-
The pool at LUX* Belle Mare in Mauritius is an impressive 2 000m2 -
A green oasis clad in hand-glazed, riad-inspired tiles welcomes guests in the lobby. -
Signature restaurant Amari by Vineet, helmed by India’s first Michelin-star chef Vineet Bhatia, is full of character. -
All spaces lend themselves to chic beachside living. -
Known as “the island within the island”, Bawe in Zanzibar blends contemporary design with traditional African infl uences and materials. -
Known as “the island within the island”, Bawe in Zanzibar blends contemporary design with traditional African infl uences and materials. -
Opened in 2024, Waldorf Astoria Platte Island has been nominated for multiple awards. -
All design was inspired by the incomparable surroundings. -
While every villa has its own private pool, the main pool remains a highlight for guests. -
Interiors at Jannah Lamu are pared back in colour but intricate in detail. -
Guests adore the rooft op lounge with its uninterrupted views. -
Local design elements have been consciously woven into each aspect of the hotel’s decor.
If you’re looking to spend some time in the tropics, here are four luxe resorts that offer the ultimate escape.
WORDS Lynette Botha PHOTOS SUPPLIED, Leila Brewster, Charles Gichuh
Mauritius: LUX* Belle Mare
Reopening at the end of 2023 after a devastating fire, the popular LUX* Belle Mare has emerged bolder and better than ever. The luxurious resort boasts 174 suites and villas, designed to reflect both the charm of Mauritius and a modern aesthetic. The renovation, led by Mauritian architect Jean François Adam and designer Jean-Marc Tang, has reimagined the resort’s architecture and interiors, capturing the essence of indoor-outdoor living.
Inside, you’re welcomed by a blend of contemporary elegance and local cultural influences, characterised by high ceilings, natural wood finishes and plush furnishings in soothing oceanic hues. A tropical pathway leads to a redesigned lobby featuring intricate arches adorned with hand-glazed, riad-inspired tiles, celebrating traditional Mauritian craftsmanship and setting the scene for what lies ahead. In addition to five restaurants, including Amari by Michelin-star chef Vineet Bhatia, the resort also features multiple bars, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and the LUX* ME Spa, which offers wellness experiences tailored to guests’ needs. | luxresorts.com
Zanzibar: Bawe Island
Recently redeveloped by the Cocoon Collection with designer Daniele Lago of interiors brand LAGO, Bawe Island resort is a secluded sanctuary on a small coral island off the coast of Zanzibar. Surrounded by turquoise waters, this exclusive resort’s private bungalows feature distinct rustic architecture and interiors inspired by Zanzibar’s Swahili, Arabic and Indian heritage.
While the resort has undergone a major design refresh, adding contemporary luxury through decor and furnishings, the traditional coral stone walls, intricate wood carvings and thatched roofing have been preserved. The interiors are filled with colourful textiles, LAGO furniture, handcrafted Zanzibari elements,
and ambient lighting that complements the island’s natural tones. The open-air common spaces include a thatched lounge, dining areas with panoramic ocean views, and a beachside bar. Embodying the essence of tranquillity and seclusion, with a minimalist approach to design, Bawe Island remains a Tanzanian gem. | baweisland.com
Seychelles: Waldorf Astoria Platte Island
Opened in 2024, Waldorf Astoria Platte Island occupies what was once a coconut plantation just one kilometre in length and 500 metres in width. Designed by the team at ECO-ID Architects, the resort embraces eco-conscious architecture, leaving much of the island untouched. Inspired by the pattern of the hawksbill sea turtle’s shell, the main structures feature airy, faceted canopies, while the villas are set back to protect vital turtle nesting sites. In the communal areas, locally crafted seashell curtains and driftwood art take pride of place, connecting guests to the island’s natural beauty.
Each villa’s open-plan interiors make the most of sustainable materials such as PET weaves, bamboo and moisture-resistant decking, and incorporate sliding partitions for privacy. Each villa also has its own private deck, splash pool and garden, as well as direct beach access.
Dedicated to conservation – and 95% powered by solar – the resort is a sanctuary that honours and protects Platte Island’s delicate ecosystem, without compromising on any mod cons or luxe design details. | hilton.com
Kenya: Jannah Lamu
Also completed in 2024, Jannah Lamu is the creation of Kenyan designer-hotelier Anna Trzebinski. Located in Lamu Island’s village of Shela, it merges the area’s traditional Swahili architecture with
Anna’s bohemian-chic aesthetic. (Anna previously opened Hemingways Eden Residence in Nairobi, transforming her personal home into the city’s chicest boutique art hotel.)
With similar flair, Jannah Lamu is full of character, and has a unique layout. Termed a “constellation hotel”, it comprises a variety of interconnected spaces, using both indoor and outdoor settings to blur the line between private and communal areas. A central spiral staircase leads to a shaded rooftop, which offers uninterrupted views over the Indian Ocean. Intricately fashioned windows allow sunlight to stream into the serene Swahili-inspired interiors.
Decor highlights local craftsmanship, with woven furniture, hand-carved woodwork and luxe accents that offer an elegant counterpoint to the rustic setting. Each suite has access to Jannah’s traditional dhow boats, making leisurely trips along the coastline a breeze. Emphasising a deep respect for the cultural and social fabric of Shela, Anna wants Jannah Lamu to become an immersive experience that celebrates Kenyan art and heritage. | jannahlamu.com
Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.
