In the undiscovered south, this 5-star eco-focused sanctuary has a newly-refreshed spa
The island nation of Mauritius sits off the coast of Africa, east of Madagascar, a dot in the Indian Ocean. Once a huge volcano, this coral reef-ringed idyll hasn’t experienced an eruption in 700,000 years. Today it’s a safe and serene picture-postcard location with a central plateau, a rim of jagged basalt peaks and shoreside plains edged with white-sand beaches.
My stay was on the unspoilt and verdant south-west coast in the Domaine de Bel Ombre where gentle trade winds diffuse the heat. A former sprawling sugar cane estate has been transformed into eco-conscious luxury resorts with world-class golf courses and soothing spas. Bel Ombre even has its own original 19th-century chateau and 3,200-acre nature reserve.
Departing from Gatwick on a direct flight with Air Mauritius, my journey got off to a good start with quality refreshments in the No1 Lounge. This trip, with a friend, was about total relaxation and we headed to our boarding gate feeling very unstressed.
Mauritius, roughly the size of Sussex, is culturally diverse and is the only country in Africa where Hinduism is the dominant religion, with more ornate Hindu temples than mosques and churches. Roshan, the friendly Heritage Awali driver who collected us at the airport, is of Indian heritage. His grandparents arrived in Mauritius as contract labourers, when sugar was the backbone of the economy.
Now, because of a long colonial history – ending with independence in 1968 – Mauritians are impressively multi-lingual, speaking English, French, Mauritian Creole and Hindi.
Our twin room, a Deluxe Seaview Suite at the all-inclusive Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, has air conditioning, a ceiling fan, flat-screen TV, bathtub and rainfall shower, amazing view of the ocean lagoon and a kettle to make vanilla black tea, a Mauritian favourite. The contemporary African-inspired style blends sleek wooden furniture with natural textures in neutral creams and biscuit tones.
At Heritage Awali there are three swimming pools, including an ‘adults only’ pool (well away from toddlers and inflatable unicorns), plus access to a pristine beach.
A 45-minute back massage was part of my package so I booked in right away. The airy Heritage Spa is newly renovated and I sipped a chilled tamarind juice before the appointment. The thatched complex of cottages are designed in traditional Mauritian style, the reed roofs creating natural insulation, cooling and ventilation.
There’s a bridal room for wedding preparations and private couple kiosks for honeymooners who like to share everything. I chose to have my massage ‘strong’ – and alone – to ease any work tension away. It seems a fantastic idea to me to let golf-loving partners tee off on the fairway while you lay supine under a cascading Vichy shower or gently steam in the hammam. That’s perfect togetherness – separate satisfaction.
Heritage Awali All-Inclusive guests can eat at the excellent Savana buffet or dine at a choice of on-site restaurants. Other nearby Bel Ombre venues, including sister resort Heritage Le Telfair, Le Chateau and Heritage Golf Club, have additional options, many items within the menu credit allowance or available with a small supplement.
I loved freshly-prepared pancakes with maple syrup and coconut for breakfast at Savana, with tropical fruit and yoghurt. The shrimp skewer with green papaya, charred red bell pepper and pineapple salsa at Le Palmier seafood restaurant within Heritage Le Telfair was delicious for lunch.
For dinner, ‘Catch of the Day’ dorado (also known as mahi-mahi) at Heritage Awali’s Infinity Blue was steamed with lemongrass, garlic and lemon butter sauce.
The mango ginger spritz mocktail is a reviving way to stay hydrated and even more invigorating after sunset with a tot of Mauritian rum.
Le Chateau de Bel Ombre, a short shuttle ride from Heritage Awali, is an original 1810 plantation house, built in Anglo-Indian colonial style. The carefully preserved historical landmark, filled with period furniture, has a spectacular formal French garden and is definitely worth visiting.
