DESTINATIONS MAURITIUS | INDIAN OCEAN
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Mauritian resort Lagoon Attitude is making waves with its eco-friendly focus, finds Rhonda Carrier
t’s just after breakfast at Lagoon Attitude on the north coast of Mauritius, and while I’d normally be sprawling on a sunlounger on the sand or beside
the pool by now, this morning I’m in the company of Julie Lepert, who handcrafts organic products. Julie is showing us how to make our own non-polluting sunscreen from zinc oxide, cassava and soy wax as we take part in one of the hotel’s free eco-workshops. Regular sun cream typically uses chemicals including oxybenzone and octinoxate that can kill coral and damage reefs, Julie explains. And it’s to the coral reefs that we’re soon speeding, in the company of scientists Shakti and Nina from the resort’s marine biology team. They’re taking us over the shimmering cerulean waters to an underwater snorkelling trail, where we’re lucky enough to spot a turtle along with an array of brightly hued tropical fish, as we follow a waymarked trail through the reefs.
REEF RESTORATION Drastic losses in live coral cover – through acidification, pollution, sedimentation, coral blasting, bad fishing practices, rising ocean temperatures and natural bleaching – have put the reefs surrounding Mauritius in peril. But they’re crucial to the local economy, protecting the livelihoods of fishermen whose catch depends on the health of the corals and
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attracting scuba divers to swim with grey reef sharks. As such, our marine outing is not all about wondering at the wildlife, gorgeous though it is. Shakti and Nina are engaged in environmental initiatives including coral reef monitoring and rubbish collection – and in educating and involving guests. These efforts are part of the community-based Anse la Raie lagoon ecological restoration project, which involves fishermen and other local inhabitants as well as NGOs and tourism operators. You don’t have to get involved in the project during your stay, of course. You’re free to simply chill at Lagoon Attitude’s pool or beach, where you’ll find dispensers of complimentary mineral sunscreen. But the marine biology team does the rounds to chat, answer questions and invite you to take part in activities should you show interest. That said, you’d be hard-pressed to find any rubbish to collect at the resort itself. All single-use plastic is banned here – you refill glass bottles from your room at water stations dotted around the grounds, use all-natural toiletries from refillable ceramic containers, and help yourself to complimentary coffee, tea and milk from the ‘bulk shop’. The shop also sells natural mosquito repellent, shampoos and homewares made by local artisans. It’s not only Lagoon Attitude putting the emphasis ²
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