White beaches, warm waves of the Indian Ocean, luxury hotels and spa culture, which mixes Creole traditions, Indian exotic, Chinese techniques, Thai craftsmanship and European chic. The Mauritian “cocktail” was tasted by Svetlana Kotsabenkova.
Mauritius? This is the other side of the Earth! ” – said the son with childlike spontaneity, turning the globe upside down. A strange coincidence, but the same thing happened to my mind when I set foot on a distant island. After leaving Moscow in the midst of spring, I was transported to the middle of autumn. But at the same time, real summer reigned here. Not having time to deal with the seasons, I again got confused. True, already with the history of the island. Discovered by the Arabs, noted by the Portuguese, crushed by the Dutch, erected by the French, captured by the British … Finally, inhabited by Creoles – the descendants of Indians, Africans, Chinese and Europeans … It is clear why Mauritius is called the crossroads of races and religions. And it makes sense that the local spa culture is a mix of different techniques. And it is very successful.
On that shore
Historically, the island’s finest spas are part of renowned beachfront hotels. Tourism is one of the main sources of income in Mauritius, and “foreigners” are welcomed here as the most dear guests. For us, magnificent palaces have been built, immersed in tropical forests with outlandish flowers and birds. Silver sandy beaches, cozy rooms, fabulously luxurious villas, consistently impeccable service and, of course, fantastic spas await us. I started my beauty pilgrimage with the Le Telfair hotel. More precisely, with Six Senses Spa – a center with an impressive list of cosmetic services and quite reasonable prices by Moscow standards.
“Excuse me, madam, did you choose something? Help is needed?” – the concern of the administrator of the center was justified: for half an hour, like a fascinating novel, I have been reading the description of the procedures. “Couples Massage – A relaxing massage with aphrodisiac oils awaits in the newlywed suite filled with romance and special decor. Then you have to plunge into a fragrant bath with tropical flowers, taste an exotic cocktail, enjoy the taste of ripe fruits … ”And why no one wrote the music for these words. It would have turned out to be a noble hit … I resolutely say to myself “stop!” First, I came alone. Behind a long flight. Ahead – a boat trip, fishing in the lagoon, lunch at Anabella restaurant, an aperitif at Cavendish, dinner at Gin’ja… Is it no joke to be under the influence of aphrodisiacs on such an eventful day! Therefore, I choose a toning back massage with awakening essential oils.
I sincerely hope that the procedure will be energetic and the desire to sleep will finally pass. It was not so! As soon as the hot towel touched the back, the energy supply to the brain was cut off. I went limp and under the slow, stretching movements of the muscles, I was forgotten by an infant dream. I woke up from the fact that my hands were wringing behind my back. The stream of thoughts was like delirium: “Am I under arrest ?! No, this is a Thai massage. Then what does the dotted elements of shiatsu have to do with it? So, after all, Chinese technology. Now what? Indian effect on the chakras? ” I draw surprise with my eyes. “Calm down, madam. I am proficient in various spa techniques. I touch my skin with my fingers, and then my hands lead me, ”says the master, inviting me to come again for a soothing head massage. Apparently I need it.
Speed mode
After the massage, the energy was in full swing. There was enough strength both to have fun until late at night, and to quickly rush along the winding paths of the hotel for breakfast in the early morning. The speed of my movement surprised the attendants: after all, the Mauritians have a completely different rhythm of life. They had no idea that I was waiting for an ATV rally in Casela Bird Park. There, on 14 hectares, hundreds of bird species live, as well as lemurs, kangaroos, ostriches, deer, zebras … They all live in natural conditions and are not afraid of funny tourists in protective helmets. Gazeing on the slopes, bouncing on bumps, crossing the plains, you can come close to a friendly ostrich or take a picture against the background of deer resting in the shade of trees, grazing zebras. And then on the track of the park, develop the speed up to 40 km / h! Moving in a column, it won’t work anymore. But this was enough for me, so that the level of adrenaline in my blood exceeded the permissible norms, and trembling in my knees did not stop. For the first time I was driving a car on my own, I didn’t break anything, I didn’t crash anywhere, I reached the finish line and… I lost one kilogram!
The Oberoi Turtle Bay,
Pointe aux Piments, MauritiusTel .: (230) 204 3600Fax: (230) 204 3625
It was on such an emotional upsurge that I got to The Oberoi Hotel. Maybe that’s why he seemed to me the most comfortable. Or maybe he conquered the design of the house, where there was a glass wall in the bathroom! I was taken aback. And then I realized that I was fenced off from the outside world by a personal tropical garden and, of course, by a high wall behind it. It was possible without unnecessary fears, practically in the open air, to take a shower. But for now, I urgently needed a soothing procedure. For her, I went to Spa Oberoi by Banyan Tree. Aromatic massage ylang-ylang, calming Balinese, energetic Hawaiian, acrobatic Thai, a whole range of Ayurvedic procedures … I run my eyes over the names and choose the branded Oberoi. And I ask you to wrap up the spa menu. I got the idea to collect these imperishable works. It is a pity that their authors remained unknown.
Oberoi – general body massage – aims to relax muscles and relieve stress. The essential oils I use should improve my mood (though where better ?!). It all starts with hot compresses for the feet. The ritual allows you to feel comfortable and establish contact with the spa therapist. This turns out to be very important. According to the master, we are going to exchange positive energy through the touch of his palms to my body. It’s funny. The massage, which was carefully performed in Mauritian style, was not limited to the body only. Energy doping got the face, neck, neckline, head and, in my opinion, every hair growing on it. It is not enough to say that, leaving the spa, I felt at ease. The mood did not just rise, I turned on like a light bulb. The main thing is not to burn out!
Solar circle
One&Only Le Saint GОran
Poste de Flacq, MauritiusTel .: (230) 401 1688Fax: (230) 401 1668
But more importantly, don’t get burnt under the Mauritian sun. It is merciless. And he does not forgive even the slightest oversight. During a trip on board an elegant yacht, I forgot about caution for half an hour: I did not put sunscreen on my back, only covering it with a pareo. And by the evening she could hardly move. Therefore, my acquaintance with the majestic One & Only Le Saint Goran – one of the most luxurious hotels on the island – began with a visit to the doctor.
In front of me is the door to the office of the local Aesculapius, and behind me is a real rainforest, in which a wild bird is hysterically screaming. On the left is a lawn. Swans are walking on it with an important gait. Fantastic combinations! However, like everything in this amazing hotel, by the way, located on its own peninsula. I admire the surroundings, looking for English words in my head that can explain my recklessness to the doctor. “Hello Svetlana. I am Doctor Ahmad, “- suddenly my savior appears in the purest Russian. I could not expect such a level of service! As well as the fact that the prescribed miracle ointment in 10 minutes will relieve me from suffering, giving me the opportunity to visit the famous Givenchy spa. He is among the top ten in the world.
A cool island of sophisticated French glamor surrounded by the tropical ambiance of Le Saint Goran. Perhaps this is how this place can be characterized. There are 12 types of massages, stone therapy, luxurious facials, baths, body wraps, pressotherapy … Rituals developed by Givenchy specialists are able to solve any problem. In general, whatever your soul and body desires. In order to consolidate the Mauritian tan and give proper care to the affected back, I was offered Bain d’Hydratation. This is a moisturizing cream wrap that complements the massage on the water mattress. Inside it, under pressure, jets of water pulsate, facilitating the penetration of the product. Unusual and very pleasant.
Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort
Bel Ombre, MauritiusTel .: (230) 601 5500Fax: (230) 601 555
Of course, Givenchy Spa is not Le Saint Goran’s only attraction. There are magnificent golf courses, the most stellar cuisine and the best restaurant on the island, Spoon des Iles, mentored by the famous chef Alain Ducasse. Finally, the most beautiful sunrise. Ruddy-iridescent, it seems to emerge from the ocean, announcing the beginning of a new day. A bright, optimistic, unforgettable natural phenomenon, watching which I suddenly clearly understood that I would definitely return to Mauritius again.
Thank you for organizing excursions from Elite Voyage () И Sunday ().