Mahebourg (Mauritius) – December 2, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The 164-room Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas enjoys an idyllic location on Le Chaland Beach on the southeast coast of Mauritius and is a tranquil retreat offering luxurious seclusion. The recently opened resort has something for everyone – gourmets, beach lovers, culture and history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and sporty adventurers.

Located south of the old capital Mahebourg, this corner of Mauritius is less developed for tourism, relatively untouched, and surrounded by nature. The ten-minute drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport to the resort is scenic, passing vast sugarcane plantations and near Blue Bay Marine Park – a popular holiday destination with a protected marine park, crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters, and powder-white beaches.

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The new resort's design was conceived by Ground Kent Architects (Australia) and the Thai interior designers Abacus Design, in collaboration with the Office of Global Architecture (Mauritius). The design reflects the country's diverse history, drawing on influences from the rich architectural heritage of the capital, Port Louis, and the island itself. Natural, local materials take center stage: volcanic rock, basalt, driftwood crafted by local artisans, soft lighting, and undulating patterns blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

The Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort offers 164 stylish rooms and suites, each with a bathroom featuring a rain shower and separate bathtub, as well as a terrace or balcony with a daybed and views of the lush tropical gardens or the Indian Ocean. The clean design doesn't detract from the views but blends harmoniously into the landscape, reflecting the shimmering blues of the sea, the powder-white beaches, the amber sunsets, and the rare yellow coral. Eight luxurious pool villas—two with two bedrooms and six with four—will open in the second quarter of next year.

The Anantara Spa offers a range of therapeutic treatments, including traditional massages, detox treatments, and hammam wellness. Facilities include five treatment rooms, a Turkish hammam, and two outdoor pavilions for Thai massages. Those seeking mindful movement can find inner peace through yoga and meditation. For guests looking for balance and inspiration, various wellness retreats are offered, led by experts in Reiki, chakra healing, and Ayurveda.

The centerpiece of the resort is the impressive, 30-meter-long, ozone-powered swimming pool – one of many sustainability initiatives implemented on the premises. These include solar technology for hot water in all guest rooms, the planting of native plants throughout the hotel grounds, the reuse of water for irrigation and cleaning, and the integration of recycled materials into the resort's decor.

Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures, giving rise to a diverse cuisine where Indian, French, Dutch, Creole, and Chinese influences simmer. The resort's numerous restaurants are a culinary tribute to the island's rich cultural heritage. At the signature restaurant, Sea.Fire.Salt, guests can expect abundant seafood and regional specialties. Spectacular cooking demonstrations and salts from around the world offer a unique taste experience. Zafran provides exclusive, private dining experiences with tasting menus and fine wines. Bon Manzer focuses on natural, organic, unprocessed, and nutrient-rich foods.

At the Horizon restaurant, open all day, each day begins with an impressive breakfast buffet. In the evenings, the island's exotic culinary highlights are celebrated with dishes from Europe, China, India, and Africa. During the day, the Karokan Pool Bar serves tropical drinks, ice-cold beer, and fine wines. As the sun sets, relaxed music and innovative cocktails made with Mauritian rum create a lively atmosphere.

Food lovers can learn to prepare traditional Creole dishes in a cooking class offered by Spice Spoons. The course includes a visit to a nearby farmers' market, a future herb garden at the resort, and a winery where guests can taste locally produced lychee wine. Guests who value privacy can choose from the extensive room service menu or opt for "Dining by Design." This offering provides couples and small groups with a selection of gourmet menus in an idyllic setting, along with the service of a personal chef and butler.

At the Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort, children can feel free. They can cycle in the nearby coastal forest, build sandcastles, and search for seashells on the beach. The Kids Club offers a supervised program with arts and crafts, face painting, treasure hunts, cooking classes, and games inspired by Creole culture and the sea.

Guests enjoy the resort's pristine white sand beach and turquoise waters. Numerous motorized and non-motorized water sports are available nearby, including stand-up paddleboarding, waterskiing, and kitesurfing. Scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and catamaran trips to private islands are also possible. The nearby Blue Bay Marine Park is one of the island's best snorkeling and diving spots. Its underwater corals are home to a variety of tropical fish and around forty different coral species.

Those wishing to explore the southeast of the island will find a wealth of nature, cultural, and adventure activities. Just a 15-minute drive from the resort lies Mahebourg, known for its market, fortifications, and the historic battles fought there between the French and British. Guests interested in flora and fauna can visit the nearby Île aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, a pioneer in Mauritius for its conservation efforts by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. Further afield is Black River Gorges National Park, famous for its waterfalls, views, and hiking trails, as well as quad biking and ziplining for thrill-seekers. Golf is another popular pastime, and discerning players are spoiled for choice: over a dozen golf courses are located across the island, including an 18-hole course with ocean views just 30 minutes from the resort.

Dilip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, the parent company of Anantara, commented: “We are delighted to add this fantastic new resort in Mauritius to our Anantara luxury portfolio. It represents an important strategic expansion of Anantara’s presence and will further strengthen the brand’s presence in the Indian Ocean.”

Dinesh K. Burrenchobay, Managing Director of the Currimjee Jeewanjee Hospitality Division, part of the parent company Currimjee Jeewanjee & Co., stated: “We are delighted to open the Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas, the first Anantara resort on our beautiful tropical island of Mauritius. Nestled in pristine natural surroundings, it offers our guests a new level of comfort and service. This also marks our group’s strategic return to the hotel sector.”