SALT of Palmar, an adult-only boutique hotel

SALT of Palmar sits on a pristine beach in Palmar, on the east coast of Mauritius, looking out over the Indian Ocean. It’s all about living like a local here, from the food, the books in the library and the activities to the interiors, with art and crafts created by local artisans, ensuring the spirit of Mauritius is infused throughout the hotel, with complementary influences from all over the world.

The rooms are minimalist and modern in style, with fresh whites offset by bold patterns and pops of bright sea blues. They have cloud-like handmade Carpe Diem beds designed by a Swedish chiropractor and adorned with Egyptian cotton linens to ensure a good night’s sleep, and chic bathrooms with rainfall showers.

Personalised touches include local, natural toiletries, handwoven baskets, Roberts radios, a curated selection of books, complimentary homemade snacks and yoga mats.

Furnished balconies look out over the gardens, the pool or the sea. Some rooms are right by the beach, so you can step out on to the sand.

The food is healthy, delicious and full of flavour, made with a wok, a tandoor oven and a charcoal grill, with food smoked, marinated and slow-cooked over wood overnight for maximum flavour. The dishes are inspired by the eclectic influences of the island, from African and Indian to French and Chinese – and you can also ask for your favourites – there are no fixed menus! Fresh ingredients come from local fishermen and growers, and the restaurant has a herb wall and a vegetable cellar.

For breakfast, get a taste of a Parisian boulangerie with freshly-baked pastries and treats courtesy of a French chef, alongside home-roasted coffee. Later in the day, dine on the terrace at the restaurant, while soaking up the views. There are bars by the pool and on the rooftop – perfect for Mauritian snacks, local craft beers and exotic cocktails at sunset while drinking in the island views.

To avoid plastic bottles, there is chilled still and sparkling filtered mineral water available for you to top up as and when you need it – and you can also flavour it with fruit and herbs from the gardens.

Cool off from the Mauritian sun in the pool, or relax poolside with a book from the library, whose collection is largely by Mauritian authors and about Mauritius. If you’re not relaxed enough already, enjoy some yoga or head to the spa for some pampering with a difference. Its Equilibrium concept is aimed at restoring the body’s optimum health and balance, with personalised treatments tailored to suit you.

While away a blissful afternoon on the beach, indulge your inner artist on a craft workshop or share your own skills! Discover more about the art scene in Mauritius on a tour with a local artist. Move to Mauritian rhythms with a Sega dance class – Sega music is the heart and soul of Mauritius and you’ll hear it on the playlists at the restaurant and also live, courtesy of local musicians.

Go snorkelling or kayaking, explore the island on scenic hiking and biking routes, and experience the natural gems of Bras d’Eau National Park. Find out more about what you can see and do at the hotel and around Mauritius with SALT’s guidebook, This is Mauritius, and the SALT Experience app.