Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort

Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort is located on the south-western coast of Mauritius, between the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the verdant hills of Plaine Champagne. It stands on 15 hectares of what was once the Bel Ombre sugar plantation, now tranquil tropical gardens on the Citronniers River. Le Telfair is 35km from the airport and 40km south of the capital, Port Louis, and an excellent choice for people who want the possibility of variety in their Mauritian holiday.

Accommodation

Twenty villas contain six or eight rooms. The villas are colonial in style, an architectural acknowledgement of the past, and the furnishings, décor and dark timber floors reflect the estate’s French colonial past. Full-length French windows open onto private verandahs with lovely sea or river views.

All rooms and suites provide a sitting area, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, safe, minibar, tea/coffee facilities, satellite TV, DVD/CD player, phone, and data port. The spacious bathroom has a bath, walk-in shower and separate w.c. The 112 superior rooms are 62m2 and can accommodate an extra bed or a sofa-bed for two children under 12. Certain superior rooms interconnect with junior or ocean suites. Deluxe rooms are larger - 71m2  - with a draped four-poster bed.

Food

Annabella’s is the main restaurant, on the river and in the centre of the resort. Arranged over four floors, it provides wonderful views of the ocean, river and mountains, and serves breakfast and a 5-course choice dinner from its interactive kitchen. Gin’ja serves Japanese–inspired fish and seafood at lunch and dinner – or you can choose from the catch of the day and discuss how you would like it cooked. Tables are set on the beach, along the water’s edge. Overlooking the pool and the ocean, Le Palmier is open all day for Mediterranean dishes. The 19th century Château de Bel Ombre was the manor house of the sugar estate. It stands amidst 100-year-old gardens and now offers Mauritian lunches, traditional afternoon teas and gastronomic French dinners.

Activities

Le Telfair offers a wide choice of complimentary sporting activities. Kayaks, canoes, windsurf, hobie cats, and lasers are available from the boat house. Snorkelling excursions, waterskiing and wakeboarding are also offered.  On land, there are three floodlit tennis courts and a well-equipped gym. Diving, kite-surf and tennis lessons, a personal trainer, and bike tours are available (at additional cost).

Facilities

The Six Senses Spa is a tranquil retreat in a tropical garden setting with flowing streams and fountains. The spa has nine treatment rooms, a honeymoon suite with private pool and relaxation area, and two gazebos, also with private pool and rest area. An extensive range of treatments is offered. Adjoining the hotel, the 18-hole par 72 championship golf course, designed by Peter Matkovich, incorporates two rivers and the historic Château de Bel Ombre. Other golf facilities include a 9-hole short course, driving range and practice greens. The club house has a pro shop, restaurant and bar. Guests of Le Telfair may also play on the course at Le Paradis (at extra charge).  

The Valriche Nature Reserve, which adjoins the Black River Gorges National Park, encompasses 3500 acres and presents an opportunity to discover the wildlife – particularly birds and butterflies - and flora of Mauritius. The flora of Valriche comprises endemic species, like ebony, black ebony and strangler fig, as well as introduced and invasive species. There are twice-daily guided excursions, or you can explore the reserve by mountain bike, double-seat quad or landrover. The reserve also contains a beautiful waterfall and bird species include Tropicbirds and, it is reported, several Echo parakeet, which is the world’s rarest parrot.

Children

The kids club is open to children aged 2 – 11 from 10 am to 10 pm. The club has its own pool and special menus. The club provides a varied, age-appropriate programme including arts and crafts, environmental excursions, and computers. A babysitting service is also on offer and there are special amenities for babies and toddlers.