SALT of Palmar

OVERVIEW:

SALT of Palmar is an adults-only, 59-room boutique property and Design Hotel’s first Member Hotel in Mauritius. With its playful design and bold colour scheme, the style reflects Mauritius’ eclectic cultural heritage whilst opening doors to a diverse collection of special experiences on the island. The emphasis here is on good food centred on fresh, organically grown produce, and a strong wellness and rejuvenation focus. Yet, with three bars to choose from, an extensive cocktail list, live music and a wide range of activities, the fun element is a constant presence. SALT of Palmar offers flexible rate packages, including bed and breakfast, half or full board, and an all-inclusive option with all meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, coffee, tea and mini-bar snacks included.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Access to SALT of Palmar is via Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, which serves the island of Mauritius. From here, it’s approximately 1 hour by car to get to the hotel. Situated on a small peninsula on Mauritius’ windswept East Coast, the property is beachfront, while the little coastal town of Palmar lies between Belle-Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT LUX* LE MORNE:

SALT of Palmar comprises 59 rooms spread across three floors. Each room has a private balcony, but two of the three largest rooms, categorised as “Best on the Beach”, have terraces with sunloungers. In terms of style and amenities, all units are similar, featuring daring colour schemes with notes of cobalt blue, turquoise, and vibrant orange. Each comes with a yoga mat and block, a Roberts radio, a Dyson hairdryer, a selection of books, and homemade snacks. The king-size Carpe Diem beds come with 100 per cent organic cotton bedding. Bathrooms feature rain showers and natural, locally produced toiletries. While fairly conservative in size, the accommodations offer good value and are nicely appointed, working well for two people. We tend to avoid the garden view rooms, preferring those overlooking the beach and pool.

For a boutique property, SALT of Palmar delivers well on its selection of restaurants and bars, with plenty of spots for relaxing with a book and taking in the beachfront setting. The hotel’s SALT Equilibrium spa offers a range of treatments, including acupressure foot massage, sound baths, cupping, manicures, and facials, accompanied by fresh wellness juices. Massages can also be taken on the beach if preferred. With three bars to choose from – The Rooftop Bar, the Pool Bar, and the Beach Bar – there is no shortage of places to enjoy one of the delicious signature cocktails from their extensive list. The Good Kitchen is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving a variety of locally sourced organic ingredients, including vegan and vegetarian options. Fresh breads and pastries can be found at the SALT Bakery, which has a dedicated barista for home-roasted coffee 24 hours per day. Meals may also be enjoyed al fresco at the beach. The palm-shaded 25-metre lap pool is great for a proper swim, with plenty of sunloungers and parasols for a day spent poolside.

ACTIVITIES AT SALT OF PALMAR:

A highlight of SALT of Palmar is the diverse, thoughtfully created range of activities available to guests.

• Watersports

  – The hotel rate includes the use of kayaks, snorkelling with a guide, aqua gym, stand-up paddle, pedal boat, and glass-bottom boats. For an extra fee, guests can enjoy speedboat or tube rides, scuba diving, kite surfing, big game fishing, and catamarans. Please note that waterskiing is not on offer here.

• Hiking

  – A full-day guided hiking experience on UNESCO World Heritage-listed Le Morne mountain, with a picnic lunch by the sea.

• Road trips

  – Explore the charming, picture-perfect southern part of Mauritius, including the protected islet of Ile aux Aigrettes, surrounded by a stunning blue lagoon.

• Sugarcane fields

  – Experience the sugarcane fields, meet with local planters and learn how they cut sugarcane the traditional way. Sample Mauritian sugarcane juice before returning to the hotel to learn how to make a rum cocktail.

• Indian heritage

  – Mauritius and India have strong historical ties, and this experience provides a lens into the colourful heritage. Enjoy a Geet-Gawai pre-wedding ceremony with its captivating music and dance, learn how to make sweet Indian cakes, visit a traditional temple, and take an art class in the ‘rangoli’ craft – the intricate, patterned designs found in many Indian homes.

• Wellness

  – Enjoy yoga or boxing sessions by the sea, as well as beach sports like volleyball and soccer, or hire one of the hotel’s bicycles and explore the colourful street scenes.