The comeback queen
Much loved by loyal clients and the industry alike, Le Touessrok once set the bar in the Indian Ocean but struggled to keep pace with new arrivals. Not any more – this iconic hotel has been reborn as Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa
The 200 rooms and suites – in the
author: Nicki Grihault
The November reopening of east- coast hideaway Le Touessrok following a massive makeover was not only hotly anticipated, but with a halt on new hotel builds on Mauritius, was also the last launch we’ll see on the island for some years to come. Set on the glorious white curve
of Trou d’Eau Douce bay, with two islands of its own to boast of, Sun Resorts’ Le Touessrok was always one of Mauritius’ best-loved hotels. But it had been showing the signs
of approaching middle age in a very competitive market and in the face of myriad international luxury brands arriving on the island in recent years. Enter Shangri-La, with its experience of 94 other hotels and resorts worldwide and pockets deep enough for a joint $30 million investment in partnership with owner Sun Resorts to rejuvenate the old classic. Shangri-La took a 26% stake in
the hotel along with a 25-year management contract, further guaranteeing its commitment to ensuring the hotel stays firmly on the luxury map. The resort’s historic low-rise
Mediterranean-style buildings remain the same but have been blended with Asian interiors using organic and recycled materials to give a fresh new contemporary and island-chic look. Salvaged tree roots uphold glass
tables in the lobby, subtle animal prints enliven textiles and marble floors, and a new Weavers Belvedere sculpture, inspired by birds’ nests in the tropical garden, arches over the main stage, framing a soothing sea view.
Coral, Hibiscus and Frangipani wings which are set along an enviable 34 acres of beachfront – have been given a complete makeover. Think rough-hewn tropical mango wood desks, abstract coral screens on the bedheads and contoured wood on the floor representing patterns of sand in the sea. The once tired but family-friendly
Hibiscus wing, with interconnecting rooms, direct beach access and the tickled-up T-club nearby, now represent much better value. Meanwhile guests staying in the
Frangipani Suites – with their new egg-shaped baths surrounded by shimmering pink tiles – are offered exclusive la carte breakfasts with Bellinis and Bloody Marys included along with evening cocktails at Republik Beach Club & Grill. Republik is one of four fresh
Good to know: Family favourite: Kids treatments by Ila at the CHI spa range from body painting inspired by the forest for youngsters to teen facials. In the zone: Locally, suggest catamaran trips to the eastern islands from the nearby village. Including the extras: Stays at the Frangipani suites, on an islet reached by a bridge, include in-room check-in, private beach and adult-only pool. Top of the range: The three beach villas have three bedrooms apiece, secluded infinity pool, private beach access and 24-hour butler service. Up to Yu: The elegant Yu Lounge (
yulounge.com) at SSR International airport has free Wi-Fi, refreshments and a tropical design. Something different: Fancy trying Krav Maga – the in-vogue Israeli martial art? It is taught at the hotel’s fitness centre.
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restaurant concepts, which also include a new Japanese restaurant, Kushi. Lit red at night, part of its design is a curtain of kushi (combs) – traditionally used by Geishas to pin up their hair – separating the yakinuku (Korean barbecue) tables from the sushi master’s open kitchen. Shangri-La knows how to create
a sumptuous buffet in some style and has transformed the main restaurant (previously known as 398) into the much-improved marketplace-style Le Bazar, with food stations including a noodle bar and chilled room. Meanwhile, relaxed family-style dining with a new Indian streetfood concept – think five-spiced jinga prawns and tandoori salmon, served in authentic clay pots – is on offer at Safran, with chef Ramesh Bundi, who trained under Michelin-starred
chefs Atul Kochhar and Vineet Bhatia, still at the helm. There’s also Dine by Design on
offer, which features ideas such as bespoke candlelit lobster dinners on the beach, and will also soon be offered in private cabanas on one of the resort’s two private islands, Ilot Mangenie.
Raising the bar The Givenchy spa of old has been transformed under Shangri-La’s own-brand CHI Spa, with eight treatment rooms featuring wooden artwork, a gym with Life Fitness equipment and beauty salon. The spa focuses on Ayurveda
philosophy and on providing holistic therapies from organic British beauty brand Ila, while there are also kids and teens treatments available. Bespoke experiences include custom-made massage
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