From locally inspired cuisine to history tours, pool- and beach-side relaxation to sports adventures, southeast Mauritius’s newest resort offers a variety of experiences to inspire travellers
Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas has debuted on Le Chaland Beach along the south-eastern coast of Mauritius as a tranquil and luxurious beachside hideaway. Designed by award-winning Ground Kent Architects of Australia and Abacus Design interior designers of Thailand, the new resort’s aesthetic reflects the history of the country, drawing influences from the island’s architectural heritage. Natural, locally-sourced materials take precedence with a range of of volcanic stone, basalt, drift wood crafted by local artisans, scattered light and wave-and-ripple patterns implemented.
Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort’s 164 guest rooms feature a terrace or balcony with a daybed overlooking either the resort’s tropical gardens or the Indian Ocean, while eight luxury Pool Villas – two with two bedrooms and six with four bedrooms – will launch in the second quarter of next year.
Anantara Spa offers a range of therapeutic treatments including traditional massage therapies, detox treatments and rituals in the spa’s Turkish hammam. The resort offers yoga, meditation and a variety of wellness journeys led by experts in Reiki therapy, chakra healing and Ayurveda. The focal point of the resort is the 30-metre ozone-based swimming pool, one of many sustainability initiatives which are incorporated into the property.
Mauritius’s cuisine is inspired by Indian, French, Dutch, Creole and Chinese flavours and the resort’s multiple dining options pay tribute to these. Local seafood and regional flavours await Sea Fire Salt, the signature restaurant that offers diners cooking displays. Zafran offers private dining on degustation menus accompanied by wine pairings. At Bon Manzer the focus is on natural food. Horizon, the all-day dining restaurant, opens with a breakfast buffet and closes with nightly themes celebrating the island’s cuisine. Karokan Poolside Bar is open throughout the day.
Guests can partake in a Spice Spoons cooking class that includes visits to a market, a future in-resort herb garden and a boutique winery with locally-made lychee wine. Guests desiring a more private meal can order from the in-room dining menu or book a Dining by Design meal, which offers couples and small groups a choice of menus serviced by a personal chef and private butler.
The Kids Club offers a supervised program that includes arts and crafts, face painting, treasure hunts, cooking classes and games inspired by local Creole culture and the ocean.
At sea, the resort offers a range of water sports including paddle boarding, water skiing and kite-surfing, with diving, deep sea fishing and catamaran cruises to private islands also available.
The nearby Blue Bay Marine Park is one of the island’s premier snorkelling and diving destinations. The underwater coral beds house an array of tropical fish along with occasional turtles and moray eels. Approximately forty different species of coral – some up to eight hundred years old – have been identified at the Blue Bay Marine Park, including some of the largest spheroid shaped brain corals ever found in the Indian Ocean.
Many nature, history and adventure activities can be found in the southeast corner of the island, including a historical tour led by the hotel’s Cultural Guru. Just 15 minutes’ drive from the resort is Mahebourg, the first capital of Mauritius. Mahebourg is known for its local market, museums, fortifications and the historic battles between the French and British. Guests interested in flora and fauna can visit nearby nature reserve Ile aux Aigrettes. Nearby Black River Gorges National Park is famous for its waterfalls, vistas, hiking, quad biking and zip lining. There are over a dozen golf courses across the island, including an 18-hole course with sea views just 30 minutes from the resort.
Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort’s room rates start at EUR 330++ per night.