
The Escape: Lux Grand Baie
The playful, design-centric Lux Grand Baie, situated on Mauritius’ idyllic Merville beach will tick all your tropical vacation boxes
Robinson Crusoe-inspired Messages in a Bottle hidden around the resort that, when found, offer up complimentary perks like professional photo shoots, spa pampering and pizza suppers. A pastel-coloured Ici ice-cream parlour complete with a multitude of candy toppings and freshly churned flavours that change daily. Aquatic adventures twice a day via glass-bottom boat trips. Play Kids’ Club with non-stop activities from popsicle making to swim sessions and a dance party complete with DJ and disco ball. Lux Hotels seem to break all the rules when it comes to high-end properties, injecting a dose of fun, whimsy and colour into holidays – and make it all work without compromising on luxury.
If you’re going to pick a Lux property, then arguably its Grand Baie location is the one to book. Not only is it the most newly revamped in the portfolio, but it’s perched on a pristine Indian Ocean lagoon with aqua waters that look Photoshopped in pictures – and it’s in Mauritius, where the brand was first founded. If you like to soak in culture and head off on outings, there’s plenty to see in this laid-back Francophile country filled with sugarcane plantations, rainforests, reefs featuring giant turtles and a blend of cuisines and cultures.

The resort, which also has longer-term residences and sprawling villas with their own private pools and butlers, makes an impact on arrival. Local architect Jean-Francois Adam’s soaring open-air jacaranda wood atrium, inspired by majestic sailboats, looks out to the water giving your first glimpse of the Indian Ocean which will take star billing during your vacation. Interiors star Kelly Hoppen’s muted aesthetic is stamped all over the loft-style suites; think sophisticated grey and taupe, with black accents, complete with white standalone baths and a view of the sea for every room. A masterclass in chic, modern design that’ll instantly impress, yet appeal to all.
Most guests make a daily bee-line to the scarlet-striped Beach Rouge, which lures with regular DJ sets, a swim-up bar and moreish spicy chicken quesadillas that can be served pool-side on day beds or in the adjacent eatery which doubles up as the breakfast room in the morning. Pan Asian Wariyaki plates are the speciality of Ai Kisu (ask for a table that overlooks the glass-encased theatrical kitchen, while Bisou on the rooftop serves up mezze-style Arabic favourites.
Don’t miss the feta fatayar and pomegranate-spiked fatoush – with jaw-dropping views of the bay as saxophonists enhance the upbeat atmosphere. Mauritian brew can be found at coffee-shop-and-patisserie by day Maison Lux, which transforms into an intimate mixology centre by night.

There’s a firm focus on wellness too, with an alfresco Muscle Up on the Roof area, a Niyama fitness space featuring yoga and Pilates plus a group cycle studios – there’s a non-stop programme of classes, held across the resort. From a gentle stretch and barefoot beach walk at 730am to a more strenuous mat-based Pilates session at the pool garden, and a boat house that can sort out kayaking, Hobi Cat sailing and windsurfing, you can stay as active or relaxed as you wish. Don’t miss the Lux Me spa; even if you don’t partake of a signature massage (ask for Sarah who is the third generation of her family to opt for this career), the multi-sensory hydrotherapy floor with a tepidarium, hammam, steam and sauna plus rainfall mist and waterfall walk, is a must-try. An added bonus is the adultonly swimming area tucked away amid verdant greenery in the space.
One thing is for sure, you may think your itinerary will tick off all the essentials during your trip – but as your departure day looms, you realise there is so much more to experience, that you’re already preparing dates to come back.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Winter 2024/2025 Issue