Creative duo Kelly Hoppen Mbe and Mauritian architect Jean-Francois Adam have reinvented this fresh-spirited luxury resort and spa. In doing so they have introduced an innovative approach to style and hospitality to Mauritius.
Re-opening at the end of the year on the African island’s northern coast, edging the private bay are two beaches, tropical gardens, brand new forward-thinking restaurants and sociable bars, 186 bedrooms and suites, a luxe-for-less boutique, and an indoor cinema for movie screenings and sport-ing events.
Thanks to thoughtful touches and residential-feel interiors from the award-winning design studio and leading architect, the easy, breezy spirit of multicultural Mauritius will be inspiring in an entirely new way.
Heaven was modelled on Mauritius — at least, according to the writer Mark Twain — and the lush greenery and gently lapping shallow lagoon waters of Grand Gaube would have you believing this.
The sheltered north-facing resort has been cleverly remodelled to greet arriving guests with a staggering, uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean as well as the offshore islands.
No stone of the former building has been left unturned as part of the US$32 million renovations, while the natural setting has been preserved — wild flowers still scent the lovingly tended gardens and the postcard-perfect scenes are sound-tracked by layers of birdsong.
Reborn with a fresh, flirty, smile-inspiring personality
The British designer has dressed the resort in timeless understated glamour. Channelling fond memories of favourite holidays in Cape Town, Capri, Mallorca and Antigua, and having fallen for the energy of Grand Gaube itself, Kelly Hoppen has created a feel-good factor that no other Indian Ocean destination has known.
By gently layering every look with tactile ceramics, hand-picked accessories, vintage rattan and residential-quality soft furnishings, Kelly Hoppen’s designs breathe uplifting style and soul into every space, while inviting nature inside, wherever possible.
Artist flair is also on the agenda at LUX* Grand Gaube. French street-artist Jace will be sharing his famous Gouzou illustration around the resort prompting the chance to play ‘Gouzou Spotting’; London-based French artist Camille Walala is painting original murals — her much-Instagrammed brightly-coloured de-signs grace walls from Melbourne to Manhattan, and now Mauritius.
Jean-Francois Adam’s ambition for LUX* Grand Gaube has been to design comfortable tropical living through contemporary spaces. The architect’s method is to think and rethink projects to ensure that volumes are generous, lines are precise and style is unpretentious.
Convinced that architecture has a heart and a soul, he unites artistic talent with rational mind to bring life to his designs. For him, it all starts with a sound understanding of the site’s characteristics and constraints to identify what constitutes its spirit.
Romantic bedroom suites
Step from every sea-view bedroom onto peaceful terraces, some with outdoor baths or sundecks edged by soft, soft sand. All eight room categories are fitted with LUX* Sleeptight mattresses, silky soft linens and pillows, robes and slippers— all designed for extreme comfort and the best night’s sleep you’ll ever have.
Huge doors treat the living spaces to lots of natural light and generous wardrobe and dressing space enhances the loft-style feel. Spindrift-white bedrooms are enhanced with details like hand-painted navy-blue lines and unexpected home-from-home touches, such as succulents in ceramic pots.
Hand-woven African baskets, wicker tables and smooth floors ensure all bedrooms are as comfortable as can be. Geometric encaustic tiles add graphic-design personality to ensuites, and many bathrooms have re-claimed bespoke Victorian bathtubs.
The top-level accommodation is the signature two-bedroom LUX* Villa, which sleeps a family of four in a beautiful blend of original, modern styling and classic retro chic.