By GlobalSpa
23-Oct-2024
The northern shores of Mauritius have always held a certain mystique, with their crescent-shaped beaches and crystal-clear lagoons. But now, rising from the sands of Grand Baie like a modernist vision, LUX* Grand Baie is redefining island luxury for a new generation.
There are many reasons to love LUX* Grand Baie, Mauritius. Located on the golden shores of the island’s most stunning beaches, the resort offers endless views of the azure ocean. Its design flawlessly blends modern aesthetics with local craftsmanship. Inspired by ancient wisdom, the place is a fitness haven that offers cutting-edge wellness. However, none of these reasons stand out more than the sheer luxury offered at the resort.
A masterful collaboration between renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen and leading Mauritian architect Jean Francois Adam, the resort stands as a testament to contemporary tropical living. Its 116 accommodations range from cleverly designed junior suites to show-stopping penthouses, each space feeling less like a hotel room and more like an architect's personal island hideaway. The 65-square-meter junior suites, with their dreamy loft-like aesthetics, feature luxurious touches like Chromotherapy showers and smart home controls, while the two crown jewel penthouses sprawl across 325 square meters of pure luxury, complete with private pools and butler service.
Here, luxury is also somewhat redefined—not just in the form of opulent accommodations and stunning architecture but in the way the place effortlessly connects guests to the very soul of Mauritius.
The Stay
For those seeking the ultimate in space and luxury, the resort's two Pool Penthouses reign supreme. Spanning 325 square meters, these three-bedroom sanctuaries come with dedicated butler service and extensive terraces bordering private heated pools. Here, outdoor barbecue areas and sunbeds create perfect settings for intimate gatherings or family celebrations. Meanwhile, the twenty Pool Residences offer a perfect middle ground, providing 180 square meters of thoughtfully designed space with two en-suite bedrooms, individual pools, and generous living areas, all connected to the main resort via an elegant skywalk.
Beach lovers will find paradise in the LUX* Beachfront Pool Villas. Set over two floors directly on the sand, these 240-square-meter havens come with private heated pools, personal butler service, and outdoor gazebos perfect for barefoot luxury living. The ultimate indulgence comes in the form of the singular Grand Beach Pool Villa – a spectacular 620-square-meter retreat featuring three en-suite bedrooms, a private kitchen with a dedicated chef, and extensive outdoor living spaces that make the most of its prime beachfront location.
Families are particularly well-accommodated in the 130-square-meter Family Suites, which cleverly combine two interconnecting rooms, each with its own king-size bed, bathroom, and terrace. These thoughtfully designed spaces include practical touches like dual minibars and separate LED TVs with child-friendly programming, ensuring both parents and children have their own space to unwind.
Culinary Playground
At LUX* Grand Baie, dining is an experience unto itself and the property's culinary landscape truly captures the imagination. Beach Rouge, the main beach club and restaurant, transforms from a sun-kissed daytime retreat to an electrifying nightlife destination. As sunset approaches, the space transforms under an electrifying red glow, channelling the spirit of Ibiza and Mykonos with Mediterranean and DJ beats. The Mediterranean-inspired menu, paired with the bohemian-chic vibe, makes it the perfect spot to indulge in everything from fresh seafood to handcrafted cocktails.
For those looking for something more intimate, Bisou, the rooftop bar and restaurant, offers jaw-dropping views of the Grand Baie lagoon and a tapas menu that rivals the finest dining experiences. The infinity pool, fringed with cabanas, is a retreat for everyone looking to unwind with a cocktail in hand, while the chef’s innovative takes on tapas ensure that every meal feels like a celebration.
Meanwhile, Ai KISU, the resort’s Asian gastronomic restaurant, is a feast for the senses. From the open kitchen, where chefs fire up dishes with the dramatic Warayaki straw cooking method, to the eclectic menu that spans the cuisines of Asia, every detail has been designed to captivate. The mix of Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian dishes invites guests to explore flavours as diverse as the cultures that inspired them. Whether you’re savouring a perfectly charred Peking duck or sampling one of Ai KISU’s expertly crafted cocktails, dining here is an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Maison LUX* channels Milan's sophisticated café culture, transitioning seamlessly from morning pastries to evening digestifs, and The Food Lab serves as a secretive culinary workshop where chefs experiment with new flavours and techniques.
Wellness Like Never Before
The crown jewel of LUX* Grand Baie, however, might be its revolutionary approach to wellness. The LUX* Me Spa isn't just a spa – it's a multi-level sanctuary where cutting-edge technology meets ancient wisdom. The journey begins in the lower floor's hydrothermal bath complex, where guests move through a carefully choreographed sequence of experiences: from the Turkish hammam with its heated pool to ice rocks and heated benches, from aromatherapy steam rooms to a laconium (a gentle sweating room), and through a multi-sensory water path that mimics everything from gentle mist to tropical rainfall.
Meanwhile, treatment rooms on the upper levels are equipped with high-tech beds featuring tilting systems for optimal spine alignment, while specialized suites offer heated water mattresses and spherical quartz sand therapies.
The spa’s standout feature is undoubtedly its collaboration with Bastien Gonzalez, the renowned ‘Foot Virtuoso.’ His treatments, which focus on the health and beauty of the feet, hands, and nails, are a unique offering that promises to leave guests feeling truly pampered from head to toe. The spa also boasts a full-service hair and bridal studio, ensuring that guests are perfectly groomed for any occasion.
The wellness journey extends beyond the spa to the resort's ambitious fitness facilities. The 350-square-meter rooftop fitness zone might be the Indian Ocean's most impressive outdoor workout space, featuring two Olympic-standard running tracks and a 12-station MyBeast functional fitness frame. Inside, the fitness center houses state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and a dedicated cycling studio, while the serene Niyama Studio hosts everything from aerial yoga to meditation sessions.
An Invitation to Play
Meanwhile, the PLAY kids' club takes a mindful approach to children's activities, incorporating everything from arts and crafts to gardening in their own vegetable patch. Teenagers find their space at Studio 17, complete with vintage arcade games and PS5 gaming stations. The resort's commitment to families extends to its accommodation options, with spacious 130-square-meter family suites offering thoughtful touches like dual minibars and separate terraces.
Water enthusiasts will find plenty to love, with complimentary access to everything from windsurfing to pedal boards, while those seeking adventure can arrange big game fishing expeditions or dolphin-watching excursions.
Redefining Luxury
Perhaps most importantly, LUX* Grand Baie demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully. The resort's Keen on Green concept ensures plant-based options across all restaurants, while partnerships with organizations like Foodwise help reduce food waste and support local communities. Smart energy management systems and a ban on single-use plastic water bottles (replaced by a sophisticated Nordaq filter system) show that modern luxury can be both indulgent and responsible.
The resort embraces luxury with a conscience, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered to minimize its impact on the environment.