Luxury Destination Island: Mauritius

Mauritius, located off the east coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean is an intriguing blend of African, Indian and French influences with a slant towards luxury resorts: who could ask for more.

Relaxing at the Spa, Mauritius

The French have contributed pretty place names such as Petit Sable, Bois des Amourettes and Pinte du Diable. The Indian Ocean supplies turquoise seas and white sand beaches. Sugarcane covers 40% of the countryside but in the north the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden has hundreds of species including palms, spice trees and spectacular giant water lilies.
Conveniently located 8 hours flying time west of Perth, Mauritius is gaining popularity for Australians wanting a tropical stop-over on the way to Europe – with about the same overall flight time through to Europe. From Europe its a long 12 hour flight to Mauritius but at least the jet lag is minimal with Mauritius time only 4 hours ahead of GMT. And you fly straight into summer and tropics from Europe’s winter.

One of the unusual aspects of Mauritius is that all-inclusive nature of many resorts, most of which are at least half board (dinner and breakfast) and include SCUBA diving for qualified divers as well. For example the Shandarani Resort and Spa claims to be the first all-inclusive five-star resort which offers unlimited choice of quality food and beverages, free message, free unlimited diving and a kite-surfing school. Check out some images from Shandarani:

Mauritius is developing a reputation for better than average luxury resorts and one of the best is the Shanti Ananada, the country’s only luxury destination spa. The resort’s name is from the Sanskrit for peance and bliss and that is the philosophy of this property. The focus is on ayurveda treatments: which is an ancient Indian regime which “aims to achieve a holistic balance and overall harmony”.

The Shanti Ananda’s lobby is open sided and elegance and understated luxury greets the visitor. The grounds cover 14ha of lush, tropical gardens with freestanding villas.

Kylie Minogue and Natalie Imbruglia have been past guests,but if you are worried about what to pack for dinner – don’t. The Shanti Ananda gives all guests a pair of Indian cotton Kurta pajamas (think Hindu guru or 60’s flower child) which guests are encouraged to wear at all times – you may want to purchase a couple of extra pairs to take home too.

La Source spa facilities at Shanti Ananada include 2 saunas, 2 hammams, Ayurvedic treatment room, Aqua treatments (balneotherapy and affusion shower), Shiatsu, traditional massages and beauty treatments.

Shanti Ananda describes their spa:

The spa offers guests an experienced team of Ayurvedic physicians, spa therapists & personal trainers – the combined expertise of which provides guidance towards healthier lifestyle changes. The spa also offers a complete range of ESPA body & beauty treatments, a beauty & hair salon, boutique & a salt-water pool for Watsu treatments

Now that’s a relaxing holiday!