LUX* Grand Baie arrived with a lot of hype. The well-established Mauritian hotelier's latest project is its most ambitious, aiming to raise the hospitality bar on the island and take on not just local competitors but international brands throughout the Indian Ocean.


The location on the site of the demolished Merville Beach (one of the first resorts built in Mauritius with the whole island coastline to choose from) is frankly idyllic: a gorgeous, sunset-facing stretch of beach.

The wow-factor builds as you enter the cavernous lobby on the first floor, and move instinctively towards the viewing balcony to take it all in. Manicured gardens, soaring palms and a centrepiece fountain are reminiscent of the French Riviera. The architecture is striking, with local nautical inspirations such as the huge curved, thatched sun shades designed after sails, but also ultra-modern with clean, geometric lines and high calibre materials. Extensive use of glass to accommodate light and a steel structure allowing the floor levels to 'float' makes for a very airy feel. This theme runs through a cleverly designed 3-floor spa, with an unmissable 'Aqua journey' experience on the lowest level, and an impressive fitness suite that would please the most demanding of modern athletes.


The entry level Junior Suites are spacious and a comfortable place to be, and the curvature of the main building provides perfect sunset orientation (go for the third level so you’re not obscured by vegetation) from every room. That said, Kelly Hoppen’s minimalist interiors are fresh if non-descript, and with the blinds closed there is little to indicate your current destination. The 7 2&3-bedroom villas however, nestled on their own secluded beach, are something else. Bang up to date, in a stunning location, these will be booked far in advance and we expect prices to escalate quickly.

There are three restaurants to choose from, and the pick is the panoramic roof-top pool bar, Bisou, serving tapas-style snacks in an Instagrammable Miami Beach vibe. It’s possible to book a quiet breakfast in Bisou, which we would recommend, because the main restaurant Beach Rouge, has something of a canteen feel to it. Younger guests will be quite at home, but it’s hard to imagine a more mature clientele feeling at home here. Ai Kisu is the 'signature' Asian fusion restaurant, situated on the ground floor under the lobby, and while pleasant enough the interior and menu is indistinguishable from a multitude of other restaurants to be found in London, New York, Tokyo or Dubai – perhaps that’s the intention. Either way, we think a further restaurant would seem more appropriate for a resort of this level, but then there is the option to eat out in Grand Baie, a walk or short cab ride away, to offset this.

Mauritius has always had an image of lagging a little behind in the luxury stakes when compared to market leaders in Maldives & Seychelles. Whether or not LUX* Grand Baie closes that gap is somewhat subjective, but it certainly sets a new precedent for Mauritius, and adds a novel and distinct choice at the top end. Other local and international operators will certainly be considering refurbishment or even redevelopment. We like the direction of travel.