Salt Of Palmar - Mauritius
Salt Of Palmar - Hotel Overview
SALT of Palmar is a “Homegrown Hotel with a Huge Heart”. The hotel has a refreshingly innovative concept, which offers you the chance to immerse into local culture whilst acting sustainably and making a positive impact.
Guests can be confident that sustainability and an environmental conscious is at the core of the hotel. Simply by staying, they contribute to protecting & empowering local communities, creating opportunity & employment, and preserving the environment via single-use plastic, bio farming and a zero-waste policy.
Beautifully designed, SALT of Palmar, houses 59 rooms, all overlooking the sea, garden or pool. Each of the rooms are kitted out with only the finest of things including a handmade, king size Carpe Diem bed, developed with physios, so you get the best sleep. You will also get to enjoy 100% organic cotton bedding, a yoga mat and block, a Roberts radio and all-natural, locally produced toiletries.
Holiday time is a good time to focus on you being soothed, hydrated, detoxified, and energised.
In the hotel’s spa, different salts bring different benefits. And it includes an island first; a room made of salt. In its warm crystal glow, you can breathe deeply while salt vapours boosts your respiratory system, skin, immunity, and energy levels. It’s entirely natural and a very ancient ritual known as halotherapy. Along with stress, muscular tension, and inflammations are reduced as well.
While staying at the hotel, you can enjoy a variety of activities, from the conventional water & land sports to checking out farm workshops that will share the secrets of making delicious plant-based dishes and beautiful green juices. The hotel runs regular beach clean ups, a farming school and ongoing training sessions for the community, all of which are open to guest participation.
Room types at Salt Of Palmar
This is the beach life. Open your doors onto pristine sand. Be lulled into a perfect night’s sleep by gently lapping waves.
You’re just seconds from the pool. It’s a daily blessing. Grab a cooling midday dip or settle in for a serious lounger session.
Gaze over a tranquil, verdant landscape to the turquoise lagoon. Listen to the Filao trees as they sway in the breeze.
Generously accommodating. This beachside room can sleep three.
Dive in. Here’s your plentiful poolside room, big enough for additional beds.
Salt Of Palmar - Hotel Restaurants
The Restaurant
Bye-bye buffet. This is fresh, local, and tasty. We know our farmers, fishermen, and growers by name. But, here, the ingredients are the stars. Our herb wall and a vegetable cellar show off our bounty. In the kitchen, we look to simple, ancient cooking methods.
The wok, the tandoor oven and the charcoal grill are our trinity, and we smoke anything and everything to release and enhance flavour. We marinate for hours and slow-cook over wood overnight.
For the dishes, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Mauritian flavours all play a part, but we won’t be pinned down by fixed menus. We are free to create. And you are free to join us in our kitchen anytime.
SALT Bakery
Fresh is the word at the bakery. Tempting bread and pastries, always straight from the oven. Local barista, serving freshly home-roasted coffee 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The SALT bakery is a contemporary café and bakery perfect for gathering, socialising and enjoying a delectable selection of homemade pastries, in a casual and comfortable setting.
The Bars
On the roof. On the beach. And by the pool. Life doesn’t get more easy-going than this. Relaxing. Meeting people. Sharing stories. Sprawled on a beanbag. With the music, the drinks, and the ocean views, all three of our bars are the place to be.
Salt Of Palmar - Spa
SALT Equilibrium
Holiday time. It’s a good time to focus on you being soothed, hydrated, detoxified, and energised. That’s why we created SALT Equilibrium. It’s a concept, but it’s not lofty (or compulsory). It’s simple. And salt – humble salt – plays a big part in it.
In our spa, different salts bring different benefits. And it’s an island first, our room made of salt. In its warm crystal glow, you breathe deeply while salt vapour boosts your respiratory system, skin, immunity, and energy levels. It’s entirely natural and very ancient. Stress is reduced. So are bacteria, muscular tension, and inflammation. It’s called halotherapy. Equilibrium is also about embracing nature and eating raw, plant-based food. You’ll be balanced in no time.
- 4 treatment rooms (1 double & 3 single)
- Universal room
- Salt Zone
- Hydrolounge Zone
- BodyMind Retail
Salt Of Palmar - Sport & Leisure Activities
Water sports
- Transparent bottom Kayak, aqua gym, Laser sail boat, snorkeling, glass–bottom boat, water skiing, stand up paddle, pedal boat, Wind surfing & SUP Board with hobie mirage eclipse.
- Additional fee applies: speedboat ride, scuba–diving, big–game fishing, kite surfing nearby, tube ride, catamaran, private waterskiing.
Land sports
- Complimentary: gym, beach volley, beach soccer & yoga.
- For a fee: bicycles, Electric bicycles, convertible cars, authentic and exclusive immersive tours, Sunrise Yoga, Sunrise Beach Jogging, Sunrise Photo Tour, Sunrise Horse riding & visit of the stable are also in the activities program.
Fitness center
- Workout studio consist of cardio equipment, strength machines, and functional fitness.
Salt Of Palmar - Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Centre
- SALT Equilibrium
- Café & Bakery
- Restaurant
- Beach Towels
- Babysitting (extra charge)
- Wedding services (with a fee)
- Car Rental
- Private transfer/ Taxi Service (with a fee)
- Library
- Hotel shop 24/7 (with a fee)
- 24-hour in room dining (with a fee)
- Laundry (at extra cost)
- Guest bath amenities
- Air conditioning
- Yogibare yoga mat & block
- Full length mirror & Magnifying mirror
- Hi Speed Wi-Fi internet connection
- Bathroom with shower and separate toilets
- Hairdryer
- Furnished balcony/ terrace
- Complimentary fresh tea & coffee facilities
Salt Of Palmar - Location
What to Do in the Hotel's Region
Golf - EastMauritius has a long experience as long as golf is concerned. Indeed, this sport was introduced in 1844, under the British rule, thus becoming the third country in the world to be introduced to golf.
Mauritius has set itself the objective of becoming the best golf destination in the Indian Ocean, and gradually a worldwide reference. It is worth mentioning that, in 2008, the country was the Golf Destination of the Year title by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGRO).
Today, Mauritius hosts eight 18-hole golf courses, as well as five 9-hole golf courses, most of them being situated within hotel resorts along the coastline. Most of them have been designed by famous golf course designers like Bernhard Langer, Ernie Els and Rodney Wright.
Golf courses have certified instructors, and all the materials like golf balls, clubs, caddies and carts can be hired. For those who wish to try their hand, private golf lessons are also available.
The unique thing about golf in Mauritius is that it can be practised under optimal conditions in breathtaking background scenery of gorgeous mountains and beaches that surround most of the golf courses.
Kitesurf EastAlthough a lot of people are not aware of it, kite-surfing has its roots as far back as the early 1800s, but was formalized in the mid 1990s. It is often described as a mixture of different water and flying sports like windsurfing, wakeboarding, surfing and paragliding.
Mauritius, with its wide lagoons and South East Trade winds offers all the required ingredients for a thrilling kite surfing adventure. Mauritian waters offer opportunities both to beginners and experienced kite surfers; it is thus seeing more visitors choosing the destination for its kite surfing opportunities.
The country now counts 8 registered kite surf schools and rentals. As most water sports, these services are usually available within hotel premises, but are not limited exclusively to the hotel’s customers. Moreover, these schools main instructors have got the International Kiteboarding Organisation certification. These schools also offer kiteboard rental either per day or per week. The equipment is of international standards and regularly updated. Some schools also offer downwind and lagoon crossing trips for small groups interested in surfing around the island. However, they have to be booked well in advance for logistics reasons.
Even if experienced kite surfers are tempted to just go with the flow, it is advisable to have all necessary information, so as to know where the best spots are, what is the best time of the year and what are the precautions needed on specific spots.
When?
Since water temperature will not go below 20°C, there is no unsuitable season for kite surfing. Even the winds make it possible to kite surf all year round. However, during the months of June to January, winds can get very strong.
Where in the East?
The advantage with the East coast, including the South East coast is that the kite surf spots there are adapted for all levels, the best period being from April to November. Spots in this region include Belle Mare, Pointe d'Esny and Blue Bay spots. Shallower spots are also available in Poste Lafayette, La Colombiere, Trou d’Eau Douce and L’ile aux Cerfs. The main drawback of this region however is that the lagoons are irregular in depth, and coral patches can thus be a hazard. Moreover, there are several passes in this region, with strong currents that can pull the kiters outside the lagoon. It is thus advisable to kite well inside the lagoon in this region.
Horseback riding is definitely not new to Mauritians, nor Mauritius. The least one can say is that it is a sport deeply rooted in the traditions of the country. The fact that we find here the oldest racecourse in the southern hemisphere is proof enough of that. The passion of horse racing is shared by (almost) all Mauritians. And that, irrespective of their ethnicity or social class...
But horseback riding is not practiced only on the Champ de Mars racecourse. There are quite a few equestrian centers on the island. You can most definitely stroll down the wide (and white) sandy beaches of the island on horseback. With the lapping waves in the background, you can enjoy the sun and scenery as a bonus. During the day, the sportiest and most experienced can also take a dip in the sea with their horses! This is a unique experience that can only leave you with good memories. In the evening, enjoy the sunset as you stroll quietly, alone, with your partner or your family.
The beach is not your favorite playground ? Well, you can also enjoy horse riding in lush vegetation on beautiful domains at the heart of the island. Some even extend over 2,000 hectares. You can also find equestrian centers in various localities of the island.
In the East
One of the largest domain of the island is located on the east coast. You can ride for more or less an hour and a half in a breathtaking scenery that will make you see Mauritius in a new angle. The icing on the cake? A whole bunch of activities and services are available for those accompanying the riders !
Ile Aux Cerfs Island
Tucked away in the secluded Eastern Coast of Mauritius, the renowned Ile aux Cerfs Island or literally known as Deer Island is a haven of relaxation, fun and entertainment. The island is spread over a lush vegetation of 100 hectares and is visited by tourists and locals due to its sandy beaches, beautiful lagoon and with a wide range of activities.
Known also for its best snorkeling areas, Ile aux Cerfs has beautiful coral reef teeming with a vibrant marine life where you can enjoy the rich underwater world. You do not have to be a good swimmer or diver to discover the realm of the marine ecosystem. You can try the underwater sea walk where you will have the chance to feed the beautiful fishes. Or simply try the thrilling parasailing to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the incredible Island and turquoise lagoon.
Also the island consists of many facilities such as small market, bathrooms, restaurants and also a five-star hotel with a golf course designed by the famous golf player Bernhard Lange. The course covers 38 hectares on the southern half of the Ile aux Cerfs Island with the holes snaking up and down the length of the island, boasting naturally undulating topography, volcanic rock outcrops, lakes and gullies, and a variety of tropical trees and plants.
Ile Aux Aigrettes
The virgin nature sanctuary of exotic and indigenous species, Ile aux Aigrettes - a tiny coral island (26 hectares) just off the Southern Coast of Mauritius is a nature reserve under the supervision of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. The island is a natural museum and home to many endemic and native animal and plant species.
Its flora is mainly composed of coastal ebony forest and strand scrub vegetations. There are 97 known introduced plant species on the island, and 28 are considered as major weeds. Pink Pigeons, Mauritius Fodies and Mauritius Olive White-eyes have also been reintroduced, along with the Aldabra Giant Tortoises (to replace the extinct giant tortoise species once found here). The beautiful endemic Ornate Day Gecko Phelsuma ornata still occurs on the island naturally. Captive Mauritius Fruit Bats can also be viewed on the island for educational and awareness purposes.
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation solely manages and conducts tours. The usual tours take between 1½ and two hours and start from Pointe Jérome, around 250m Southeast of Le Preskîl hotel. Longer 'eco tours' of two to 2½ hours are also available. These allow you more time on the island and let you meet some members of the scientific teams working there. Tours involve a good deal of walking; wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and water. At the end of the tour you can visit a small museum and shop.
Domaine De L’etoile
Domaine de L’Etoile is a huge private nature reserve extending over 1200 hectares of lush green forests and dense valleys. It has kept the island’s most spectacular panorama, indigenous forests, and bountiful valleys. This splendid reserve invites nature lovers to rejuvenate in the Eastern part of the island.
Expect exciting adventure moments such as the giant zip line course of 3,500 meters where you will get to see the breathtaking views, along with thrilling quad and buggy drive, horse riding, hiking and archery.
This former sugar domain is one of the most preserved regions in Mauritius boosting indigenous forests rich of several varieties of plants and trees with the famous ancient ebony trees and endemic species. The Domaine also includes crystalline sources and rivers that extend to distant mountains. Its natural environment favors the survival of wild animals, while you will be able to admire deers, boars, monkeys and bats as well as rare species of birds such as the “Cateau Vert” and the “Crescerelle”.
Head to the serene area of the restaurant where you will have the chance to savour the tantalising dishes with the genuine flavours of the local cuisine.
Belle Mare Beach
The Belle Mare beach is located in the secluded Eastern part of Mauritius. The beach has fine white sand fringed with lush casuarinas trees and is considered as one of the longest beaches in Mauritius.
It stretches from the Belle Mare village to the south till the village of Trou dÈau Douce.
The enticing Belle Mare beach has many top-end resorts and villas due to its incredible location and features.
Its shallow bay and crystal clear sea water has undoubtedly attracted many locals and tourists as well. You can relax, and sun bath or swim in the southern part of the beach, where you can practice a range of water activities such as snorkelling.
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy deep-sea fishing for tuna, marlin and mako shark which are pretty much popular in this eastern part. Belle Mare also serves as a convenient base camp for a trek to 1,575-foot Lion Mountain, where sweeping views reward those who make the challenging hike to its peak.
Blue Bay Beach
Located in the South Eastern Coast of Mauritius, just some 15 minutes from the international airport, Blue Bay beach is an idyllic relaxing hideaway to get sunburn. The beach is very renowned for its best preserved marine ecosystem, incredibly serene ambiance, and shimmering emerald blue water.
The protected Marine park offers a great spot for glass bottom boat tours, diving and snorkeling. Take the chance to explore the rare beauty of the striking aquatic species, as the bay is a shallow haven of coral and colourful fish in all shapes and forms.
The Blue Bay beach can be somehow packed with many people picnicking during weekends, providing you a chance to mingle with the friendly locals. In addition, you will find plenty of snack food outlets offering tasty local food, or if you are craving for some other kind of cuisines, then there are many nearby restaurants available. But if you want some lone and tranquil time, then you can also visit the gorgeous Pointe Désny beach, where you can sunbathe, and relax.
Blue Bay Marine Park
The Blue Bay Marine Park is a Protected Area situated in the South Eastern Coast of Mauritius. This marine park extends over 353 hectares (3.5 km2) where you can find a diverse and rich fauna and flora especially the corals, mainly for a brain coral of diameter 6-7metres, with 108 of coral, 233 fish species, and 201 species of mollusks.
Besides, it also consists of mangroves, algae, sea grasses, corals, and other marine organisms. Different fish species include Damselfish, Surgeonfish, Butterfly-fish, juvenile Sailfin tangs, as well as tiny Pipefish and large Trumpet fish.
The marine park is an idyllic diving and snorkeling spot, as there is crystal clear water which offers great visibility with an average depth of 5.5m.
This area has the most vibrating marine ecosystem which has been well preserved. With a great view of the reef, fish and of large selection of corals, the Blue Bay Marine Park is a true haven to feast your eyes with the ocean beauty. There are also glass bottom trips where you will have the same privilege access but without getting drenched.
Mahebourg Historical Naval Museum
The Mahebourg Historical Naval Museum pays tribute to the 1810 battle naval of the Vieux Grand Port which lasted several days and was a great attempt by the British to conquer the island. It ended in defeat for the British and both sides suffered heavy casualties. The French victory is inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
At that time the museum was a hospital which catered for the injured commanders both of the French and English fleets for treatments. The story of the victory is retold in the museum, along with salvaged items - cannons, grapeshot and the all-important wine bottles - from the British frigate Magicienne, which sank in the battle.
The museum occupies three floors, where two of which are accessible to the public. On the ground floor wreckage of sailing ships that took part in the Grand Port battle, original cannon, cannonball, paintings and swords and weaponry of Robert Surcouf, the eighteenth-century corsair, popularly known as the king of the Corsairs. A large relief map shows the complicated reefs of Vieux Grand Port where the great battle took place. The bell, recovered from the wreckage of the St Geran which sunk off the east coast in 1744, is also on display. There is an interesting newspaper cutting of Charles Seabourne, who with survivors from the ship Trevessa, landed at Bel Ombre in the south in 1923 after spending 25 days at sea. On display are the ship's biscuits, a razor and the lid of a cigarette tin which they used to measure water rations. In a separate showcase is a Roll of Honour dedicated to Mauritians who died in World War II.
On the first floor are Labourdonnais' four-poster bed, two palanquins or wooden sedan-type chairs, which were borne by slaves to convey their masters through the country and a collection of coins, curios, model sailing ships and early maps, labelled in French and English.