Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is entering the luxury hospitality sector on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius with the announcement of Anantara Mauritius Resort – a new luxury property on the South Eastern coast which is scheduled to open in Q4 2019.

Anantara Mauritius Resort is being developed in partnership with Currimjee Jeewanjee & Co, a local entrepreneurial family-owned business operating in a number of sectors, including telecoms, cable TV, food and beverages, commercial services and hospitality.

Part of an integrated coastal development, just 15 minutes from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, the new resort will be located near Blue Bay Marine Park – a leisure destination boasting a protected marine park, crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters and powdery white beaches. Blue Bay’s coral reefs make it one of the island’s premier snorkelling and diving destination.

Anantara Mauritius Resort will feature 164 guest rooms and suites, with eight luxury pool villas – two with two bedrooms and six with four bedrooms – to be added in the first half of 2020. Facilities at the resort will include Sea.Fire.Salt – a specialty grill and seafood restaurant with courtyard and beach dining, an all-day dining restaurant, private dining with a wine cellar, a healthy wellness-focused cafe, two bars – one by the poolside and one facing the beach, a 30-metre ozone-based swimming pool, a gym, a signature Anantara Spa and a kids’ club.

The look and feel of the new resort have been created by award winning Ground Kent Architects, Australia, in collaboration with the Office of Global Architecture in Mauritius, alongside Abacus Design interior designers of Thailand. The design reflects the melting pot history of the country, drawing influences from the rich architectural heritage seen in the capital Port Louis and around the island. Natural, locally-sourced materials take precedence, harmoniously anchoring the buildings in their natural setting. Taking inspiration from local colonial architecture, the overall effect effortlessly evokes the vibe of a relaxing, tropical beach house, yet one with a distinctly modern feel.

The use of scattered light, basalt and volcanic stone, drift wood, wave-and-ripple patterns and neutral sandy colours blur the line between the indoor and the outdoor. Fabrics and art selected for the rooms are a contrasting combination of accents of orange, deep ultramarine and royal yellow as a nod to Blue Bay’s crystal waters, sandy beaches and legendary sunsets.

With the resort’s dining options ranging from traditional creole cooking to fine dining, guests can expect a gastronomic experience rooted in an exotic blend of European, Asian and African influences. Most of the ingredients will be harvested locally since Mauritius benefits from incredibly fertile soil, while the ocean is the source of the freshest seafood and fish.

As part of Anantara and Currimjee’s commitment to sustainability, the resort will incorporate solar technology for water heating in all guest rooms, to reduce the usage on energy. Other green initiatives include planting endemic flora within the hotel landscaping, reusing water for irrigation and cleaning as well as incorporating recycled materials into resort décor. The property will be plastic straw-free, an Anantara standard, and where possible organic farming methods will be encouraged throughout its restaurant supply chain.

An island nation in the south western Indian Ocean, Mauritius is known for its varied flora and fauna, with many species endemic to the island. Famously the only known home of the dodo, an avian species which became extinct back in the 1600s, the island offers nature-centred activities both onshore and offshore. Visitors can charter a boat for deep sea fishing, paddle over serene waters in a glass-bottomed kayak to learn to dive, embark on bird-watching walks on nearby islands, explore botanical gardens and more.

Golf is another popular pastime and discerning players are spoilt for choice with over a dozen courses in scenic locations across the island, including an 18-hole course with sea views just 30 minutes from the resort. Culture buffs will delight in touring historical sites and exploring carefully preserved colonial houses with their vast verandas and easy tropical charm.

In the southern part of the island, guests at Anantara will be able to discover historical sites, spectacular scenery and adventure activities. Just 15 minutes’ drive from the resort is Mahebourg, the first capital of Mauritius, known for its local market, museums, fortifications and the historic battles between the French and British. A little further away is Black River Gorges National Park, famous for its waterfalls, vistas and hiking, and for the more adventurous, quad biking and zip lining.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels, parent company of Anantara, commented, “It was important for us to work with a local developer who shares our values and commitment to sustainable business practices. In Currimjee Jeewanjee & Co Ltd we found a like-minded business partner with strong ties to the local community and it’s our shared belief that together we can make Anantara Mauritius Resort the centre-point of this new integrated coastal development.”

Dinesh K. Burrenchobay, Managing Director, Currimjee Jeewanjee Hospitality Division, also commented, “We are excited to be opening soon the first Anantara resort on our beautiful tropical island of Mauritius, in partnership with Minor Hotels. It is also the return of our group in the Mauritian Hospitality sector with the beginning of our journey for our integrated development to create a unique coastal living lifestyle. On a unique site on the island’s South East coast, Anantara Mauritius will provide guests a complete immersion in the natural habitat and culture of its surroundings. In line with our Currimjee's long term vision of sustainability for the next generation, the hotel has a number of unique sustainable initiatives integrated in its design and facilities, for its future guests to enjoy.”