St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, proudly celebrated the highly-anticipated official opening of The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, marking the brand’s first hotel in Africa and the 30th St. Regis hotel in the world.

The official opening ceremony was inaugurated by the Prime Minsiter of Mauritius, Dr The Hon Navinchandra Ramgoolam in the presence of Mr. Ashok Uttamchandani and Mr. Ashish Nurani, owners of The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, Mr. Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Hassan Ahdab, Vice President Africa and Indian Ocean and Mr. Bernard de Villèle, General Manager. The celebration was attended by more than 350 influencers and guests from Mauritius.

Hosted at the exclusive St. Regis Mauritius Resort around the Manor House, the festivities were designed to celebrate St. Regis hotels from 1904 to 2013 and opened with a dance performance and speeches by the Prime Minister and van Paasschen. The evening event included cocktails and an epicurean tour, followed by a spectacular fireworks show and live musical performances.

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort follows recent openings in Hainan and Shenzhen in China; Doha and Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi in the Middle East; and Bal Harbour in the United States, all within the last 12 months. Having more than doubled its portfolio in just five years, St. Regis continues its dynamic global growth, further strengthening Starwood’s lead in luxury hospitality, offering guests exceptional levels of service and exquisite experiences in exciting destinations around the world.

“As we add new, must-visit destinations to our global portfolio of hotels and resorts, the opening of The St. Regis Mauritius Resort truly marks an important milestone for the brand,” says Paul James, Global Brand Leader St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels Worldwide. “Celebrating Mauritius’ rich and diverse cultural heritage, we look forward to welcoming guests to the best address on the island, offering bespoke service and refined elegance both befitting of the destination and true to the St. Regis legacy.”

“We are excited to introduce a new luxury travel experience to Mauritius with the opening of the highly-anticipated St. Regis Mauritius Resort,” adds Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “It is our first St. Regis hotel in Africa and a significant addition to our growing portfolio of luxury hotels around the globe.”

Island Sanctuary

Situated on one of the most privileged locations on the southwestern tip of island, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is located on the pristine white natural beaches at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Morne, bordered by a turquoise lagoon. The resort’s backdrop of Mauritius’ iconic Le Morne Brabant Mountain is defined by a lush green patchwork of sugar cane fields encircling a series of lofty peaks that overlook the Indian Ocean.

Designed by Stauch Vorster Architects with interiors by Trevor Julius of celebrated design firm dsgn, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is modelled on a Victorian sugar-baron’s manor house set in a historical estate. With vast terraces, sumptuous rooms and colonnades, the resort provides guests with an idyllic island sanctuary reminiscent of the destination’s unique colonial past.

The resort features 172 elegant guestrooms and suites, ranging from 700 to 2300 square feet, all with expansive terraces and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The lavish beachfront St. Regis Villa features a private entrance, four luxurious bedrooms with private pools and gardens, stylish entertainment and dining areas, an infinity pool, a bar and private spa treatment room. The resort features the famed hallmarks of the St. Regis brand, including signature St. Regis Butler Service.

Exquisite Culinary Experiences

The resort’s signature restaurant, Simply India, promises an unforgettable fine dining experience created by Michelin-starred celebrity chef Atul Kochhar and offers a modern interpretation of authentic Indian cuisine.  Led by Executive Chef Olivier Belliard, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort offers six other distinct gastronomic experiences ranging from Le Manoir Dining Room with a menu inspired by a blend of French and traditional Mauritian cuisine, to the modern Asian menu at Floating Market, and a relaxing beachside spot for casual oceanfront dining at The Boathouse Bar & Grill.  Inspired by the legendary St. Regis New York Hotel which opened in 1904, The 1904 Bar offers elegant rum cocktails and vintage whiskeys alongside the St. Regis ritual of champagne sabering.

Luxury Leisure and the First Iridium Spa in Africa

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is home to the region’s first Iridium Spa, offering 22,730 square feet of blissful surroundings including a full-service salon, relaxation lounge, jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, as well as a dedicated men’s grooming salon and a 24-hour fitness club. Featuring 12 treatment rooms with ocean views, the Iridium Spa works with renowned beauty and skincare brands Valmont and Bella Luccè to indulge guests with bespoke spa treatments.

The unique conditions on the windward side of the island allow for a wide range of aquatic activities, including the exhilarating sports of wind and kite surfing in world-class conditions, as well as deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and diving amid fascinating coral reefs. With direct access to one of the most sought-after kite surfing spots, “One Eye” at Le Morne, the resort offers the world’s first Club Mistral Prestige Kite Surf Club where guests will get expert assistance and an enhanced sporting experience. Other water recreational activities and facilities include the dive centre, canoeing and kayaking, as well as catamaran and sunset cruises.

The Kite Flyers Club offers complimentary childcare services for children from four to 12 years old, including recreational highlights such as beach bonfires and kite-making, as well as facilities like indoor and outdoor play areas, the children’s kitchen corner and a swimming pool. Optional activities include guided excursions to the zoo and sugarcane museum, cooking classes and horseback riding.

Situated in the heart of the resort, the manor house comprises seven luxurious suites with in-room spa facilities, a private 24-seat cinema, a Drawing Room for indoor entertainment and games, a swimming pool, as well as a library and conservatory. Other leisure facilities at the resort include a beachside swimming pool, a tennis court and a resort boutique. For private celebrations, the Astor Room can be booked for events hosting up to 100 people.