The Escape | SALT of Palmar, Mauritius
A hotel that sets the benchmark for the future of the hospitality industry through its array of eco-initiatives, SALT encompasses everything one should want from a luxury boutique escape
The Ethos
As an advocate of sustainability, BAZAAR’s Milli Midwood couldn’t wait to check into an eco-friendly paradise for a few days of R&R – and that’s exactly what SALT of Palmer served up. Not only does the resort boast a totally plastic-free environment (offering guests things like reusable water bottles to fill up around the resort in favour of single-used nasties), there’s also no buffet, which equals no food waste.
The hotel’s quirky interiors
The Hotel
Set amid Mauritius’ sandy shores and crystal clear waters that stretch as-far-as-the-eye-can-see, the hotel’s terracotta exterior rises up in playful contrast to its surrounding sea. Imbued with black-and-white geometric stripes and rainbow hues, the lively and free-spirited interiors of the hotel well represent the whole philosophy of SALT.
SALT of Palmar is a beachfront hotel
The 59 boutique rooms are well-appointed in terms of amenities (also all falling under the sustainable umbrella, of course) and have balconies overlooking the ocean or the pool area. Replacing the television are a myriad of books, and replacing a minibar are a selection of home-grown (and totally FOC) nibbles, snacks and tea, all locally-sourced and hand-made (don’t leave without trying the plantain chips).
One of the 59 rooms at the hotel
The Food
A melting pot of Indian, French, Creole, Chinese and African cuisine can only have one outcome: a menu rife with choice where you’ll find an explosion of flavour in every dish.
Authentic Mauritian touches are sprinkled across more than just the food – we eat off ceramics made by local artists and sit on rattan chairs created by local weavers. The atmosphere is laid-back and the restaurant overlooks the infinity pool, which leads straight to the beach, so discerning diners can watch the sun slip into the Indian Ocean at the end of the afternoon.
A commitment to local food in the restaurant means most of the food is carefully selected from farms and suppliers that side-step chemicals. “The plan is to inspire a chemical-free revolution and serve only organic ingredients,” they say.
A fresh octopus dish from the hotel’s restaurant
The Activities & Facilities
Whether you fancy luxuriating in The Salt Equilibrium spa or taking a traditional Creole cooking class, there’s plenty to do at SALT of Palmar. BAZAAR was even treated to an evening at the hotel’s family hostess, Mirella’s home. Several times a week, Mirella (who supplies SALT’s eggs every morning from her chicken coop) opens up her doors to travellers and holidaymakers staying at the hotel, offering them an authentic experience with her and her family. We ate Creole curry before learning how to dance to the Sega. The staff are also on-hand to take you on excursions around Port Louis and beyond – BAZAAR (and our stomachs) thoroughly enjoyed the street food tour, which did exactly what it says on the tin.
Enjoy some R&R at The Salt Equilibrium Spa
The Verdict
A hotel that sets the benchmark for the future of the hospitality industry through its array of eco-initiatives, SALT encompasses everything one should want from a luxury boutique escape: friendly staff, delicious cuisine, unrivalled experiences – and all with an sustainable touch.