Trends in vacations are changing, and the latest style of getting away from it all is an immersive one. Baroque Travel finds out all about SALT, a collection of Homegrown Hotels that offer guests a completely different experience
International hospitality brand LUX* Resorts and Hotels is taking a humanistic approach to hospitality with a brand new project called SALT, a collection of Homegrown Hotels that offer visitors an immersive cultural experience. The very first SALT hotel, the Salt of Palmar, will open in Mauritius on 1 November 2018, laying the foundation for future development on the island and further afield across the Indian Ocean into Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Salt of Palmar will offer visitors the opportunity to participate in community life in various ways – through ‘Teach a Skill’, guests will share their knowledge and talents by teaching skills to a local resident. Guests will also travel off the beaten track to explore Mauritius on a bicycle or in a convertible. And it doesn’t stop there… Where possible, the hotel will use local sources for food, furniture, fabric, toiletries – even entertainment. Sustainable and eco-friendly, the hotel also boasts its own farm, the source for organic, seasonal produce. Add a wellness philosophy that brings guests together for different sports, whether it’s yoga, swimming, trekking or running clubs, and you have the complete Homegrown package.
Salt of Palmar was designed by Camille Walala and Paul Jones who also transformed the refurbished LUX* Grand Gaube in the north of Mauritius into a contemporary delight last year. Inspired by the explosion of colours in the setting – azure sea, bright blue sky, green cane fields, brightly hued village houses – they have created a stunning, innovative Mauritian getaway using locally made décor and furniture. Dining opportunities in the hotel’s three restaurants include an international buffet eaterie, vegetarian restaurant and contemporary café and bakery. The hotel is located two minutes from the beach.
Accommodation is in a choice of 59 guest rooms with sea, beachfront or garden views. Each features a romantic ivory canopy and an en suite bathroom. The hotel features a selection of bars and lounges, as well as a swimming pool, Spa and fitness centre. Numerous water sports are available to tempt guests off the beach and into the sea, including kite surfing lessons, scuba diving, sunrise kayaking and scuba diving. Guests can also enjoy trips in glass bottom boats to view the magical underwater world below, go horse riding, participate in personalized fitness programs, enjoy yoga at sunrise or head off on catamarans or laser sailboats. And did we mention morning boot camp?
A highlight of a stay at this brand new hotel is, of course, all the opportunities to commune with the locals. Aside from the skill swap mentioned above, guests can assist in local communities in various outreach programs.
And that’s just a taste of what’s in store…
