish LUX* bath products in the rooms, if the LUX* stamp is on it, you know it’s good.
Take a Mauritius holiday to new heights by going LUX*.
For more info, visit www.luxresorts.com or email info@islandlightholidays.co.za.