On my most recent visit to Mauritius, I had a simple yet powerful goal: to slow down, breathe deeply, and leave feeling lighter in body and spirit. This island always works its quiet magic on me, but this time, I set a clear intention – to rest, to eat mindfully, to move gently, and to live in the present moment.
Choosing Shangri-La Le Touessrok on the island’s east coast – a part of Mauritius I fell in love with years ago – was the perfect start. That familiar sense of arrival never fails to thrill: the drive along the palm-lined road, the majestic baobab marking the entrance, and the architecture that opens generously to panoramic ocean views. Though refreshed through recent renovations, the resort’s soul remains beautifully intact – a place where luxury feels effortless and time seems to stretch.
I was expecting the usual fruity island welcome drink, so the flute of bubbly was a delightful surprise. After briefly explaining the thoughtfully planned wellness programme prepared for me, I was left to my own devices. Time was of the essence and my hosts wanted to ensure I got what I came for – to the extent of preparing my favourite suite overlooking a rocky promontory from which I could see Ile Aux Cerfs to the right and Trou d’eau Douce to the left – a popular departure point for tours to this watersports haven. In the morning, I’d watch the sunrise from my balcony, at first blissfully unaware of a local doing the same thing from the rocks below, waiting for the tide to turn so that he could go snorkelling.
Chi, The Spa, played an essential part in my revitalisation process. The spa manager greeted me like an old friend, reminding me of our previous meeting in a different context and briefing me on new treatments introduced in response to popular demand. First up was more than just a massage – an icoone® session described as a scientifically advanced path to total body and mind renewal. Using patented handpieces that deliver up to 21 600 microstimulations per minute, icoone® precisely targets subcutaneous tissue to boost cell regeneration, improve oxygenation, release endorphins, and ease muscle tension. The therapist sets the programme according to the treatment, prompting “jumping or pumping movements” – in my case to stimulate circulation.
“icoone® is a new technology and we are the first spa to have it in Mauritius. It works deep in the connective tissue, stimulating collagen and elastin and achieving lymphatic drainage. We can work on the face to counteract sagging and signs of ageing, and the body for cellulite, jetlag, and relaxation. It suits our concept and targets local guests as well,” says therapist Tina. The result? Radiant, elastic skin and a lasting sense of deep wellbeing – all through a non-invasive, tailored treatment experience. I was not convinced that robotic arms moving over my purpose-made, full-length bodysuit (to aid the gliding motion without massage oil) could achieve the same effect as a hands-on deep-tissue massage, but sleep soon beckoned, proving the point. “Micro actions. Macro changes.” Enough said.
Contrasting the high-tech approach, I loved the Authentic Coco Massage, a Mauritian-essence massage using fresh coconut oil on the face and body to nurture and balance body, mind and soul. The therapist used baby coconuts to apply pressure over the heated oil, soothing tired muscles.
Chi, The Spa is holistic, Tina explains, offering different types of treatments, including Ayurveda. “In every Shangri-la you have five or six multicultural therapies, such as hot stone, Asian blend, and Sense of Place. What we have in Mauritius is our own invention: the coconut massage using baby cocos which apply a different kind of pressure, like hot stones, first resting on the chakras, before gliding over the body in the hands of the therapist with the help of organic heated coconut oil from the island. Our guests can choose their preferred version – one for deep tissue work, one for light relaxation (our tropical zen), and one for focused muscle recovery.”
The “coco oil”, as they call it, works wonders for rejuvenating and hydrating both hair and skin, and helps release muscle tension. “It’s highly recommended for guests who want to discover Mauritius,” adds Tina.
To round it off, a Biologique Recherche personalised skin analysis pre-empted a facial treatment designed specifically for me. To achieve the absorption of the recommended active ingredients, the beautician complements manual stimulation with the Remodeling Face® machine to produce instant results you wouldn’t believe unless you’ve experienced them.
With all this spoiling, I fell short of my intended exercise regime, ignoring the appeal of yoga, Reiki, and Pilates sessions. Content to produce a few leisurely strokes in the pool and walk along endless stretches of white sand beach between meals, I was happy just to be.
I still had to eat, though, and with all my food allergies, it was a challenge quickly overcome by enthusiastic chefs eager to please. Safran’s chef Devanand Eleehar’s eyes welled up in response to my reaction to seeing him, delighting in our reunion and remembering the first time he cooked for me. He’s been at the hotel for 22 years, cooking at Safran for 15, and is thrilled with the new look the renovation, as well as the additional apparatus in the kitchen to help him produce even tastier dishes – if that’s even possible. Wondering what he likes about his upgraded environment, he says, “We still have the soul of Le Touessrok. I wanted to keep the authenticity. [The food] is more beautiful, more tasty when you keep the authenticity. We prepare our own spices too.”
Thinking ahead to my upcoming meal, he told me to forget about the menu. He was going to get creative and prepare something special. “I can make some nice salmon as a starter. You will love it. I’ll make some prawn curry with some naan and rice. Why not?” What materialised were sizable portions of salmon and onion rings (onion pakolah, prepared with ground flour, the authentic Indian way), tarka dhal, prawn bulchao, rice, and naan. And they wondered why I couldn’t manage dessert…
Then there was the waiter at Il Giardino, a best-kept secret setup in the Hibiscus Garden, presided over by executive chef Luca Gallo. The outdoor venue has limited seating under the stars, with umbrellas handy in case of tropical showers. He presented my risotto, cooked by Luca, with a flourish – earnestly assuring me that it contained no garlic. For a split second, I felt deprived until he reminded me of the dietary requirements I’d filled in years ago. Everything was still on the system, and I smiled, grateful to be so well cared for and relieved of decision-making. Luca’s risotto and tiramisu are hands down the best I’ve ever tasted.
While Shangri-la Le Touessrok Mauritius is a wellness destination par excellence, its reputation is not built on the spa alone. For me, it’s the overall package and one of the main reasons I return to this island so often. I choose my hosts carefully, knowing I’m placing myself in the hands of people who genuinely care about my wellbeing and go out of their way to surprise and delight.
Ultimately, I got exactly what I came for – not just rest, but a return to that unmistakable Mauritius state of mind: unhurried, nourished, and deeply cared for.
Little Black Book
Where to sleep All Shangri-la Le Touessrok Mauritius rooms, suites, and villas have dreamy ocean views. I stayed in a Frangipani Ocean View Room on the secluded Frangipani islet.
Where to eat Safran for Indian cuisine, Kushi for Japanese, Coco’s for light lunches and sundowners. Miss breakfast at your peril. TSK has one of the best spreads (especially for vegans) I’ve ever seen.
Where to escape If you’re not at the spa, reading a book or lazing under an umbrella near the pool or beach, you must be lunching at Ilot Mangénie. Take the ferry to the private island, choose your cabana, and order the signature pizza with bubbly. A butler will serve it right there or you can eat at the restaurant.
Where to dance Sega Bar. There’s nothing like it on the island. It has arguably the best selection of local musicians entertaining on the island. You can enjoy cocktails made from local rums, small plates and tapas too.
How to book Le Touessrok hosted me for three blissful nights, and I flew direct from Cape Town on Air Mauritius.
