Mauritius: Inside SALT of Palmar, LUX* Belle Mare and LUX* Grand Baie

Just a short drive up the road from SALT came our next stop. From the iconic beach and striking decor in shades of green, white, and coral to the thatched-roofed design and dining experiences, LUX* Belle Mare reopened its doors on the east coast of Mauritius in October 2023 and delivers a memorable retreat for couples, families and food lovers.

Head to Mondo for all-day dining that's the best of many worlds, complete with live cooking stations, freshly prepared pizzas, a curry corner, chocolate workshops, and other sweet treats. Pop into Beach Rouge for Mauritius-meets-the-Mediterranean vibes. Try Chinese cuisine, teas, and spirits at Duck Laundry. Tuck into flavoursome Indian dishes at AMARI by Vineet, LUX* Belle Mare's signature restaurant where murals and ornaments set the scene for Michelin-starred dining. Lap up Southeast Asian street food (and get a shot of the vintage 1933 Hopper Rolls Royce) at Royce Street mobile kitchen.

For beverages, start at the Italian-inspired Maison LUX* where baristas serve signature LUX coffees. Down an early morning elixir at the Aperitivo Bar or toast over bubbles, liquors, and spritzes in the evening when its ambiance shifts to an upscale bar. Sample a range of craft beers and inventive cocktails at the Mixologist Bar. Ready to cool down? Make a splash in one of the island's largest pools and finish with ice cream (or three) at ICI, the poolside ice cream parlour.

Travelling with family? The kids will approve the extensive toddler, kids, tween, and teenage clubs onsite.

After all that adventure, bed down in the reimagined suites and villas which are all about serenity. Throw in the well-stocked tropical minibar and no one's going to judge you if you stay in, mix yourself a drink, and relax on your outdoor terrace or balcony. Oh, and the bed? SO comfy you'll want to take it home!

Set in lively Grand Baie on the northern shores of Mauritius, LUX* Grand Baie’s vibe is sexy and sophisticated with a side of playfulness. Blending luxury with tropical island living, each suite, villa, residence, and penthouse is a gasp-worthy labour of love spearheaded by British designer Kelly Hoppen. Designed to feel like a dream holiday home in the tropics, you won’t be blamed for thinking you’ve walked into a lush #softlife aesthetic where you can settle in, relax, host friends…or do nothing at all.

We stayed in the LUX* Junior Suite - and there’s something to be said when the gorgeous terrazzo-tiled bathroom with the cozy nook for the standalone bathtub is itself #seriousgoals (what level of adulting is that, please?) Bathroom aside, the soothing neutral colour palette, tropical balcony, smart room control features, and panoramic lagoon views alluringly combine to make LUX* Grand Baie both modern and indulgent.

As with LUX* Belle Mare, Beach Rouge, Maison LUX* and ICI come as standard at LUX* Grand Baie. From the Japanese art adorning walls and open kitchen firing up delectable dishes to the Warayaki straw fire cooking, Ai KISU is a speciality restaurant and bar that takes you on a journey across Asia.

You’ll WANT to plant yourself in show-stopping Bisou, the coveted adult-only rooftop restaurant and bar with an infinity pool, swing, and stunning views out to Grand Baie’s legendary lagoon.

We loved being in Mauritius and found ourselves wishing we could extend our time. As far as this wanderlust-er is concerned, that is the perfect excuse to return...