Nature Fair At Le Telfair

Located in Mauritius's best kept secret region, Ashish K Tiwari finds Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort to be an ideal romantic getaway

The one hour drive from the Mauritius airport to Bel Ombre was a pleasing one. Cruising between the sugar plantations on both sides of the roads, feasting my eyes on the lush greenery, clear skies and the gorgeous mountains on the way I'd already started to paint a certain image of the resort. But as we drove into the property, the earlier visuals started to fade and a new portrait emerged. I was in for a surprise for sure!

Nestled in the south-western corner of Mauritius, Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort is built on a piece of land which was actually a sugar estate till some years ago. In fact, the remains of the sugar mill are still visible as one enters the property. The most striking feature of the resort is its location - one of Mauritius's best kept secret spot, untouched by tourism or commerce. It is this aspect, I think, which makes the resort an ideal destination for a romantic getaway.

The welcome affair at the reception is a short and sweet one with champagne glasses tinkling around. Every guest is assigned a host who apprises them with minute details and unique features of the property while escorting them to the guestrooms - this seems to be a standard feature with most spa resorts now. Walking over the bridge towards my room, the host informed that the water body below is an actual river (Citronniers River) which has been left untouched to enhance the feel of the property.

What interested me more was the jetty built on the river bank allowing seafood connoisseurs to choose from the catch of the day by fishermen and get it cooked the way they would like it. I have heard of fish tanks in restaurants but this was a really innovative approach.

The resort has a typical colonial look with shades of French lifestyle thrown here and there. The 20 villas house the 158 rooms, each villa having six to eight rooms. The guestrooms are categorised as superior and deluxe rooms, and three suite categories viz Junior, Senior and Ocean suites. Though various accommodation facilities comply with the global standards followed by most resorts in this category, the bathrooms were really startling with its layout, design, amenities and facilities - things very particular to Le Telfair resort.

Gourmet options are in the form of Annabella's, the main restaurant serving cosmopolitan specialties, gin'ja - the seafood specialty restaurant and Le Palmier which offers Mediterranean style cuisine also catering to the requirements of the sunbathing guests. The setting of Cavendish, their lounge bar is very fascinating and it is a great place to unwind with exotic wines and champagnes tastefully selected from some of the world's renowned manufacturers.

Located ten minutes walking distance from the property at the foot of the Plaine Champagne mountain is Chateau de Bel Ombre. Built in the 19th century amidst elegant 100-year-old French gardens, it sports the Meena House which has been converted into a gourmet restaurant. This is another romantic setting where guests can watch the sun set into the sea adding colours to the sky and the mountains disappearing in the dark on the either side.

The resort offers a host of other activities and facilities for guests and their children to explore during their stay. The 18-hole golf course, state-of-the-art gymnasium, kids' club, nature reserve, over- and under-sea adventure activities besides exploring the vicinity on a mountain bike are a few recreation options. Those looking at relaxing their mind, body and soul will find the 700 square metre spa village managed by 'Six Senses' a haven of peace and tranquility.