White sandy beaches, glistening seas with teeming reefs, rugged mountains, lagoons, rainforest and miles of sugar cane fields are just some of the things that Mauritius is known for. Now five-star resort Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Wellness Resort in Bel Ombre is putting the island on the wellness map.
Heritage Le Telfair stretches along a glistening Indian Ocean coastline with a river running through the centre. Palm tree-lined paths lead to large colonial-style apartments: it looks like you’ve stepped onto a movie set.
There are three pools which look across the sand to the calm, clear waters of the reef surrounding the resort. There’s also a 27-hole championship golf course, plenty of water sports, a teens and kids’ club and the piece de resistance -- The Seven Colours Spa.
This serene space is surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants. The sound of flowing water greets you as you cross a small bridge over a pool strewn with petals to reception. The atmosphere is calm, and the welcome warm and friendly. Dark wooden pagodas clad in green climbing plants line the pathway through the centre.
Changing rooms are light and airy with their own sauna and steam room. A small conservatory overlooks the hydro pool with its bubbling jets and powerful swan neck fountain. Around the pool are private cabanas where you can relax post-treatment. The spa also features a yoga space and a private couple’s suite, complete with its own pool and stone bath.
Our wellness experience began with an optional, but highly recommended consultation with Mattheau, the resident osteopath. We discussed our aims, any health and wellbeing issues and came up with a tailored plan for our stay -- and beyond. We were thrilled to discover that our Wellness Bliss Package included three spa treatments, various yoga classes and even breathing exercises to practice once we returned home.
As with all the activities on this luxury resort, you’re encouraged to delve in as much or as little as you wish. You can introduce wellness into your room too with a chromotherapy lamp, healthy mini bar, a yoga mat, a bath menu and pillow spray.
As the name of the spa suggests, treatments are based around Chromotherapy (colour therapy). We were asked to look at seven coloured cards and choose the colour that stood out the most. Colour is said to have a vibrational value and works with your own energy – you naturally choose what you need on the day. The lighting, sound and scents of the large, cool treatment rooms were then customised to our chosen colour.
I had a Jet Lag Massage (30 minutes) which cured my aching body and made me feel human again after a 12-hour flight. A few days later, I enjoyed a Coco Body Ritual (90 minutes), an indulgent full body scrub, massage and Indian head massage with coconut based products to buff and soothe the skin. This felt decedent and was much needed after piling on SPF day after day.
My final treatment was a Digestion Massage (45 minutes) as prescribed by Mattheau. This was a surprisingly relaxing treatment designed to unblock my solar plexus and facilitate deeper, more restorative breathing.
Post treatment, I was taken to my own private cabana by the hydro pool where I was gifted a chakra bracelet, and offered crystal energised water and a delicious ginger lemon and rosemary tea.
After a few hours in the spa, the perfect end to the day was sunset yoga on the beach. Breathing, stretching and being in the moment as the sun set over the horizon and waves lapped against the shore instilled an innate sense of calm.
Keen yogis will love the Sunset Safari, an hour’s hike through nature reserve followed by an Ashtanga yoga session on the top of a hill overlooking sugar cane fields and the coast. After, we sat and watched the sky turn various shades of pink. As the sun finally set over the horizon and dusk fell, we boarded a safari van and drove back down the mountainous terrain in the dark, catching sight of the fruit bats swooping above our heads.
During the Chakra Balancing Session, our chakras were read, explained and any unbalances talked through. The session is said to restore and unblock energy across the body, and we left feeling more positive, informed and mindful about ourselves.
There are 12 restaurants and bars on the resort at the Domaine Bel Ombre so you can eat and drink to your heart’s content, even if you are on the Wellness package. The healthy options on all restaurant menus are labelled with the Seven Colours Spa logo, and the chefs will accommodate any dietary requirements.
Annabella’s serves a buffet style breakfast and dinner -- we loved the array of fresh fruit at breakfast and the creamy risotto in the evening. For a special treat opt for the Chef’s Degustation menu, and enjoy a private dining experience overlooking the river with a specially designed menu. You can also take part in a cooking class here – one of the many highlights of our trip. We learn to make a Mauritian Palm Heart Salad, a chicken curry and flambéed banana.
For lunch or dinner overlooking the beach, make a beeline for Le Palmier. The signature smoked marlin and palm heart carpaccio was a real highlight. Gin’ja serves Asian fusion food beach-side -- if you’re lucky you can watch the fishermen reeling in their catch.
The resort’s piece de résistance is Le Chateau, a French style 19th century chateau close to the golf course. A live pianist serenaded us as we sat out on the terrace and tucked into succulent venison followed by a trio of crème brulee. Don’t leave without visiting the impressive wine cellar.
Heritage Le Telfair has combined wellness and luxury with the island’s ethos of hospitality and care. We felt beautifully looked after. Every time we left the spa we not only looked and felt better, but were armed with knowledge. The only downside? Having to leave this slice of paradise in the Indian Ocean.
Good Spa Guide flew direct from London Heathrow with Air Mauritius.
A suite at Heritage Le Telfair starts from £342 per night on a B&B basis. Prices for the wellness packages start from £53 per day. You can find out more about Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Wellness Resort, on their website.
Scarlet Spy
16th January 2018
Spy Likes:
Nature-inspired spas, cold water plunges, sound baths, deep tissue massage, delicious food.
Spy Dislikes:
Thin walls in treatment rooms, lounger hoggers, soggy robes, bright lights.
