Sofitel So Mauritius:contemporary luxury in a sublime natural setting
Imagine a fragant garden of Eden on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Glittering sandy beaches, refreshed by a tropical breeze. A luxuriant garden of flowering hibiscus and exotic colourful birds. Exoticism, relaxation, well-being, comfort and five star service in this idyllic setting are assured at the brand new Sofitel So Mauritius. The product of an extraordinary encounter between a 21st century architect, a world-famous designer and a celebrated master chef to create a new vision of contemporary luxury to meet demands of a sophisticated clientele who appreciate authenticity and refinement.
From the moment of arrival, discovering Sofitel So Mauritius is a rite of initiation: greeted by smiling, attentive staff in the smart welcome pavilion with a dazzling view of the gardens and the turquoise lagoon, guests make their way along a path of flowering hibiscus and bougainvilla, accompanied to their suite or villa where, on arrival, their personal butler will have unpacked and put away their luggage.
The Sofitel So Mauritius is locatedIn the most protected region of Mauritius, on a 14-acre domain, bordering a 500m long white sand beach. When Thai architect Mathar “Lek” Bunnag first visited the place, he immediately fel in love with Belle Rivière, the sparkling stream that flows from its source in the mountains to the backlands. From that moment he decided that the hotel should be constructured around the river. In a pure, fluid, luminous contemporary style he created spaces open to the environment, with high glass partitions that seem to abolish the limit between inside and out. The Mauritian context is also evoked with the use of sugar cane thatch for the roofs of the different pavilions. At 17 metres, the hotel restaurant boasts the highest thatch roof in Mauritius. The architectural ensemble reveals a constant quest for simplicity, creating a tranquil mood of peace and serenity. Which according to Lek Bunnag is the key to all beauty.
Designed on a human scale, the 92 suites and villas are all detached and single storey to ensure complete seclusion, with individual gardens, outdoor plunge pools (and private swimming pools for the villas), patios with open air showers and the highest quality amenities (Sofitel MyBed concept with king-size bed, dressing room, mini-bar, expresso machine, LCD TV as well as personal butler service). Designer Kenzo Takada created a signature collection of original decorative objects as well as staff uniforms inspired by the eclectic multifaceted identity of Mauritius. The designer chose the hibiscus, a Mauritian garden flower, as the symbol of Sofitel So Mauritius: a stylised version adorns tableware, vases, cloth prints, beach bags, free pareo and beauty products.
Guests can choose between two restaurants to satisfy all kinds of gourmet tastes.
For the La Plage de Fréderic Anton restaurant, the 3-star Michelin chef has designed a menu remarkable for its fresh flavours, exquisit simplicity with an emphasis on home-grown Mauritian vegetables and locally-fished sea-food.
The décor of Le Flamboyant, the second and principle hotel restaurant, is spectacular, overlooking a long pool and the lagoon. It offers the finest of French and Mauritian specialties under the direction of chef Isabelle Alexandre.
Nature and gardens, architecture and design, gastronomy and perfumes, plus a wide variety of activities, all combined to make a stay in the Sofitel So Mauritius, an experience of contemporary luxury, an intimate and authentic journey in a sublime natural setting.
The Sofitel So Mauritius is locatedIn the most protected region of Mauritius, on a 14-acre domain, bordering a 500m long white sand beach. When Thai architect Mathar “Lek” Bunnag first visited the place, he immediately fel in love with Belle Rivière, the sparkling stream that flows from its source in the mountains to the backlands. From that moment he decided that the hotel should be constructured around the river. In a pure, fluid, luminous contemporary style he created spaces open to the environment, with high glass partitions that seem to abolish the limit between inside and out. The Mauritian context is also evoked with the use of sugar cane thatch for the roofs of the different pavilions. At 17 metres, the hotel restaurant boasts the highest thatch roof in Mauritius. The architectural ensemble reveals a constant quest for simplicity, creating a tranquil mood of peace and serenity. Which according to Lek Bunnag is the key to all beauty.
Designed on a human scale, the 92 suites and villas are all detached and single storey to ensure complete seclusion, with individual gardens, outdoor plunge pools (and private swimming pools for the villas), patios with open air showers and the highest quality amenities (Sofitel MyBed concept with king-size bed, dressing room, mini-bar, expresso machine, LCD TV as well as personal butler service). Designer Kenzo Takada created a signature collection of original decorative objects as well as staff uniforms inspired by the eclectic multifaceted identity of Mauritius. The designer chose the hibiscus, a Mauritian garden flower, as the symbol of Sofitel So Mauritius: a stylised version adorns tableware, vases, cloth prints, beach bags, free pareo and beauty products.
Guests can choose between two restaurants to satisfy all kinds of gourmet tastes.
For the La Plage de Fréderic Anton restaurant, the 3-star Michelin chef has designed a menu remarkable for its fresh flavours, exquisit simplicity with an emphasis on home-grown Mauritian vegetables and locally-fished sea-food.
The décor of Le Flamboyant, the second and principle hotel restaurant, is spectacular, overlooking a long pool and the lagoon. It offers the finest of French and Mauritian specialties under the direction of chef Isabelle Alexandre.
Nature and gardens, architecture and design, gastronomy and perfumes, plus a wide variety of activities, all combined to make a stay in the Sofitel So Mauritius, an experience of contemporary luxury, an intimate and authentic journey in a sublime natural setting.
Novembre 2010
By Marjolaine LOVES
