SALT OF PALMAR, Mauritius
WHAT MAKES IT HIP?
Situated on an impossibly turquoise corner of coastline in the dreamy Belle Mare region, this new, sustainably focused small resort is hot on preserving the environment AND the flourishing Mauritian community. Locals inform every part of the guest experience, from farming the organic produce for the kitchen to providing the musical entertainment in the evenings and guiding snorkelling tours. The unique interiors, designed by artist Camille Walala, feature graphic black and white stripes punctuated by the bright colours of the national flag.
Salt is perfectly nestled on the east coast of Mauritius’s main island, with a palm-studded white beach on one side, and idyllic natural pools on the other. Fresh bread is baked daily in the Salt bakery, extraordinary mango turmeric smoothie bowls are served for breakfast and there’s a minibar of local teas and coffees in each room. No detail is forgotten here.
WHO GOES?
Musicians, the social-media elite, sunlovers, globe-trotters and enlightened travellers of all ages. Want to blend in? The gift shop stocks a great selection of ecological swimwear (including Alicia Swim, made with Econyl recycled nylon) and locally made printed cotton clothing by Mauritian brand Ankara. Plus, each room comes equipped with rattan flip-flops and brightly coloured beach bags woven from recycled plastic, so you can instantly look the part.
DON’T MISS…
Halotherapy in the glowing spa room made of salt. Also, all the included activities, like stand-up paddle-boarding, weaving with local artisans, and morning sun salutations on the beach. Or take a bike ride to explore the local villages and markets of Belle Mare. Try the “Wake Me At 7am” cocktail (a gin-based tipple infused with white-tip tea, served with fresh passion fruit) on the rooftop bar just before sunset and watch the colours of the sky explode. Don’t leave without trying the vegan tacos (or, actually, any of the dishes freshly made using ingredients from Salt’s organic farm). Found a dish you love? The kitchen offers cooking classes for certain recipes. And be sure to fill up your reusable water bottle, provided for guests throughout their stay, with filtered chilled water. Salt discourages the use of single-use plastics, and even uses refillable ceramic jars for its natural bath products.