This is why you need to book a ‘wellness bliss’ holiday in Mauritius right now
Think Mauritius, think honeymooners - but at one hotel, the focus is has been shifted to wellness rather than blissful post-wedding relaxation.
Located about an hour from the airport, Heritage Le Telfair is located on the south-west of the island. Upon arrival, and as my eyes took in the resort's swaying palm trees, I instantly felt relaxed. The weather also helped, touching down to a balmy 25 degrees was a welcome change from London rain - and not bad for so called 'winter' weather!
But I wasn't just there to top up my dwindling vitamin D levels. I had been invited to We experience the hotel's wellness bliss programme, a curated fitness, nutrition and wellbeing plan. Unlike a boot camp, where you might come away feeling either starving or knackered from all the exercise, the premise here is that you feel genuinely rejuvenated and well-rested when you return home. Mauritius is also said to have the cleanest air in the world - which is a great bonus for any wellness holiday.
What's the vibe?
The Colonial-style architecture of the hotel is a nod to the resort's past. It was originally the sugar estate of Bel Ombre, and it's possible to visit the old sugar mill. Just steps away from the reception and next to the beach is the resort's pool and a cocktail bar.
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An abundance of greenery gives the resort a village-like feel and I loved my daily commute from my room to breakfast; a quick walk past the many hammocks and across a bridge, with the beach just to my right.
Beachside restaurant Le Palmier has a relaxed vibe and an incredible menu packed with fresh fish and salads, which we washed down with rosé wine. The menu also has clearly marked 'healthy' options for if you're signed up to the wellness programme.
Not everyone at the resort was there for a wellness break, and there was a good mixture of newlyweds and families. Everyone is welcome to dip in and out of classes or use the spa, whenever it takes your fancy.
Tell me about their ‘wellness bliss’ programme
It’s not every day you get to hug a tree, so as Ravin, our hiking and forest bathing lead, told us to breathe in a little deeper I hugged the tree a little tighter. It may sound a little ‘woo-woo’, but nature is said to have a calming effect on the soul and hugging trees has been known to help with reducing stress and even lower blood pressure. So far, so zen.
We were halfway through forest bathing, the ancient practice of immersing ourselves in nature to feel more grounded, which took place at Bel Ombre Nature Reserve - part of the hotel's grounds. The hike also took us across streams, bird spotting as we went and finally to a refreshing waterfall, where we jumped in to cool off.
Of course, if hugging a tree or hiking isn’t quite your idea of 'me time' the resort has plenty more on offer, all rooted in their five wellness pillars: mind-body connection, mindful nature connections, spa rituals, holistic health and healing cares, plus nutrition. The team will curate a package which suits your needs, whether that's just for you, to along with your family or to enjoy with your partner.
We started with Pilates at their wellness pavilion, where Ravin (multi-tasker that he was) took us through a tough hour of ab shaking and glute-building moves, giving us the basics to carry on with when we returned home. Tai chi was next - and no reader, I didn't look graceful as I tried to perfect the moves - but at least I tried. We also gave paddle tennis a go and took in breathtaking views during a slow vinyasa yoga class as the sun went down one evening.
Which room should I pick?
Every room here is a suite, and along with garden view rooms they also have ones which spill out onto the beach or have views of the sea.
My room was enormous; it not only had a living space, complete with a sofa but also floor-to-ceiling French windows which led to a terrace and views of their landscaped gardens. I was in one of their deluxe suites, which had an espresso coffee machine, a large double bed, paintings by famous artists adorning the walls and a large bathroom, with a bath and shower.
How about the food?
As they laid out the sizzling mini-BBQs in front of us we couldn’t wait to get stuck in - we were having dinner at the resort's Asian street food restaurant Gin'ja, where in front of us were chicken, prawns and steak sizzling on tiny BBQ. Earlier we’d started with sushi and Champagne as we watched the sun go down on the restaurant's beachfront, and later we even saw the end of a wedding celebration, complete with a fire entertainer.
The whole resort has 12 restaurants - meaning you won’t need to leave the resort for different foodie experiences. Breakfast is buffet style at the traditional Mauritian restaurant, where you can opt for your normal eggs or Mauritian delicacies such as palm heart and even gateaux piment (chilli fritters).
Undoubtedly the best restaurant on the resort is the super chic Le Chateau, based at the resort's 19th-century plantation house - it was the family's original mansion and has been turned into a stunning restaurant. As we drove up through the gardens, to the house, we felt as though we’d stepped into an old movie, and later we were just as impressed with its 5-course farm-to-table menu.
Time for relaxation
Hidden behind a walled garden with flowers spilling out of it you’ll find their 7 colours spa. You’ll be kitted out with robes and slippers and you can either enjoy the pool, jacuzzi and sunbeds or book in for a treatment.
When we arrived we were met with relaxing music and told to choose a colour based on our mood. The 7 colours, based on the country of Mauritius aligned with certain chakras that the masseur helped to heal. Using hot stones and massage techniques I left feeling as though I was walking on clouds.
Is it worth booking the Wellness Bliss programme?
I've been on wellness holidays before and returned home feeling tired from too much exercise and a restricted diet. I loved how this wellness programme allowed you to pick the classes, and food, which suited you - meaning you can take part, alongside days on the beach and nice meals. The glorious setting also meant getting up early was easy, while spa time was a bonus - leaving me feeling zen all the way home.
How do I book?
Where to stay: Rates at Heritage Le Telfair start from £395 per night, for two adults sharing a Deluxe Suite on a bed and breakfast basis. The Wellness Bliss package is offered at £570 for a three-night Detox experience, to £1,150 for five nights. BOOK NOW
How to get there: British Airways, Mauritius Airlines and Emirates fly to the island daily.
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