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HOTEL REVIEW: SALT of Palmar, Mauritius

Progressive new hotel brand, SALT opened its first property this month in Mauritius called SALT of Palmar.

Located on the east coast of Mauritius, is the newly opened SALT of Palmar. This progressive new hotel brand is redefining the hotel stay with a humanistic approach to hospitality for the culturally curious traveller.

Not your average hotel stay, SALT of Palmar takes its guests to people – not just places – connecting them to locals and their way of life, placing them in the action, not just to witness it but experience it.      

Hotel

The SALT of Palmar in Belle Mare, Mauritius, is set on a picture-perfect beach overlooking the Indian Ocean. Its vibrant colours reflect the colourful people and culture of Mauritius and you will be in awe of where to point your camera first. In addition to the visual appeal, what makes SALT so unique is the fact that guests will be immersed into the very heart of the destination, giving guest a sense of being home and living like a local.

Skill Swap

Guests are given the opportunity to connect directly with locals where they exchange their time, talent & skills to the local people, while also joining local suppliers to see their work or passion. This includes pottery with Janine at her Pamplemousses studio, early morning fishing with Kishor, or basket weaving with Mrs Bulleeram in Brisée Verdière.  During their stay, guests can also get hands on experience and learn with the hotel staff and network of experts. You can help out on the SALT Farm, learn how to cook Mauritian Chicken Curry with the chefs and even master the maravanne rattle and moutia drum.

Sustainability

Not only is the focus on connecting locally but also connecting with the planet. Guests can be confident that sustainability and environmental consciousness is at the core of the hotel. Simply by staying, they contribute to protecting and empowering local communities, creating opportunity and employment, and preserving the environment via the single-use plastic, bio-farming and zero-waste policy. The hotel will run regular beach clean ups, a farming school and ongoing training sessions for the community, all of which are open to guest participation.

There is a zero single use plastic policy at SALT of Palmar, with even the room key made of recycled plastic. The mini-bar is entirely re-fillable glass jars, water is supplied in glass bottles where guests can take home a souvenir refillable water bottle and even the toiletries are supplied in pot containers that are refilled when needed.

To further enhance your stay to make you feel local, every guest will receive a copy of THIS IS MAURITIUS – a new guidebook created by the talented locals who know the people and places that make the island tick. In addition to this, maps, local SIM cards and the SALT app unearth the local knowledge on hidden gems.

You don’t need to worry about getting around to these places as the hotel’s fleet of cool convertibles or bikes can be hired to explore nearby villages, temples and markets.

Rooms

All rooms are just as colourful as the rest of the property, with décor matched to the Mauritian vibe. Each room is kitted out with a handmade, king size Carpe Diem bed that feels like you are sleeping on a cloud. There is a rain shower with toiletries refilled when needed that are especially made locally for SALT of Palmar. A Roberts radio plays local music and there is a yoga mat and block, so you can really treat yourself with some yoga during your stay. The mini bar continues the sustainable flow with glass bottled water that is refilled along with glass jars of tea, coffee, sugar and nibbles.

Room types include views of the beach, pool or garden depending on location. The pick of the rooms is the Bang On Beach, which are just that, with doors that open onto pristine sand and where you will be lulled into a perfect night’s sleep by gently lapping waves. For a bit of extra privacy, the Best on Beach rooms have an outdoor sunbed on its own private terrace.

Dining

At SALT they believe food choices have a major impact on the health of the environment, so they are committed towards Good, Clean and Fair food. SALT adheres to Slow Food Travel promoting ecotourism and providing all our guests a culinary journey, full of stories, traditions, flavours, and craftsmanship.

The food philosophy will be fresh, local, homemade, seasonal and zero waste – simplicity is the key ingredient. With not a buffet in sight, the team of all-Mauritian chefs will design the daily-changing menus around whatever the farmers, fishermen and growers bring in that day. The on-site bakery will produce tempting bread, pastries, home-roasted African coffee, local teas and tropical juices.

For guests who don’t feel like heading out of their room to dine, in-room dinning is available to order through the SALT app.

Booking

Rates start from $200 per double room per night on a bed and breakfast basis.

Phone: (230) 401 8500

To Book: To book visit www.saltresorts.com or email reservation@saltresorts.com

Kate Webster

Kate Webster is the founder and owner of Captured Travel Media. She is a world traveller, ocean lover and conservation warrior who is determined to make every moment count for not only herself, but the world around her. An editor and travel journalist, Kate travels the globe in search of vivid imagery and compelling stories that capture the essence of the people and places she visits. She is a passionate conservation advocate, sustainable traveller and always travels with reason and cause.

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