LUX* Belle Mare, one of Mauritius’s many treasures, is given a rebirth
From the ashes comes a new look for LUX* Belle Mare
Fiery sunsets. Flame-grilled food. Flickering candles. Bonfires on the beach. There are many ways a lick of fire can play a happy part in our summer vacay.
When a blaze gutted the LUX* Belle Mare resort on the east coast of Mauritius in 2022, it was both a short-term crisis and a long-term opportunity; a moment for reflection and reinvention that allowed a wholesale rethink of the look, feel, and experience of this hugely popular luxury resort.
LUX* operates some 25 resorts across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean, but its heart lies in Mauritius. And, so, it’s little wonder that in reviving this storied resort the brand turned to Mauritian architect Jean-François Adam and interior designer Jean-Marc Tang to bring a contemporary minimalism to the reimagined space.
While retaining the structure of the resort, Adam let the character of the site dictate the reinvention.“The wind, the orientation, the perspectives, the lights… [they all] tell us more about what our architecture should be,” says Adam.
Amari by Vineet, helmed by chef Vineet Bhatia, is a sure-fire hit with most visitors thanks to its contemporary interpretation of India’s culinary heritage, and then there’s modern Chinese cuisine at the playful Duck Laundry. A round of applause for the “Keen on Green” concept too, which introduces plant-based, vegan, and locally sourced dishes on every menu at the resort.
LUX* Belle Mare — the phoenix on the east coast — is yet another reason to head for Mauritius this summer.