LUX* Grand Gaube has been reinvented into this fresh-spirited luxury resort and spa by creative duo KELLY HOPPEN MBE and Mauritian architect JEAN-FRANCOIS ADAM.
Re-opening at the end of the year on the African island’s northern coast, edging the private bay are two beaches, tropical gardens, brand new restaurants and sociable bars, 186 bedrooms and suites, a luxe-for-less boutique, and an indoor cinema for movie screenings and sporting events.
The resort is offering exclusive launch prices, if booked before November 30, 2017.
The sheltered north-facing resort has been cleverly remodelled to greet arriving guests with a staggering, uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean as well as the offshore islands. While the natural setting has been preserved — wildflowers still scent the lovingly tended gardens and the postcard-perfect scenes are sound-tracked by layers of birdsong.
There’s a Café LUX* at the heart of the resort, and here it’s in lieu of a lobby. Coffee connois- seurs are invited to follow the aroma of LUX* ethically-sourced, freshly ground LUX* exclusive Island- blend coffee from Belle Mare, where our house-roasted beans are masterfully made into specialist brews. Our baristas keep up with all the latest trends and techniques including cold press, pour-overs and nitro coffees.
Atmospheric and entertaining eatery space Palm Court is the frond-filled masterpiece of this intimate, re- styled boutique resort. Here, everyone has that perfect table overlooking the ocean, and no two meals feel the same. An indoor-outdoor restaurant where every seat feels alfresco, and cosy banquettes, or even the option of sitting and dining at the kitchen counter and watch the chef in action. Be it breakfast or dinner, pick from sizzling special kitchens, and pile your plate with freshly steamed dim sum or Mediter- ranean tapas — flamboyant serving stations satisfy the wildest cravings. The interactive open kitchen at the centre doesn’t make guests choose between favourite comfort-food classics or theatrical teppanyaki creations – it’s all there for the taking in one sitting. Stick to healthy-eating intentions with ease and enthu- siasm thanks to an award-winning team of chefs carefully sourcing the best nourishing ingredients — help-yourself salads, just-made sushi, house-made kombucha elixirs and gourmet smoked fish and cured meats await. Take your senses to Asia for zingy curries, and tandoor-baked naan breads and Sichuan or Cantonese stir-fries made right there. There’s home-style Italian cooking too, including wood-fired pizzas, salt-crusted fish, crispy suckling pig and a rotisserie showcasing the juiciest cuts
Connecting guests with nature, this spacious new-generation LUX* Me spa tunes visitors into the paradisiac setting while bespoke therapies and specially tailored treatments work their magic. Anti-ageing, fitness and weight-loss are among the benefits, whether guests are seeking a total reboot or just a little time relaxing. This spa extraordinaire is a deep breath of fresh air — especially for those who book one of the African style huts.
Look north, towards Coin de Mire, and make out the silhouette of five uninhabited islands where the diving and snorkelling promises a spectacular experience and the marine life is extraordinary. Drive from the north-east’s sweeping white sandy coastline to the untamed Unesco-protected parkland of the south and pass scenes of brightly painted temples, botanical gardens and colonial mansions punctuated by arrowing sugarcane fields. Dramatic rock formations make up the volcanic mountainscape of this African island where the geography is fascinating. Little wonder pirates once plundered those that prospered from the fertile lands of L’île Maurice (as it’s known in French) and today this island’s population is a bouillabaisse of friendly Indian, Creole, Chinese and French people.
“Working together with a team of world-class professionals, we have been inspired to create a unique destination for those who seek simplicity and kindness. Surrender yourself to the warmth and passion of all our team members—their sole purpose is to help you celebrate life! A genuine respite from the world around us. Be warned — you will never want to leave.” shares Paul Jones, CEO, LUX* Resorts & Hotels.
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