The island’s first luxury hotel proves its staying power.
Being the first can be tough. Not only do you set the standard, but everything else is compared to you. One&Only Le Saint Géran in Belle Mare, Mauritius has risen to the pressure. The brand opened the first luxury hotel on the island and has been raising the bar when it comes to hospitality.
One&Only Le Saint Géran has an impressive reputation in Mauritius. When you tell a local you are staying at the hotel, they are excited on your behalf. In 1975, the hotel opened. In 2017, it underwent a $55 million refurbishment. In 2024, it will undergo essential enhancements from 16 April until autumn.
One&Only Le Saint Géran’s entrance is the stuff that island dreams are made of. It’s grand without being pretentious and friendly without being in your face. Drawing inspiration from old sugar cane factories, it feels like it has always been a part of the island. Look out for the roaming peacocks and fish feeding spot. While the features include whitewashed stone, high ceilings and double height doors, which are framed perfectly to the spectacular sea view. Oh, and there is a gong that is banged ceremoniously on your arrival.
Rooms and suites
One&Only Le Saint Géran is home to 142 rooms and suites. The rooms range from a Lagoon Room to Beach Front Balcony Room, and one to family bedroom suites range from a Beach Front Junior Suite to Beach Front Balcony Suite. Plus, if you’re seeking a splurge, there is a standalone two-bedroom villa.
We checked into the Ocean Balcony Suite, which boasts an understated elegance and soft neutral tones. Spanning 1,400 square feet, it feels more like a one-bedroom flat. The homely touches range from fresh flowers to fresh fruit. The suite is big enough for a dining table for four, two sofas, two showers and two toilets. Best of all, the living room and bedroom have widescreen balconies overlooking the sea.
The bathroom includes a king size bed, chaise and state-of-the-art mod cons for lighting, which set the mood. The attention to detail is impressive with the bathtub caddy, bath salts and make-up lights. The products are plush and include an Abahna bath wash and moisturiser. It all makes you want to linger for longer in the room.
Restaurants and bars
One&Only Le Saint Géran is home to a range of restaurants and bars. Breakfast is served in the serene and sophisticated La Terrace. Savour the sea views and the local as well as international flavours. The bountiful buffet and live kitchens offer everything from healthy shots and freshly squeezed smoothies to hot from-the-pan crepes and pretty pastries.
Tapasake serves Pan Asian cuisine, PRIME is a high-end steakhouse and L’Artisan is a charming café. La Pointe is the perfect place to enjoy the beach and bites. Book a cabana floating above the pool, and order the La Pointe Wagyu Burger.
Facilities
One&Only Le Saint Géran boasts world-class facilities, from its spa to its sports centre. When you enter the spa, it transports you to tranquillity. The clean, contemporary décor includes vast white spaces. The One&Only—Only You Massage combined traditional techniques with a forward-thinking approach. As we put a headset on with soothing sounds, we successfully disconnected as we were massaged.
Club One offers different sports for different levels. The timetable includes aqua fitness, pilates, yoga and more. Look out for masterclasses with professional athletes. On our visit, this included sessions with Spanish tennis player, Garbiñe Muguruza.
Staying at the hotel is like travelling in first class. No request seems too big of an ask, and is completed with swiftly with a smile. One&Only Le Saint Géran: make it your first choice in Mauritius.
GO: Visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com for more information.
