Charles Telfair Botanist

The man behind the nameCharles Telfair, BotanistCharles Edward Telfair was born in Ireland around 1777. He studied chemistry andmedicine before enlisting in the Royal Navy in 1797.Enrolled as a surgeon, he accompanied the British Forces during their naval blockageand conquest of Bourbon and the Isle de France in 1808-1810. From 1812 he settled inMauritius, where he worked in the colonial service, and during his time there acquiredseveral properties, most notably Bois Cheri in Moka and Bel Ombre in Savanne. He is bestknown for his innovative work in the sugar industry, and for the founding of the NaturalHistory Society of Mauritius.Charles Telfair was a passionate botanist, and both on his private estates, and at thePamplemousses botanical gardens - where he was briefly Superintendent - he successfullycultivated many newly introduced plants. Even more importantly, he sent specimens ofindigenous and exotic flora and fauna to Botanical Societies and Zoos around the world.In recognition of his work, several plants and animals bear his name. He died in 1833 andhis body now rests in the Port Louis cemetery.We are justifiably proud in breathing new life into Bel Ombre, preserving and restoringthe wonderful work of the botanist Telfair, and naming our resort in honour of what hebrought to this beautiful island.The developer of the hotel commissioned a vast amount of research, which wasconducted by Dr. Marina Carter, a leading UK specialist in Mauritian history, and inparticular of the Southern region. Her researches revealed that Charles Telfair was indeed afascinating individual, a true humanist years ahead of his time.Charles Telfair's wife, Annabella, was a gifted artist who lovingly illustrated the manybotanical discoveries made by her husband. Some of her original illustrations are featured inthe gardens of the resort.The man behind the name1 / 1

Style of the hotelHow well they once livedUpon arrival, the traveller is immediately captivated by the sheer serenity and charm ofthis hotel, which takes its inspiration the colonial architecture of Mauritius' grandsugar estate mansions.Built on the 19th century Bel Ombre sugar estate, Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort exudes anatmosphere of elegance and romance.In these enchanting surrounds, every tiny detail has been considered to whisk thetraveller back in time to a more leisurely age. The meticulous choice of building materialsthewoods, ceramics, stones, shingles, the generous use of space wide verandas, large,luxurious gardens, all contribute to the authentic ambience.The stunning cathedral-like reception creates an immediate impression. The carvedframework, the East India Company furniture, the finely carved woods, all pay tribute to atime when quality, durability and style were de rigueur.The colonial influence even extends to the choice of natural fabrics such as linen, cotton,raw silks all in pastel creams, beige, green and cappuccino.All the senses are arousedIn the park, this special sense of exclusivity continues.The pathways amongst the different buildings allow one to explore numerous typesof indigenous plants. Just as in the gardens of ancient sugar estates, the exotic perfumesof frangipani and bougainvillea, combine delightfully with the delicate scent oftamarind and hibiscus.While strolling along the riverbank, the visitor is treated to a symphony of naturalsounds; the gentle babble of the streams, the rustle of leaves from trees brushed by thegentle trade winds, the song of tropical birds.The river can be crossed by using either a stone bridge or a rustic wooden footbridge,which connects the Citronniers Jetty to the Coqueluches JettyStyle of the hotel1 / 2

Elegance as a lifestyleThe rooms are divided into villas set amidst lush tropical gardens. French windowswith elegant square window panes open onto a wide verandah, one of the mostdistinctive features of old colonial mansions.“Serving as gallery, terrace, tearoom, shipdeck, and winter garden, the verandah isan essential, even existential component of the Mauritian soul”. Extract from « La vie envarangue » . Les nouvelles Editions du Pacifique.The interior décor of the rooms is an echo of the exterior charm.Imagine wood panelled walls, intricate ceiling wainscoting, highly polishedwooden floors, gleaming brass lamps, marble, high quality ceramics and mosaicsin the bathrooms.Delight in fine fabrics, linen, cotton, raw silk and raffia, some in rich natural tones,others in deep blue and light gold.Consider the accessories, ceiling fans, large freestanding bathtubs and taps, screenprintedglass doors redolent of 19th century style.Admire the furniture inspired by the East India Company, four-poster beds withtranslucent flowing drapery, deep rattan armchairs, large sofas and comfortable divans.All these fine details and exacting finishing touches combine to lend an undeniablegrace and authentic style to the hotel.Style of the hotel 2 / 2

AccommodationRefinement, comfort and styleThe 158 rooms & suites are recreated with a Colonial style and architecture, reminiscentof the last century. Ideally located between sea and nature, between the golf course andthe lagoon, amidst the splendour of tropical gardens, each room offers peace andtranquillity in abundance.The bedroom furniture is inspired by the French colonial period. All the lights, fittingsand accessories accurately reflect this elegant era. Each bedroom has a spacious en-suitebathroom with a bath, walk-in shower, and separate toilet, hairdryer, minibar, electronicroom safe and individually controlled air-conditioning, electric shaver plugs as well as multiadaptors and dressing facilities. All the suites offer a DVD/CD Player. Computers and faxmachines are available upon request.Butler service is also available 24 hours a day.Superior RoomsHarmony in colours, generosity in spaceSuperior Rooms have dark colored timber floors in the bedrooms with painted timberwainscoting, ceilings and architraves. The carefully selected fabrics and materials are all in avariety of natural cotton and linen fibres in soft, warm hues of light green, cream, beige andcappuccino. This special decorative concept lends a warm cosiness to the rooms. Over thebed, the finely polished wooden blades of an old fashioned fan create a pleasingly traditionalenvironment. At the foot of the bed, the comfortable sofa, armchair and coffee table create aperfect place for relaxation or an intimate dinner for two.Floor to ceiling French windows open wide onto the verandah. The large bathroom isdecorated with earthenware ceramic tiles on the walls and traditional mosaic tiles on thefloors. A spacious walk in dressing closet is situated to the side. Just above the bathtub,the mirror opens to enable communication between the bathroom and the bedroom.The decorative glass doors of the shower and toilet, glass shelves and mirrors create apleasing aura of space and style.The charm of the colonial architecture combined with the very latest accessories andequipment create a wonderful marriage between the traditional and the contemporary.Accommodation1 / 2

Deluxe RoomsStretch out in luxuryEach of the Deluxe rooms is furnished with a wide four poster bed finely craftedfrom timber. The bed creates a wonderfully romantic ambience, enhanced by the light,translucent linen drapery flowing from the ceiling, reminiscent of old fashionedmosquito nets. The entrance hall is separated from the bedroom by an elegantlydesigned structure which rests at the headpiece of the bed.Junior SuitesRoom to spare.Similar to the Deluxe rooms, the Junior Suites are more spacious with a hexagonalshapedlounge and a larger veranda where two chaise longue and a coffee table createthe perfect invitation to relax outdoors. In the bathroom, the generously proportionedold style bathtub is free standing. While a beautiful dressing table completes the pictureof a bygone age. On the ground floor suites, an external shower allows one to appreciatethe surrounding greenery while still enjoying total privacy.Senior SuitesAll the pleasures of an apartment complete with hotel serviceYou enter the Senior Suite by the lounge where a dining room is appointed. Exudinga warm and friendly atmosphere, the lounge is furnished with a comfortable sofa, loungechairs, a coffee table, and a pedestal table on which rests elegant colonial style lamps.A double door opens onto the bedroom where the romantic ambience of the other roomsis instantly intensified. The large verandah, leading onto the lounge and bedroom, createthe feeling of living in your own private property.Ocean SuitesFor a princely reception…The Ocean Suites are significantly larger than the Senior Suites.In the dining room, the table comfortably seats 6, and a butler service is available forall meals. It is also possible to have meals on the veranda. The lounge seating area has acomfortable sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, console table and table lamps while colonialstyle chandeliers create a homely ambiance. French doors in the bathroom open onto aprivate garden giving the impression of living in the open air. An impression confirmedby the additional shower being placed in the heart of lush tropical greenery.Accommodation2 / 2

RestaurantsA touch of creativityLe Telfair Golf & Spa Resort offers a rich variety of restaurants allowing residents to givefree rein to their desire to discover new flavours and cuisines.Annabella'sIn the main restaurant, guests and chef enjoy a uniquely convivial relationship, builtaround a “show kitchen” where guests can select from a range of cosmopolitan specialities orcreate original dishes while discussing with the Executive Chef.At the same time, a well-stocked wine cellar provides the perfect excuse for a friendlydiscussion. The search for the best combination of wine and dish will also encourageinformal wine-tasting sessions.This restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Designed on four levels, it affordsstunning views of the sea, the mountains or the river. The terrace is perfect for a starlitdinner. And, for those who want to enjoy the simple pleasure of a private meal,“The Chef's Table” allows for many memorable gourmet momentsGin’jaOpen from lunch through to dinner and built on a stretch of white powdery sand, thisexotic restaurant offers a tranquil & relaxed ambience. Each day at noon, take time out tosavour a variety of panoramic views from the calm riverbanks of Citronniers River to thedeep blue ocean. In the evening, the mood becomes more sensual. Fish and seafood areserved Japanese style: sashimi or sushi, grilled on the spot, or cooked to your personal taste.An important part of the pleasure of a well cooked meal is the opportunity to choose theingredients oneself. Guests are more than welcome to inspect the catch at the jetty, broughtin fresh each day by the fisherman.Le PalmierLocated between the beach and the pool, this restaurant offers light, Mediterranean stylecuisine, influenced by the flavours of open wood fire cooking. Open throughout the day, it isthe ideal spot for those who want to enjoy the pleasures of the sea without pause.Restaurants1 / 2

Château de Bel OmbreBuilt in the 19th century amidst elegant hundred year old French gardens, at theedge of the golf course and at the foot of a mountain, the Château de Bel Ombre is wheredreams and romance reign. The wooden partitions are covered with historical souvenirs,the antique wood panelling and the huge circular verandah create an intimate ambianceto savour cocktails, tea or even typical Mauritian meals with game or heart of palm.Lunch is reserved for light and informal Mauritian cuisine, and the dress code issimilarly informal and casual. However, the evenings usher in a change of mood, wherehaute cuisine and elegant evening wear set the tone. Elegant yet relaxed.An amphitheatre has been created at the bottom of the Château gardensusing the existing slopes leading to the golf course as a natural venue for specialevents and concerts.CavendishAfter dinner, it's in this bar that guests can gather in comfortable armchairs for anightcap and the best cigars, all to the relaxing sounds of musical accompaniment.The décor takes its inspiration from the colonial era right down to the last detail,with lovingly crafted ceiling wainscoting depicting the coats of arms of the noble menwho once called Bel Ombre home.Restaurants 2 / 2

Golf du ChâteauYou call the shotsThe 18 hole championship golf course adjoins the hotel, separated only by the coastalroad. Residents have access to the golf course by golf cart through a private passage whichgoes underneath the main road.Designed by Mr Peter Matkovich of Matkovich & Hayes - renowned golf coursearchitects from South Africa - the course is uniquely landscaped between mountain and seacovering some 82 hectares. Two streams intersect the course which also features the 19thcentury Château de Bel Ombre with French gardens and a club house built in similar style.Golfers walking the tracks to the next hole enjoy a magnificent view of both the beachand the lagoon. Each hole can be played in a variety of ways, some of which entail a greaterdegree of risk than others. Golfers who with determination and skill accept its manychallenges are amply rewarded. But so too are golfers who are aware of their limitations andthrough the opportunities offered by their handicaps, can adopt a more conservativeapproach using artfully concealed alternative fairways.A typical example of this approach is found in the design of the 17th hole at Bel-Ombre, a430m par four. The direct approach to the elevated green requires pin-point accuracy if yourball is not to roll back some 40m into the swale in front of the green. However a landing areajust short and left of the green provides a safe alternative for the less adventurous spirits thatstill gives them a chance to get up and down for par.Golf PlanChâteaude Bel OmbreClub HouseLE TELFAIR GOLF & SPA RESORTGolf du Château1 / 2

Score cardHole Par Distance (m) Hole Par1 4 419 10 42 5 476 11 43 3 180 12 44 4 398 13 35 4 305 14 56 4 390 15 37 5 517 16 48 3 211 17 49 4 305 18 5Going Out 36 3201 Coming In 36Total 72 6498Distance (m)3813713371784991644214235233297For the statistically minded the par 72 course is designed in two loops, each consisting of 9 holes. The outwardnine is 3201m in length while the inward loop has a length of 3297m. The four par 3 vary from 164 to 211m, the par4 from 305 to 423m and the four par 5 from 476 to 523 m.Concept, design and planningThe team in charge of the concept, design and development of the course:Golf course architectMATKOVITCH & HAYESSouth AfricaDevelopment of projectESPRAL LTD.MauritiusQuantity surveyorHOOLOOMANN & ASSOCIATESMauritiusStructural & civil engineersSIGMA OVE ARUPMauritiusMechanical & electrical engineersWSP (MAURICE)MauritiusLandscapingPATRICK WATSON LANDSCAPESouth AfricaIrrigationROSS ROBSON IRRIGATIONSouth AfricaClub House architectJ-F ADAM ARCHITECTMauritiusThe Rs 110 million contract has been allocated to the joint ventureRhehm-Grinaker / Wonder Gardens/Cogir.The construction of the course was staged over 18 months. The first 9 holes willopen in December 2004, while the last 9 holes will be ready for play by March 2005.Golf du Château2 / 2

Six Senses SpaWhere everything's calm, peace and luxury…Designed as a sanctuary, the Six Senses spa at Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort is a havenof peace where fountains and streams flow in the midst of a luxurious vegetation.Both ancient and modern techniques are practised by our specialists, delivering completewell-being to both body, mind and spirit. The spa layout includes treatment rooms,massage pavilions and rest areas.The Six Senses pyramid logo represents the foundation and creation of your spaexperience with us.The experience begins with the three primary senses of sight, sound and touch.This is reflected even in the choice of the building materials, their soothing shapes andcolors, the relaxing rhythm of the fountains and the strong yet sensitive hands ofprofessional masseuses.The second stage builds upon this experience by appealing to the more acute senses oftaste and smell. Delight the palate with fresh juices and herbal teas, breathe in the purifying,cleansing essences and aromas.The apex symbolises the unique sensory experience that can only be achieved when allthe senses are awakened and finely tuned to form a harmonious balance.Six Senses Spa1 / 2

At Six Senses we have created a body temple incorporating the principles offeng shui, using fire and water, an experience which will delight you beyondall expectations. Offering an unrivalled range of treatments, our international spaprofessionals can advise and guide you through the many choices of bodyand beauty massages.Therapeutic essential oils are the basis of the aromatherapy skincare products rangeused for the majority of the face and body treatments. After treatment, guests may stayin the spa to enjoy the sauna and herbal steam or rest a while enjoying complimentaryginger tea, the signature tea of Six Senses Spas.The 700m 2 spa village includes 9 double sized treatment rooms. Each room isindependent and surrounded by a private garden with open-air shower. Each unit isequally equipped with a bathroom.To preserve intimacy, 2 outdoor gazebos are furnished with a pool and privaterelaxation area. Massage tables are surrounded, at the same height, by rim-flow poolsconducive to relaxation. And for those who wish to have a complete day's relaxation,the presidential suite offers the widest range of treatments with exceptional comfort,private pool with a rest area complete with a four poster- bed.Six Senses Spa2 / 2

ActivitiesLe ClubThe hotel offers a huge choice of sporting activities, both on land and sea.Land based activities are based around the Club which offers a diverse range of activities.Fitness fanatics can get their daily exercise fix in a fully equipped gym. There are threetennis courts and table tennis tables available for residents as well as mountain bikes forthose who wish to discover the surrounding coastal routes, alongside the southern beaches.There's also mini golf and a magnificent 600m 2 swimming pool.Water sports enthusiasts have unlimited access to water skiing, windsurfing,catamarans, lasers, kayaks and pedalos. Discover wonderful marine life either by scubadiving or in a glass bottom boat excursion. For a modest additional fee, other activities suchas diving or deep sea fishing are also offered. The same applies for one on one tenniscoaching, waterskiing, windsurfing and golf.The huge nature reserve of Bel Ombre presents a unique environment for jogging andtaking exercise. Nature lovers can enjoy memorable walks or with a guide trained by the“Mauritian Wildlife Foundation” so as to learn more about the abundant naturalresources found here. Several educative excursions of 3-4 hrs are also available, on foot,or by mountain bike or Quad bike for the more adventurous. Departure is from the welcomepoint near Le Château de Bel Ombre. Guides are on hand to inform visitors of the origin andspecies of all the plants and animals they are likely to encounter. The waterfalls in thesurrounding countryside will afford hikers a revitalising dip in the cool fresh waters thatcascade from the mountain tops.Mauritian Wildlife FoundationThe unique flora and fauna of Mauritius are in danger of extinction.The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation is a Mauritian NGO working in close collaborationwith Government. Its mission is to save these endangered species and their ecosystems bothin Mauritius and Rodrigues. The organisation carries out research to aid the conservationwork, shares knowledge of the natural wilderness with others, and works at securing thefuture of this national heritage for future generations. Ile aux Aigrettes, an islet inMaheboug Bay is a show-case of the Foundation's work.Bel Ombre Estate is working closely with Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to help achievethese aims by raising awareness about this extraordinary diversity of plants and animals,and the importance of proactive conservation to prevent its extinction. Through thiscollaboration, Bel Ombre Estate has committed itself to the conservation and restoration ofthe natural systems in Mauritius.Activities1 / 1

Kids Club - Ti' MarmiteLe Telfair Golf & Spa Resort boasts a special kids club, “Ti'Marmite” designed to offer amemorable experience with world-class service for our younger guests. Adults can relax andenjoy a romantic holiday, happy in the knowledge that their children are enjoying a variedprogramme of activities under the caring and watchful eyes of our fully trained team.The kids club is open from 10am to 10pm daily, and welcomes children from the ageof 2 to 11. It includes:• A daily programme of activities appropriate for each age• Environmental excursions• Computer stations and the latest video games• A swimming pool• Menus designed for kids including their favourite meals• Arts & CraftsThere is a wide choice of sports and fun activities on offer every day.Children's meals have also been especially designed by our chefs and are provided underthe supervision of our hostesses at Ti' Marmite. Personalised babysitting service and specialamenities for infants and toddlers are also available.Kids Club - Ti’ Marmite1 / 1