Hotel Spotlight: LUX* Grand Gaube August 24, 2019
Mauritius is a most definitely becoming a hot vacation spot. It’s neighbors include the Maldives, Seychelles, Réunion Island and of course, Madagascar. It is in a prime location, not difficult to get to and boasts an abundance of nature and luxury. Unlike the Maldives, Mauritius is making a substantial effort to address environmental concerns. I was there to speak to the students at the University of Technology as well as the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare. It’s always difficult when you have a large, luxury hotel chain coming to such a small country. It’s important to listen and care for their employees as well as the environment. While Lux* Grand Gabe has taken steps to alleviate and environmental issues and support the local economy, they’ve got a long way to go.
That said, they are a beautiful resort that has activities ranging from tennis, to physical training, to a fantastic spa and fun seaplane rides. I was busy most of the time attending to interviews, speaking to the students and capturing footage from the resort (you can watch my YouTube video here), but when I wasn’t, I was definitely enjoying the sunsets, eclectic cuisine, and roaming around the property speaking to the wonderfully kind staff.
When in Mauritius, you want to enjoy yourself, and believe me when I say that there is an abundance of variety to choose from, and it can be a a bit of a challenge to figure out which one to choose. While Lux* Grand Gaube was the only one with which I stayed, I can say that I enjoyed myself and that it positively added to my entire Mauritius experience.
The overall rating that I gave Lux* Grand Gaube was an 8/10.
What I loved: First and foremost, I loved that they were taking initiative towards addressing their environmental impact by planning a small garden and sourcing their products from their spa from local women in Mauritius. They also recycle glass bottles throughout the resort using a proper sterilization process, and recycle their oil they use to create fried foods. While they have a long way to go, they are recognizing what needs to be done. The resort itself was beautiful, especially the restaurants, and I loved the little touches like the chocolates, champagne and macaroons for turndown service. I’ve learned to love turndown but always hated it. I just don’t like housekeeping to clean my room, primarily because I don’t believe a room needs to have it’s towels and sheets washed every day for the sake of the environment, and it’s extra work for the staff. But, if anything else, I enjoy a great turndown service. The cuisine was delicious! Very thought out menu selections by the chefs (there were multiple restaurants), and the environment was perfect. Also, wonderful gym!!
What Set It Back: The resort itself was busy while I was there, which, personally speaking I am not interested in. I like quiet and smaller luxury hotels, more “boutique” you’d say. Though this might not bother most people. Again, this is another very kid friendly resort, so you hear the noise from your porch. I am more the quiet type of vacationer, so I would have rather enjoyed to be in a quieter location. If you like quiet, be sure to request the rooms/villas near the lagoon. Beautiful sunsets, and it could be considered a little private oasis. There weren’t any local activities, which I think would have been nice as Mauritius is such an interesting culture that I think many travelers would love to know more about.
Overall: Recommended as a lux place to stay in Mauritius.
What makes a sustainable or regenerative hotel? A reverse osmosis water system, farm to table produce, supporting local dairy and meat farmers, engaging with local non-profit or community organization endeavors to address an issue within the country or community, energy efficient lighting, low pressure water systems, recycling, employing locals and offering fair and equal pay, replanting what was lost during the construction, use of biofuel (for boats), engaging guests in local cultural experiences and making them aware of environmental and cultural needs, LEED Certification, educating staff on importance of sustainability (turning off lights, observing for wasteful practices, etc.), reducing bathroom amenities waste (using bamboo toothbrushes instead, locally made/organic soap, shampoo and conditioner that help the environment), the list goes on.
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