A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this stunning 2500-acre Mauritian estate takes its cues from the French plantations of old, emulating their refined grandeur, while weaving in a contemporary, barefoot chic feel. On the grounds, you’ll find the Seven Colours Spa, two 18-hole championship golf courses, sports and games facilities, alfresco movie screenings and four restaurants. Those staying here can also make use of the amenities at sister hotel, the Heritage Awali. Part of UNESCO-protected forests and coastlines, Heritage Le Telfair is an unspoilt paradise, with all-suite accommodation making it the perfect choice for a relaxing getaway in the sun. The Luxury Editor recently stayed here while discovering more about Heritage The Villas residential property opportunies so read onto discover more.
19th-Century Influences
The hotel’s namesake is its founder, Charles Telfair. Telfair was a Northern Irish botanist who made his home here back in the 19th century, building an impressive manor house. The resort is now part of the Heritage portfolio, a hospitality brand committed to creating glamorous experiences alongside a sustainable resort lifestyle. Wellness, nature and golf are all integral to its philosophy, lending itself to guests with a number of priorities; from spa-like serenity to local discovery, sporting adventures, romance and family fun.
Beautiful Bel Ombre
The village-based resort leads to the Indian Ocean, is surrounded by luscious gardens with indigenous planting and is flanked by the Savanne mountain range. It’s part of Bel Ombre on the island’s southern coast, which is home to an untouched nature reserve filled with endemic plants and birds such as the native Pink Pigeon. Venture just a short distance from the hotel and you can take a 4×4 jeep safari to see wildlife such as boar and deer, hike and swim in waterfalls.
Getting two and from the airport is easy and takes around 45 minutes and the hotel can arrange pick up from the airport for you – which is a blessing when you arrive off an early morning UK flight. Door staff on arrival will attend to your every need, supply a welcome drink and chilled cloth, then guide you along to your suite.
Tropical Suites
Deluxe Suites are either on the beachfront or have a view of the sea; Junior Suites can be found on the beachfront or with a garden view; Senior Suites look out onto the ocean; and Ocean Suites are steps from the sand with Panama hats provided for guests’ use. Most cater for up to two adults and two children, some have four-poster beds and exterior daybeds. And all have a soothing contemporary design, bringing the blues, greens and sandy tones from the outdoors in, along with light wood furnishings, rattan fixtures and artworks by Christian Lacroix.
Our Suite During Our Stay
During our stay we were hosted in one of the property’s beautiful Delux Suites.
Bedroom
Closet
Bathroom
Veranda
Oceanside Dining
Annabella’s is the resorts main restaurant, with an interactive show kitchen and rotating menus. Ginja, perched on the beach with tables by the water’s edge illuminated by flaming torches, serves Asian cuisine with a romantic ambience. For drinks on the sand and seafood by the pool (also overlooking the beach), head to Le Palmier. Or if you’re seeking Mauritian food in an adult-only atmosphere, book a table at the vintage Chateau de Bel Ombre. Then there’s the Cavendish bar and lounge, with a library of books, comfy armchairs, music and views of the river.
C Beach Club
Experience a vibrant laidback atmosphere at the hotel’s fashionable beach club, where the fusion of tropical elements and modern aesthetics creates the perfect setting. You can indulge in a menu of Mediterranean-inspired summer delights, brimming with lively flavours and colours, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the serene lagoon.
Anabellas Breakfast
A huge banquet of breakfast items awaits in Anabellas Restaurant. Start off with a freshly squeezed juice at the juice bar, have eggs cooked to order and fill your plate up with a selection of delicious items from all corners of the world.
Chateau
Set within a 19th-century plantation house on the grounds of Le Chateau Golf Course, which is a short five-minute drive from the hotel lies Le Château De Bel Ombre (one of the best fine dining experiences on the island). And it so worthwhile having dinner at while you stay in the hotel.
This former family home surrounds its diners with period elegance. Wood-panelled walls, cornicing, crystal chandeliers, gilt mirrors and antique wooden tables with intricate carvings are paired with linen tablecloths, and plush upholstered cream chairs to ensure patrons are sufficiently comfortable to savour many courses in true French fine dining style.
The cooking follows a farm-to-plate philosophy and delivers the flavours of Mauritius. A dinner service is provided daily from 7 pm, with lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and if you want to stay overnight you can even book a night in the first suite, with its canopy bed and butler service to complete this extraordinary and not to be missed experience on the island.
If you want to stay overnight you can even book a night in the first suite, with its canopy bed and butler service to complete this extraordinary and not to be missed experience on the island.
Seven Colours Spa
The spa is one of the key components of the Heritage Le Telfair experience. Guests received tailored therapies (including those designed for golfers) in the nine treatment chambers. Couples can book one of six double treatment rooms or the honeymoon suite, and there are two outdoor suites to connect with nature. Male and female steam and sauna rooms are found alongside a vitality pool with bubble beds, hydromassage jets and a sensory shower. And guests can ensure they always look their best, with visits to the hairdressing salon, and a manicure and pedicure parlour. Post-treatment, the in-spa dining options include a wellness menu of juices, infusions and healthy, nutritious dishes.
Swimming and Water Sports
In addition, the resort offers two pools (one catering to families), a playground, a kids club, a tennis court, a gym, a games room and a programme of entertainment for those young and old — as such, it works well for those with children. But it also serves as a back-to-nature sanctuary for couples seeking grown-up time and romance with first-class service, in an idyllic setting.
The Indian Ocean’s “Best Golf Course”
Heritage Le Telfair provides access to not one, but two leading courses. Le Château Golf Course is the only 45-hole golf course you’ll find in the area and is set on the grounds of a vintage chateau (where you can enjoy good food after a round). In 2023, this was joined by La Réserve Golf Links (the first and currently the only contemporary links course in the Indian Ocean), co-designed by former Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen. Both have hosted the Mauritius Open, a DP World Tour event, with La Réserve doing so immediately after launching. The Golfzon Leadbetter Golf Academy is also part of the golfing offer. Here you can book private sessions and group coaching either for yourself or your children.
Final Thoughts
This exquisite Mauritian property is infused with the essence of its sugar plantation history and colonial elegance. With generously sized suites, fantastic amenities and indulgently timing options, makes it one of the premier luxury hotel destinations on the island and a must to stay at when visiting Mauritius.
This property is included in our guide to the best hotels in Mauritius
Contact Details
Website: heritageresorts.mu
Address: B9 Coastal Road, Bel Ombre, Mauritius
