Beyond borders: Inside luxury locations where investment potential is high

From Mauritius’s sun-kissed shores and Seychelles’ oceanic splendour to North Devon’s tranquil countryside, these exclusive retreats redefine indulgence, offering those on the lookout for a foreign investment something to seriously ponder.

Renowned Mauritian architect Bérengère Croidieu, celebrated for her sophisticated island-style designs, has left an indelible mark on the luxury residential landscapes across Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. Whether designing from scratch or modernising existing villas, Bérengère reinvents herself between projects quite naturally because it amuses and motivates her. “I would find it very tedious to develop just one style. I find it far more exciting that each project is a new adventure and particularly satisfying to bring to life the project my client dreamed of. Often the most difficult part is working with clients from all over the world with very high, and very different, demands. It’s challenging to satisfy everyone and maintain overall coherence.”

How delightful then to have a blank canvas for something like Anahita Beau Champ, the first sustainable development on the east coast, and a client – Alteo, the largest private landholder in Mauritius – who knows exactly what it wants. “Alteo had already defined the concept it wished to develop – a rural project perfectly integrated into its site, enhancing the quality of outdoor life and preserving the site’s historical elements,” says Bérengère.

Anahita Beau Champ qualifies as a Smart City Scheme open to foreign buyers – another first designed to encourage residential and commercial growth in the area, which is mercifully free of traffic congestion and urban development as experienced in the north and west of the island. The vision for Anahita Beau Champ is to offer everything residents need within a few minutes’ walk or cycle, catering for those who want to support sustainable practices and thrive in a safe, peaceful environment surrounded by natural attractions. Think forest walks, beach breaks, golf drives, and waterfall wonders, among others.

The development has been pre-certified as a WELL Community, and incorporates a working farm, sports clubs, offices, eateries, children’s play areas, and an internationally accredited medical centre. Clavis International Primary School (CIPS) and Le Bocage International School will have campuses on site, making the decision to move to the east even easier for families.

Meanwhile, L’Echo Des Champs, the premiere residential phase of the 118-hectare development located within the Anahita Mauritius precinct, is now selling off plan.

The residential aspect, comprising three villa design options, apartments, and penthouses, integrates seamlessly with the natural surroundings and site topography. Material and colour choices capture the essence of traditional Mauritian style. “For the homes, we emphasised life on the veranda, which allows enjoyment of the garden while being sheltered from the sun and rain, sloping roofs to create a sense of space and volume, and integration with the site by minimising boundaries between inside and outside. We also tried to recall the site’s industrial history with some architectural metal elements like framework and steel beams.”

Elevated waterfront living

As Bérengère continues to elevate luxury living in the Indian Ocean, other developments in the region are also setting new standards in opulence and sustainability. The Residences at Meliá Seychelles is the first branded residential apartment project in the archipelago of the same name. Positioned on the seafront against a mountainous backdrop, it offers an unparalleled opportunity for ultra-wealthy buyers who appreciate the convenience of having a reputable hotel group oversee their property when not in use.

Now under construction on the main island of Mahé, The Residences at Meliá Seychelles overlooks the Eden Island Superyacht Marina and Cerf Island. This 4.5-hectare waterfront estate comprises 68 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, including two penthouses, alongside a 120-key waterfront hotel that caters to both business and leisure travellers.

Designed by dhk architects, these residences are a masterful expression of contemporary Seychelles style, characterised by expansive covered roofs, verandas, and walkways that invite seamless indoor-outdoor living. High-end finishes and thoughtful functionality define the interiors, ensuring that every space is both luxurious and practical.

Pam Golding International, which has sold over 650 units at Eden Island at a value exceeding USD 600 million, exclusively markets The Residences at Meliá Seychelles in partnership with Meliá Hotel Group, one of Europe’s most prestigious hotel brands. Chris Immelman, Head of Pam Golding International, remarks, “If you like deep-sea fishing, diving, boating, and snorkelling, Seychelles is your game. The area is renowned for its biodiversity, and the St Anne Marine National Park is right across the way.”

Homeowners will enjoy full, freehold title ownership of their fully furnished units while simultaneously entering into a leaseback agreement with Meliá Hotels & Resorts.

English country garden

For a luxurious retreat of a different kind, Praktyka (Polish for “practice”) in North Devon offers an immersive experience in one of the prettiest corners of verdant southwest England. Here, far-reaching views connect the property to the wider landscape, while dreamlike gardens and rewilded meadows create a serene and enchanting setting.

Owners Henry Trew and his wife, jewellery designer and photographer Ania Wawrzkowicz, have meticulously developed Praktyka since moving there in September 2019. The couple has created a tranquil haven for those looking to escape the daily grind or pursue creative ventures, with Ania leading art and jewellery-making projects on-site. In the future, they hope to expand to offer artistic residencies, further enriching the creative possibilities for visitors.

Praktyka is infused with artistic and architectural influences from around the world, yet it remains deeply rooted in the local countryside. The guest accommodation includes a barn, a geodesic dome with a pavilion-style field kitchen, and a tiny cuboid cabin, each thoughtfully designed to blur the boundaries between inside and out, fostering a harmonious connection with nature.

Niall Maxwell of Wales’ Office for Rural Architecture designed the dome and cabin, ensuring they exist independently while remaining interdependent. The dome, sourced from Poland, is tucked away within deciduous woodland and gardens inspired by Piet Oudolf and Gabriel Orozco. The pavilion attached to it mirrors a nearby oak tree, with a compact kitchenette and shower representing the trunk, and an oxide-red roof symbolising the summer canopy.

Praktyka reflects a commitment to slow, sustainable living, with design elements that prioritise simplicity, creativity, and a deep connection to nature. The use of sustainable materials and traditional practices, such as enjoying an outdoor steel bath heated by a wood-burning stove under the night sky, further enhances its appeal as a sanctuary for those seeking a slower pace of life. “It takes around two hours to heat. It’s part of the idea of slowing down,” says Henry.

Across the diverse landscapes of Mauritius, Seychelles, and North Devon, these developments epitomise the richness of luxury living tailored to their unique environments. From the glorious forest vistas and nearby ocean of Anahita Beau Champ to the seafront grandeur of The Residences at Meliá Seychelles and the tranquil, nature-infused retreat of Praktyka, each project offers an exceptional lifestyle experience.