The Grand Mauritian

By Robert Greeff

The world today is a demanding place. Technology has effectively created a 24-hour offi ce wherever you are, keeping you in contact with everyone at the touch of your fi ngertips. But, there exists a place providing a balm, when the toils and unceasing daily administration of your life is weighing down your shoulders, a place where busy minds fi nd refuge from storms of thoughts and an infi nity of “to do” lists. If you need serenity in your life, it is waiting for you on a beautiful stretch of coastline in the North West of the island of Mauritius. Welcome to the Grand Mauritian: A Luxury Collection Resort and Spa.

The Luxury Collection® is a selection of hotels and resorts offering unique and authentic experiences that evoke lasting and treasured memories. Each hotel and resort is a distinct and cherished expression of its location, a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. So went the marketing blurb. The Grand Mauritian not only lives up to the said concept, but puts its own stamp on it by articulating every pre-requisite nuance so necessary to the perfect getaway with an easy going sophisticated charm. My experience of the hotel began on a tropical sunny afternoon. Booking into a hotel sets the tone for the rest of the stay for a guest. I was greeted by a delightful lady at reception and shown to a deck overlooking the most tranquil view of the Indian Ocean. Here I met a guest who was just about to depart. He had a smile on his face, indicative of a well rested soul with not a care in the world. His parting words were, “I wish I never had to leave”. As I sipped on my welcome cocktail, gazing out at the diamonds glittering on the turquoise sea, it was easy to understand why. This, unequivocally was paradise, a realisation that opened up my senses fully to the sun on my face, the arresting beauty of the view before me and the sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore.

At its heart, The Grand Mauritian embraces the spirit of Mauritius, very much present in the design and architecture. Expansive spaces become vessels for natural light and the romance and simplicity of the island, evoking a laid-back tropical yet sophisticated atmosphere. Much of the Grand Mauritian has been built with a traditional hardwood timber called Balau and natural volcanic rock, a beautiful contrast of colours and textures which resonate the natural surrounds and is carried through by the “sugar cane fronds” of the thatched roof coverings.

The interior design is clearly inspired by the ocean and its waves with blue hues and the beach, with naturals and taupes. German silver and chrome accents represent the moon and starlight refl ection on the sea and all together creates a permeating sense of

cool, calm and freshness. The Bottichino marble tiles, objects du art and the mixed media paintings on the walls defi nes a new contemporary Mauritius speaking volumes of classic refi nement and erudition.

The resort consists of 193 rooms, offering a varied room mix which includes Deluxe rooms and a few suites in which large private outdoor terraces are common. All ground fl oor Courtyard junior suites have tropical outdoor showers. I stayed in a Deluxe terrace suite. The room was equipped with the latest amenities including: fl at screen television, high-speed broadband internet plug-in, Ipod-docking station, “Video on Demand” service and Video Telephone system. My room was an expression of supreme comfort enhancing a state of relaxation with soft muted tones of taupe, ivory, duck egg blue and a fresh minty green. The airiness of the room is anchored by dark wood furniture in a nod to authentic island living. I loved the contemporary abstract art on the walls and vivid colours of the blown glass vases and bowls, stylish compliments to the textures and shades of the linens and window furnishings. The large open plan marble bathroom and dressing area opened up onto the bedroom in a smooth transition of isometric space. The bathroom itself takes the form of a modern minimal design denoting luxury and wellbeing with chrome, frosted glass and hidden light features. The bathroom was also provided with Elemis scent, perfumes and products. Of course the most important feature in any hotel is the bed. The beds in the Grand Mauritian are simply an ergonomic staircase to heaven with the assurance of waking refreshed and completely rested. It may be diffi cult to pry yourself away from your room to enjoy the many attractions of the hotel and spa. The room had an exceptional view from the balcony of the main pool area, adjacent water feature, the stylish designed “Brezza” restaurant and the beach with palm trees as well as the ocean. Reclining on the rattan furniture and taking in the panoramic scene was perfect for unwinding. A very spacious private terrace with deck beds set the stage for relaxed intimate and romantic meals and another superb venue for relaxation. A private breakfast nook on an additional balcony space with a view of the large water feature also provided an additional alfresco dining area. Overall, the architectural design of the suite maximises choice for the guest tailoring your holiday experience.

Dining and entertainment is imbued with the same sense of choice. The Hotel has 3 restaurants. A main restaurant called “Season”, a speciality restaurant “Brezza” and a pool-side restaurant and bar called “Refl ections”. The hotel also features a wine-cellar and an extensive inventory of fi ne cigars. There are 3 bars including 2 pool-side bars and “Bar 68” a contemporary lounge bar, located in the main building which is the perfect rendezvous venue for a before and after dinner drink. At night the venue presents exciting live entertainment to the backdrop of the Indian Ocean under a canopy of stars.

I dined at “Season by Stephane”. The restaurant is the main showcase for celebrated award-winning chef Stephane Brallet. With its “open kitchen”, the guest is treated to an interactive food experience and offered an “A la carte” menu presenting internationally famous styles of cuisine including Thai, North African, Indian and Mauritian dishes. The buffet area serves a plethora of European cuisine. The restaurant itself presents a gorgeous view of the internal tropical gardens and expansive cascading water features overlooking the beach and Indian Ocean. The setting is an immersive sensory experience intrinsic to your dining. With 250 references, the Season Wine Room features a wide range of French Grand Cru’s, South African and New world wines and caters to personal cheese and wine tastings with the chef and sommelier. My meal at Season was a superlative extravagance of delicate fl avours which was surprising and indeed, an experience to relish. I thoroughly revelled in the starter: an Asian styled cucumber lobster roll with pickled ginger mayonnaise, masala and mustard and snow peas salad. This was followed by a citronella steamed Babonne fi sh, crab bouillabaisse, pipenoch Creole soute of bredre souffl ette. I basked in the dessert, an entrancing fi nish of Cinnamon and chocolate parfait with mango sherbet and raspberry coulis.

I met with Executive Chef Stephane Brallet who has over 20 years of experience working for 5-Star luxury hotels and Michelin starred restaurants in France. His recent history includes a 6-year stay in the Caribbean and together with his formative training and experience in Canada, South America and France creates a unique epicurean dining experience. He garners his inspiration from the freshest ingredients Mauritius has to offer creating dishes to delight and beguile visitors at the 3 restaurants he oversees including the “Season by Stephane” named after him. Executive Chef Stephane Brallet

The hotel also encompasses the Babonne Ballroom, a very popular venue for weddings and the Cabot Boardroom, a space catering to business functions. Both venues are fully equipped with audio visual amenities and events of any persuasion are gladly customised as per your needs.

The hotel is located on a protected natural reef and provides for a variety of water sports including glass boat rides and chartered boats. I went on the glass boat ride early after breakfast and was treated to spectacular sights of natural coral formations and a dazzling array of colourful tropical fi sh. Also on offer are 2 “savannah” grass fl oodlit tennis courts, a fi tness Centre, 2 outdoor pools, babysitting services, the “Explorers Club” for children, car rentals and limousines and beautiful boutiques and shops. The Mandara Spa provides exceptional relaxation and restorative spa treatments in a stunning venue. The hotel takes the ultimate state of relaxation a step further with the Spa suites, which includes a private adjoining spa treatment room as well as a dedicated 24-hour Butler service.

The Grand Mauritian seeks to provide its guests with a complete indigenous holiday experience and arranges trips to the capital of Port Louis with its daily markets and shopping districts. The Botanical gardens are a short 20 minute drive away and the Marine Park is located immediately next to the hotel. The small but lively town of Grand Baie is 15 km to the north and is a very popular with its restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping centres and fashion outlets.

I found the Grand Mauritian distilled all the aspects of an ideal vacation in a seamless and effortless fashion. The atmosphere is fantastic. An unpretentious, friendly and unobtrusive mood is constant, and effi ciently maintained by a very personable staff. It is a resort that delivers the very best of Mauritian hospitality and character with 5-Star sophistication. I have no doubt that you would never want to leave.