A wellness guide to Mauritius: Here's where to rest and recharge on the island
With its dramatic sunsets, enviable climate and idyllic beaches, Mauritius has long been hailed a honeymooner dreamscape. But perfect IG backdrops aside, this secluded pocket of the Indian Ocean has a lot more to fall enamoured with – starting with wellness.
From bespoke wellness programmes to world-famous spas, if it's a getaway with rest and rejuvenation on the agenda, you've come to the place. Here's where to stay and what to do if you're planning a winter wellness getaway on the island...
Where to stay
LUX* Grande Baie
You’d be forgiven for thinking this sleek, new outpost on the Northern shores of Mauritius a place to be seen rather than relaxed in, but LUX* Grande Baie is a resort where wellness is central to every element, in every inch of the hotel – from the protein smoothie set-up and antioxidant-packed açaí bowls at breakfast down to the state-of-the-art spa fusing ancient rituals with cutting-edge technology.
The style of the hotel marries the same traditional and tech-led aesthetic. Allow us to set the scene: designed by architect Jean-Francois Adam, LUX* Grande Baie the hotel, which opened its doors in 2021, is the perfect example of understated modern luxury. A 13-foot-high ceiling with wooden beams is met with soft monochrome finishings; grand entrances are paired with minimalist design; dining is always five-star but unpretentious. And the overall vibe a mix of luxury and island living.
The hotel has 116 suites in total all of which are designed to look and feel like a holiday home. As for the style? Expect monochromatic lines, giant bathtubs and an urban finish that comes courtesy of interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
Views of the overlooking sheltered blue lagoon, where a secluded beach stretches for miles, invites lying starfished on a sun lounger and getting stuck into a good book. But on the same stretch, there’s also a boathouse offering up free water activities, including snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking and windsurfing.
Keen to get moving? If HIIT and spin are still on the cards, head to the rooftop fitness arena for cutting-edge equipment, pro PT sessions and an athletic track – with unbeatable views to boot. Then, recharge with a spirulina smoothie or protein bar at the fitness centre downstairs.
SALT of Palmar
You’ve seen the IG posts; the colourful corners and contrasting design. The peach-tinted restaurant flanked by black and white striped umbrellas. And the impossibly IG-friendly interiors thought up by artist Camille Walala.
SALT of Palmar, with its quirky poolside vibes, rainbow-hued everything and sustainable ethos, is a unique experience from the moment you step inside (pineapple welcome drinks and arrival meditation included).
Set on the East coast, it's garnered a loyal fan base who come for the unrivalled views and super stylish setting. But the forward-thinking design isn’t the only thing setting this adults-only boutique hotel apart. Sustainability is at the heart of everything here – refillable water bottles, cinnamon-made flip flops and a focus on local suppliers and seasonal and organic produce.
The activities are as varied as the colour palette too. Cook up a Mauritian Chicken Curry with the head chef; try your hand at Aqua Swim in the pool; learn to mix up rum-based cocktails in a mixology masterclass and–a personal favourite–have a painting lesson with a talented Mauritian artist, overlooking the beach. There's also a ton of local excursions and skills swap experiences to school up on the local culture and heritage of Mauritius.
On the wellness side of things, you can also try forest therapy with the wellness coach (which, as you may know, is good for the soul; research shows that spending time with nature in a state of heightened awareness can alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety). Then there's the spa and Salt Room too, where pink Himalayan salt vapour fills the room in order to help boost your respiratory system and make your skin glow.
What to do
Go beach hopping
When it comes to beaches, you're spoiled for choice. For impressive mountain vistas, a day trip to Le Morne, a Unesco world heritage site, is where to head. It's also here where you can hike the summit of Morne Brabant, a three-hour hike of the famous Le Morne. Meanwhile, Flic en Flac draws in travellers for its picture-perfect palm-fringed coastline and its excellent snorkelling spots.
Further south is where to go dolphin watching. And by watching, you can actually swim with wild dolphins in crystal waters.
Head to a vanilla farm
Get a taster of how the vanilla vine grows in Mauritius. A visit to family-run Selva's, a vanilla farmer in St Julien – and one of Mauritius' only vanilla producers – will give you a greater understanding as to how the crop is grown, the history of vanilla and farming.
Opt for a wellness programme
A tailored wellness programme is where you're going to really see results. And LUX* Grande Baie, a new mindful programme tailored to your energy, does just that. Inspired by the elements, you can choose from three-, five- and seven-day mindful wellness programmes (with prices varying ), where you'll receive a completely bespoke programme just for you.
You'll begin with a one-on-one session to determine your element, where your energy is matched to air, fire and earth. You'll learn all about your element, the importance of balance, mindfulness and movement, with nutritional guidance.
Those governed by the air sign (balanced are you're creative and energetic; unbalanced and you can find yourself worried, lacking focus and burnt out), will received a programme in which to ground and rebalance. That means early wake-up calls with wild swimming and yoga, meditation at the Niyama studio, block therapy, breathing workshops and tailored Pacifying Air Treatments at the LUX* ME Spa are all on the cards.
Spa breaks are easy to come by, but this unique offering means you come home not only feeling the aches in your shoulders soften, but with a greater understanding of yourself, and as such, a toolbox to equip you with daily life.
All programmes include a mind-body consultation, nutrition workshops, wellness classes, a hammam bathing ritual, breathing sessions and more.
Try yoga on the beach
Still not mastered your sun salutations? Try starting your day with sunrise yoga on the beach.
Stretch, practice your downward dog or up the ante on your inversions across a stretch of secluded white beach just as the sun is rising – nothing will feel further removed from your standard wake-up call at home.
What to eat
Bodrum Blue, a Turkish restaurant on its own peninsula, is a must, not least for the sweeping panoramas of turquoise waters. Here you'll find Turkish wines and chicken kebabs in a casual but cool setting that's ideal for a long lunch
Meanwhile, the exceptionally chic Ai Kisu restaurant at LUX* Grande Baie is an experience in itself, where a dimly lit restaurant is as alluring as the beautifully presented plates, of which dumplings and sushi are paired with saki-inspired cocktails.
And for an extra special treat? Book an evening at the hotel's Food Lab. Squeeze past the bustling kitchen and into a hideaway lab; the same place where the chefs think up their culinary magic. It's packed with a fermentation area (for kombucha, of course) and an ingredient library, where you can dine at the Chef's Table to sample an impressive tasting menu.
The local and seasonal produce at SALT of Palmar is another highlight. Without a buffet in sight, the focus here is on healthy, innovative plates and, most importantly, zero waste. Expect a largely vegan array of colourful dishes from coconut-jewelled salads to beet veggie tacos.
Things to know
You can fly direct to Mauritius with Air Mauritius from London Heathrow Airport
The best time to visit is from October to January when there is low rainfall. March is considered to be the hottest month of the year
UK travellers arriving in Mauritius will need to fill out a Mauritius All-in-One Travel Digital form
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