Selling Travel June 19

indian ocean 31
PEDICURE, CONSTANCE LEMURIA SEYCHELLES
BEACHCOMBER RESORTS’ SPA STAFF
A
palette of colour surrounds
me as I take a deep breath and
stretch my arms towards the
awakening sky. Standing in a vivid, multihued
garden, the setting of my usual
weekly yoga class in an uninspiring gym
hall is a world away. Here, in Mauritius,
I ponder how rewarding sun salutations
are when there’s actually a sun to salute!
The calming voice of the teacher guides
us through a gentle vinyassa flow class, a
perfect match for the dreamy pace of island
life. Ahead of me, the sparkling cerulean
ocean is lapping the sand, the only sound
breaking the magical morning stillness.
Balaclava, where I am staying, lends itself
perfectly to therapeutic practices like this.
Blending extraordinary natural beauty with
sumptuous spa and wellness classes, it’s the
perfect place to recharge my batteries and
focus on self-care.
Healthy options
Like many people, I had arrived in Mauritius
frazzled from work and in desperate need of
a break. Recent years have seen a marked
shift away from fly-and-flop holidays as
a way to recharge. Instead, clients now
want to experience wellness practices and
indulge in spa treatments that will ensure
they return home feeling better than when
they arrived.
Resorts of the Indian Ocean are an
ideal match – their paradisiacal and selfcontained
setting is matched by impressive
facilities. Many resorts have offered
world-class spas and gyms as standard for
years, but what they now offer is a much
more holistic and tailored approach, which
extends to the whole resort experience.
George Morris, Regional Manager
of wellness and active holiday brand,
Robinson, said: “Holiday seekers are
continuing to search for transformative and
wellness breaks that will leave an impact
long after the holiday is over.
“Whereas previous wellness escapes
focused on one particular aspect of health
and wellbeing, an increasing number of
people are now looking for more holistic
wellbeing holidays which incorporate fitness
and nutrition plans to help develop a more
active lifestyle.”
The wellness world is constantly moving
and expanding to target client groups with
everything from ‘mumcations’ to ‘divorce
retreats’ on offer.
And while many resorts have moved
towards a very personalised approach to
wellness, they are all tapping into that same
desire to slow down, recharge and return
home feeling renewed.
Mauritius & Reunion
Heritage Resorts in Mauritius hosted a
Wellness Festival in May. The first of its kind
in the region, it saw international wellness
leaders offer workshops and ‘nature
connection’ outings, while artists’ areas,
healthy food stations and relaxation zones
were designed to awaken the five senses.
“The festival addressed the expectation
and need for experiential travel in wellness
which is our fastest growing sector,” said
Candice Yon, Heritage Resorts.
“Our festival is crafted for travellers whose
choice to holiday and choice of destination
is motivated primarily by wellness, as well
as those seeking to maintain wellness or
engage in wellness activities as part of a
general holiday,” she added.
A personalised approach to health has
been adopted by LUX* Resorts, which states
that its desire is to be a wellness pioneer in
Mauritius. Its philosophy is based around
LUX* Me and at the Grand Gaube resort
guests can enjoy a re-imagined spa
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