LUX* Grand Baie Mauritius, Gracefully Juxtaposes Modernity With Timeless Tropical Designs

Mauritius, an island nation floating off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, is blessed with vivid landscapes—ranging from soft, powdery beaches and rugged mountains to waterfalls, forests, and turquoise lagoons encircled by coral reefs and which makes this island one of the most sought-after destinations on the planet. To truly understand its unique culture, a little history goes a long way. Mauritians are primarily descended from Indian indentured labourers, Chinese traders, African slaves, and Dutch, French, and British colonists. Today, this confluence of cultures has created a beautifully diverse and harmonious community that celebrates all religions and ethnicities. You’ll see these influences in everything—from the island’s flavourful cuisine and architecture to its music and everyday life. Not to forget, the island’s iconic rum distilleries are raising the bar with bold cane-to-glass blends and inventive new pours.

Grand Baie on the northern coast is packed with a buzzing bar and culinary scene. Set right on the beachfront, LUX* Grand Baie pairs endless ocean views with a design experience that mirrors the playful, vibrant soul of Mauritius. Conceptualised by Johannesburg-born, British designer Kelly Hoppen, the resort reflects her signature blend of earthy textures, neutral tones, and monochrome art curation, creating spaces that feel effortlessly global while steering clear of the clichéd nautical themes, stereotypical of tropical island resorts. The result? A retreat that’s stylish, soulful, and refreshingly original with a distinct character. 

Getting There: 

Mauritius is well-connected with direct flights from major cities, including London, Paris, Johannesburg, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Perth. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, located in the southeast at Plaine Magnien, is about an hour’s drive to LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences, en route through sugarcane plantations, pineapples, and tropical lushness. If arriving by cruise ship, you’ll likely dock in the capital city, Port Louis, from where the resort is approximately 25 minutes away by car.

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The Architecture Strikes A Balance Between Innovation And Tropical Elegance

Designed by renowned Mauritian architect Jean-François Adam and styled by legendary British designer Kelly Hoppen, LUX* Grand Baie is a modernist tropical retreat, seamlessly set along a crescent of sand on Mauritius’ northern shores. A ground-up new build, the resort was conceived to exist in harmony with its natural surroundings—its fluid, sailboat-inspired façades and emphasis on indoor-outdoor living echoing the island’s connection to sea and sky. “My vision was to capture the beauty of the land and sea in a playful, vibrant, and elegant way,” says Kelly Hoppen, the celebrated British designer behind the interiors of LUX* Grand Baie. “The eclectic interior design and the neutral palette effortlessly dance with the incredible work of Mauritian architect Jean-François Adam, as well as with the turquoise lagoon, the lush gardens, and the powder-white beach.”

From the moment guests step into the lobby, the space exudes a boutique-style intimacy, intentionally designed to feel less like a hotel and more like a sprawling, design-filled living room. It’s not just about arrival; it’s about enjoying a leisurely stay at the lounge lobby. Whether sipping a coffee, lounging on one of the six-metre sofas overlooking the Indian Ocean, or connecting with fellow guests over a sundowner, each space is conceived to be multi-functional and inviting.

Vaulted ceilings adorned with striking wood and glass perspex circles, combined with a material palette of brown and grey, which carry a spectrum of undertones, making it an ideal backdrop for a variety of design schemes. Kelly’s vision was clear: “People are coming from all over the world to this place,” she says. “That’s why I kept the colour palette neutral—it’s meant to feel like a global meeting point, not just another beach hotel.”

Suites, Villas And Penthouses Marry The East-Meets-West Aesthetic of Luxe Living

With 116 suites, villas, and residences, LUX* Grand Baie is all about unwinding in quiet luxury—settling in and soaking up island life in style. The ‘Junior Suites’, set on the ground and first floors, open up with Crittall-style doors that let the lush green flood in. Think taupe-toned wood, moody black accents, linen and monochrome art adorning the walls that breathe a calming, design-forward space where everything just works together.

For those who want to branch out from the main resort, the ‘LUX* Pool Residences’ are just across the road, linked by a skywalk, and take beach living a notch higher. A spiral white staircase connects one to the bedrooms and the ground floor. You’ll find two-bedroom setups with sleek living and dining areas, a four-poster bed, a private pool, and a bathroom made for long, slow soaks in the freestanding tub. The interiors mirror the resort’s signature neutral palette, with bold black details pulled together in true understated luxury.

If you’re travelling with family or a group and want to unwind in total privacy, the ‘LUX* Grand Beach Pool Villa’ are the way to go. These three-bedroom beachfront villas look out over one of Mauritius’ most stunning lagoons and come with private pools, ensuite bedrooms, and that coveted right-on-the-sand setting. But if your heart desires to go all out, the ‘LUX Penthouses’ are where it’s at. At 325 square metres, they’re made for larger families and friends who want to kick back, host, and reconnect, complete with a tropical terrace, private pool, sundeck that comes with a BBQ on the deck and butler service. Whether it’s a family reunion, a celebration, or just time to unplug and recharge, these pool villas and penthouses are designed to make you stay longer than you planned. 

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Dining Isn’t Just a Meal—It’s the Main Event.

Whether you’re craving a decadent pastry, a midday gelato pick-me-up, a nightcap, or an unforgettable gastronomic experience, the culinary offerings at LUX* Grand Baie are designed to suit every mood and palate. At the heart of it all is ‘Beach Rouge’—the resort’s all-day dining space meets beach club, pulsing with the energy of the curated events. One moment you’re tucking into a wood-fired flatbread, the next, you’re sipping rosé as the sun dips below the horizon. For a second, you could just as easily be on the bohemian shores of Ibiza sipping tomato gazpacho or the crystalline coast of Mykonos gorging on the fresh catch of the day. 

‘Bisou’, with its infinity pool, restaurant and bar, is the spot for chic poolside cocktails and breezy lunches served at in-water tables—an experience as photogenic as it is indulgent. Step inside ‘Maison LUX*’ and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a sun-dappled café in Europe. Whether you lean more toward a morning cappuccino or an afternoon Prosecco, this elegant cafe lounge makes space for both. The newest culinary gem is ‘Walima by Bisou’—a gastronomic concept led by Moroccan Chef Naima Moussaoui that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Lebanon and Morocco, reimagined with modern techniques and bold, expressive flavours. After digging in and sipping on spice-laced cocktails, guests wind down with Walima’s Moroccan tea ritual—a cultural sign-off to the night.

Luxury Wellness Levels-Up With A First-of-Its-Kind Terrace Gym

Whether it’s a hydrothermal bath, a private Pilates session, a signature manicure, a fresh haircut, or a rooftop sprint on a 30-metre Olympic-standard track—wellness looks different for everyone. But one thing’s for sure: carving out time for yourself is the not-so-secret to a life well lived. And what better moment to prioritise your wellbeing than while on holiday?  At LUX* Grand Baie, the spa is a true standout. Inspired by Parisian chic, it blends elegant minimalism with an organic Mauritian aesthetic and a touch of Miami glamour in the state-of-the-art gym.

“Designing a spa is one of my biggest pleasures,” says Kelly Hoppen. “It’s a space where you should feel completely nurtured, relaxed, and at one with yourself—and that’s exactly what we’ve created here.

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Final Thoughts 

Kelly Hoppen’s vision for LUX* Grand Baie was to bring out the raw beauty of land and sea in a way that feels playful, vibrant, and effortlessly elegant. Her “East meets West” philosophy shines through in every custom detail—in the furnishings, rich textures, and layered patterns that meet with incredible scale and a multitude of exquisite neutrals. Wrapped in creams, taupes, and greys, the interiors balance Eastern restraint with Western ease, reinforcing the moniker she proudly owns: “The Queen of Taupe.”

The vibe extends beyond the suites. LUX* bars and restaurants double as chic social hubs after dark, while a state-of-the-art gym and rooftop wellness terrace call out to fitness-minded travellers. A sleek cycling studio shakes up the usual workout routine, making wellness feel less like a chore and more like a lifestyle. LUX* Grand Baie doesn’t just lean into luxury—it embodies the best of both worlds. With creative freedom at its core, the resort steps away from cookie-cutter coastal themes and leans into something far more elevated: island living with a global style sensibility at its most exclusive.

DP loves 

#1 The hotel is perfectly placed near Sunset Boulevard and Pereybere Beach — the ideal spot to sample the island’s famous dholl puri, a beloved Mauritian street‑food classic. La Croisette, the area’s upscale shopping hub, is also just a short hop away.

#2 Thomas Heatherwick’s Spun chairs in the lobby are an instant invitation to play — upright, they resemble sculptural vessels, but tipped on their side, they transform into comfortable, functional seats that let you rock gently or spin in a full circle.

#3 Pools at LUX Grand Baie are a retreat of their own—from rooftop Bisou, where you can graze at in-water tables or swing over the infinity pool, to Beach Rouge, the chic day beach club where you can dine beside the lounger-lined, family-friendly main pool before slipping into a designer swimsuit for a dip.

#4 A hydrothermal bath journey unfolds as a Turkish hammam, a laconium experience (heat emanating from the stone walls), creating a warm, air-detoxifying ambience that leads to an immersive bathing ritual. 

#5 The hotel’s bougie boutiques offer chic, one‑of‑a‑kind finds — perfect for taking home a stylish slice of Mauritius.

#6 While Asian restaurant Ai KISU is the go-to for dim sum, noodles, and signature dishes like beef warayaki, black cod fish, and pecking duck, it’s the ‘Caviar Illusion’ dessert that makes for a perfect finale.