Salt of Palmar – Mauritius
You won’t just scratch the surface of Mauritius at Salt of Palmar, but dive deep into the island’s rich and colourful culture. This adult only boutique retreat celebrates all that is local, where guests learn the traditional crafts and secrets of this Indian Ocean jewel, even swapping your own skills with others. Moroccan style in design, with playful interiors, Salt sits on a powdery white beach, amongst swaying palms, exuding a vibrant soul.
Objets d’art made by local artisans adorn the walls and spaces, whilst evenings are filled with the sound of traditional musicians. Spend a lazy day on the picture perfect beach, or take one of the resort’s bicycles for a gentle ride to a local village. A stay here will connect you to the island and its people, giving you endless and colourful stories to take home.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its unique, immersive experiences, its exceptional food, and its eco credentials.Style:
Tropical riad.Location:
On the sugary white beach of Quatre Coco, on the east of the island.Rooms:
Ocean facing rooms with terraces or balconies, organic amenities and handmade beds.Swimming:
Terrace pool and the Indian Ocean.Children:
This one is strictly for adults.Accessibility:
One of the Bang on the Beach rooms is adapted for guests with limited mobility.rooms
You know you’re in for a good night’s sleep when the bed is handmade, with the design advice of a physio. Bed linen is 100% organic cotton; there are no TVs – just a library of books and each room comes with a yoga mat and block. The décor of fresh white walls and pops of bright colour is creative and fun. All come with double beds, but a few can be made into twins.
Right on the beach, the Bang on the Beach rooms will lull you to sleep with the sound of lapping waves, and each one comes with a balcony or terrace looking out over the ocean. Seaview rooms are just steps from the pool and the ocean, and are spacious and bright. Looking out over the palms, Filao trees, and the aquamarine lagoon beyond, the Garden View rooms are soothing and calm. The Best on Beach says it all. Choose a rooftop one for mesmerizing sunrises and an early morning dip in the ocean. Very spacious and with a bird’s eye view of the pool in the riad style courtyard, the Pool Plus rooms get a big tick.
food
Start each day with an à la carte breakfast, with freshly baked bread and pastries (from the in-house bakery) and trays of tropical fruit. Everything is local and organically grown, with each supplier is known by name. Traditional dishes fill the menu, as do those with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian influence, with a good choice of vegetarian and vegan.
Don’t miss the chance to learn how to cook some local Mauritian dishes with one of the chefs – and if you’ve been fishing and come back with a catch, you’ll be taught how to prepare it local style. Then, as the sun begins to dip over the island, take your seat on the rooftop bar, and sip a glass of something chilled.
activities
When you check in, you’re given your own copy of This is Mauritius – a guidebook written by locals – just another way to discover the real Mauritius, with the best places to eat and some hidden gems off the beaten track. The resort has curated a fascinating portfolio of experiences and excursions, where you really get under the skin of the island. From a trip to Le Morne, learning about its myths and legends, to a road trip to the south.
You can discover life on a sugar plantation, or if you’re a foodie, enjoy learning all about traditional recipes and the island’s culinary culture. From learning how to weave traditional baskets with Mrs Buleeram, to joining a workshop with Camille Walala – the designer behind the vibrantly coloured interiors – to exploring Mahebourg with a local, the whole island comes to life for you. Even down to the Spa treatments, created from healing salt from the island’s Black River, everything is about discovering the richness of Mauritius. Add to this a range of water sports, cycling and hiking, and browsing the local market at Flacq, you’ll never be short of something to do.
family
Guests need to be 16 and over to stay here – this is definitely a place for grown ups only.
sustainability
Salt of Palmar’s philosophy is to put people and the planet first. Learning and upskilling amongst the staff and local artisans is heavily promoted, where guests with particular skills are encouraged to share ideas and knowledge. The entire resort is as eco-friendly as possible, and suppliers are encouraged to share the same principles. You’ll find no single use plastics here, and wherever possible, packaging is biodegradable, and all food is organically grown and sourced locally.
Location
Mauritius, Indian Ocean
On the sugary white beach of Quatre Coco, on the east of the island. Flacq is just ten minutes away, and the airport, an hour’s drive.
