Let’s Go: SALT of Palmar – An Adults-Only Retreat in Mauritius

Cobalt-blue skies, pink sunsets, green sugarcane fields, and the explosion of colours that coat the island’s houses all inspired the happy interiors at SALT of Palmar, an adults-only retreat that captures the true heart of Mauritius.

Location:

Set on a mini-peninsula along the secluded east coast of Mauritius, where soft sands and coconut trees border a blue lagoon, SALT of Palmar is a picture-postcard gateway to a natural world of turquoise-blue water, volcanic rocks, and filao trees. Palmar itself is a tiny coastal town located between Belle-Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce that has evolved more slowly than other areas, thus retaining its authenticity.

Inland, one discovers small vegetable plantations, while the beaches are mostly wild with renowned kite surfing and a coastline that is perfect for cycling. Flacq Market, Belle Mare village, and Trou d’Eau Douce all have great street food.

Step inside:

Artist and designer Camille Walala infused the interiors with natural elements and the work of the island’s extraordinary artisans to create a playful, bespoke feel throughout.

Everything has been specially created for the hotel, including woven black-and-white pool, beach, and bar chairs; mosaic tables; cushions; sunbeds; rugs; and more. Guestrooms are on the minimal side, with splashes of colour coming from fiery orange-red chairs, striped cushions, turquoise-blue wood furnishings that invoke the Palmar lagoon, and bright woven beach bags. The blue and peach of the terraces echo the hotel’s exterior, bringing the outdoors inside.

The Architecture

An existing, Moroccan-inspired structure was transformed to let in light and provide endless views of sea and sky.
There is a real sense of discovery and surprise when you enter this bold world defined by geometry and colour. Here, an interior courtyard with a water feature showcasing designer Camille Walala’s art is the most photographed spot in the hotel.

A redesigned pool area creates a seamless connection to the beach, while the lobby is more of an anti-lobby, with guests greeted in a meditation space. Taken together, it’s little surprise that SALT of Palmar has been awarded four stars by Forbes Travel Guide.

Spa & Recreation

The hotel’s SALT Equilibrium spa is designed around the use and benefits of mineral salt. Private therapist sessions utilize organic oils and an aromatherapy mixture, and, if desired, can take place on the beach under the shade of the filao trees. A menu of treatments includes acupressure foot massage, cupping, manicures, facials, and more. Water activities at the hotel, meanwhile, include standup paddling, kayaks, glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, and more.

Food & Drink

The Good Kitchen serves contemporary cuisine using locally sourced seasonal ingredients augmented by comprehensive vegetarian, vegan, and raw components. Here, the distance from the boat and the local farmers market to the plate is a very short one. The Rooftop Bar, the Pool Bar, and the Beach Bar, meanwhile, each have a menu of craft cocktails inspired by the sea, land, and sky of Mauritius.