Jacques Brune, originally hailing from France, has a rich background in the hotel industry with an international career spanning work in France, England, Bulgaria and Turkey. He has amassed more than 28 years working in the hospitality industry, 25 years of which were for Hilton Worldwide, as he joined in 1991.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita has named Marc-Olivier Raffray as General Manager, following the transition of General Manager and Regional Vice President Todd Cilano to Four Seasons Hotel Doha.
Discover our infography about tourism and the hotel industry in Mauritius, an extract from our report "Mauritius: the rising star of the Indian Ocean keeps shining".
Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius, the legendary 34-acre waterfront Mauritian hideaway, is celebrating its grand opening tomorrow on 11 December with over 200 guests and dignitaries including The Right Honourable Sir Anerood Jugnauth, GCSK, KCMG, QC, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius. The celebratory evening will see the resort showcase Mauritian culture through entertainment, gastronomy and revelry, while a specially commissioned performance, staged by more than 30 artists, will narrate the story of Le Touessrok through performing arts, music and a light show that culminates in a fireworks display to dramatically mark the rebirth of the personal paradise. Located on the east coast of Mauritius in one of the island's most breathtaking bays, Shangri- La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa has been extensively remodelled; its 200 rooms and suites offer infinity views across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and guests have exclusive access to Ilot Mangenie, a private island. In addition to dining concepts provided by five restaurants and three bars, the new CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La focuses on holistic and Ayurvedic wellness in its eight treatment rooms. Two swimming pools, an 18-hole par 72 championship golf course and a kids club complete the leisure experiences. On arrival at the resort, travellers will feel like they are entering a private residence as they are personally met and transported to the entrance of the property. Here, a hostess dressed in a contemporary sega dress welcomes guests with a refreshing hibiscus infusion made with local black tea, Chinese green tea, combawa and sugar cane – reflecting a sense of place and Shangri- La's Asian influence. Surrounded by magnificent views of the sea and an indigenous landscape, Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa's understated approach to luxury has been reimagined using the finest craftsmanship to transform organic and recycled materials into chic and contemporary furnishings. Sustainable and timeless, the concept flows through the resort's low-rise buildings and tropical light-filled spaces, accented by wooden structures and hand dyed linen. Idyllically centred on the beach, all accommodation in the three wings – Coral, Hibiscus and Frangipani – have a private balcony or terrace to encourage outdoor lounging. The Deluxe Beach Access and Deluxe Ocean View room categories in the Coral Wing allow couples to step out onto a pristine white beach and enjoy the endless seascape. Suited for families, the Hibiscus wing is located near children's facilities and to the resort's amenities and outlets. The wing's Deluxe rooms and Junior Suites, both with beach access and ocean views, include the option to have interconnecting rooms. In the Frangipani wing, housed on an elite islet accessible via bridge, guests receive a special gift on arrival, thoughtful in-room check-in, evening cocktails and complimentary minibar, along with sole use of a swimming pool and breakfast at Republik Beach Club & Grill. Three beach villas, each spanning 423 square metres, are designed to instill a sense of peace and privacy. With 24-hour butler service, the villas feature a separate entrance, three bedrooms, an infinity pool and private beach access. Other amenities include champagne on arrival, an open bar, monogramed bathrobes, a dedicated electric car to move around the resort, as well as daily fruit and canapés. A villa stay also comprises a personal welcome at the airport and use of a lounge, and luxury limousine transfers. In the seclusion of the resort, guests have exclusive access to Ilot Mangenie, a private island, to roam its 3.5-kilometres of white sand and lush vegetation or indulge in tailor-made "Dine by Design" dining experiences. For the active, an 18-hole par 72 championship golf course designed by Bernhard Langer, located on Ile aux Cerfs, is a few minutes from the luxury property's shores. On this island, there are complimentary water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, snorkeling and water skiing off the beautiful coastline, or for a fee, kite surfing, parasailing, big game fishing and scuba diving. Dining options begin with Republik Beach Club & Grill, a contemporary restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and barbecue grills. The bar – perfect for revellers with live music, themed nights and performances by local and international DJs – complements its bohemian beach lounge with fireplaces and daybeds. The restaurant's Art & Food concept – a blend between the arts and gastronomy, is interpreted into 'the art of the table' and reflected in the décor and music with the aim to inspire creativity through artistic interactions with sculptors, painters or musicians. Kushi, a Japanese restaurant, transports diners to a sensational setting of outstanding sea views on all sides. Named after the Japanese word for the comb used by Geishas to adorn their hair, an installation formed from kushi combs creates a striking centrepiece among guests dining on shabu shabu, Kobe and wagyu beef, and an Omakase sushi menu that highlights the fresh fish arrivals of the day. Each table even has a built-in grill or yakiniku to provide guests the option to grill their food. The first of its kind in Mauritius, Le Bazar is a dynamic food theatre featuring international dishes at its show kitchens and a marketplace atmosphere. In addition to offering the cuisine of a Szechuan master chef, Le Bazar has a noodle bar, rotisserie and western corner with meat and seafood grills. Al fresco dining is available on the terrace. The resort's acclaimed Indian restaurant, Safran, remains true to its past glory and prepares authentic cuisine with Mauritian influences. The menu, conceived by internationally acclaimed Chef Ramesh Bundi, carries popular Indian dishes served family-style. A copper clad tandoori oven and incense at the entrance of the restaurant marks a sensory journey to India. Sega Bar, named after the Mauritian dance, offers a menu of uniquely smoked cocktails, exotic Tiki cocktails, as well as its signature eight-year old Shangri-La cask aged rum. As the resort's centre of entertainment, the venue has a specially designed over-the-pool stage to host cultural shows, local talents, reggae and seggae music, as well as a live jazz and blues band nightly. CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La focuses on holistic and Ayurvedic wellness. Ingredients for treatments are organic, locally sourced or grown in the spa's garden. Private consultations are available for guests to enjoy a bespoke wellness experience with nutritionists and Ayurvedic doctors. The spa's menu incorporates the renowned yogic practice of pranayama and meditation into every treatment, while integrating handcrafted oils and even rich local customs, such as the slow rhythmic beats of the national music, in other offerings. Children can enjoy the tropical paradise as much as their parents in the T-Club. Fun-filled activities and games are changed on a daily basis, and outdoor activities encourage interaction with the natural habitat around them. The T-Club entertains children aged between four and 11 years old, while the Active-T Club offers innovative social activities and themed evenings for 12 to 17 year olds. The opening marks the second property in the brand's growing portfolio of luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean. More than a resort, Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa will be a cultural hub, hosting artistic collaborations with local and international talents, and incubating new creations. Each area of the resort has been conceived to stimulate the senses and imagination. Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world's premier hotel companies, currently owns and/or manages 94 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 38,000. Over four decades the group has established its brand hallmark of 'hospitality from the heart.' The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar and Sri Lanka. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.
Carlson Rezidor, one of the most dynamic hotel groups worldwide, announces new Radisson Blu beach resorts in Mauritius: the Radisson Blu Azuri Resort & Spa, Mauritius (100 rooms), the Radisson Blu Azuri Residence & Suites, Mauritius (57 residences) and the Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa, Mauritius (100 rooms) are conversions of existing properties and will already be rebranded in Q3 2015. All properties are situated on the north-eastern coast of Mauritius Island, one of the most beautiful and attractive resort destinations in the Indian Ocean.
With the transfer of Thierry Papillier to the soon-to-open Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca, award-winning French chef Nicolas Vienne joins the team at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita in the position of Executive Chef.
FCS Computer Systems (FCS), a leading comprehensive hospitality solutions and services provider, has signed its latest Business Partnership (BP) agreement with Enterprise Data Services Ltd (EDS), a prominent networking and telecommunications integrator for several industries, including finance and hospitality, within the Indian Ocean region. As a result of EDS' newly-appointed BP status, the company will have the full range of FCS solutions at its disposal, complementing its own offerings, while providing the ability to supply clients with hospitality's most advanced operational and guest satisfaction enhancing platforms.
Outrigger Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Pieter van der Hoeven as general manager of the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort, effective Jan. 7, 2015. The appointment marks van der Hoeven’s second spell with Outrigger. Until early 2013, he was Outrigger vice president sales and marketing, Asia Pacific. In his new role in Mauritius he will report to William Visser, Outrigger vice president, operations, Asia Pacific, who is based in the Outrigger Resorts regional office in Phuket, Thailand. Van der Hoeven initially joined Outrigger as a general manager when the company started its expansion in Asia in 2008. He now returns to Outrigger after 18 months as general manager of the two Raffles hotels in Cambodia. Prior to joining Outrigger, he had a long career in hospitality that included three years with Six Senses Resorts, where he was general manager of the Evason Hua Hin Resort and Evason Hideaway at Hua Hin, Thailand, and the Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara in Vietnam. He has also spent five years with The Peninsula Bangkok with earlier management positions in his native Australia with Hyatt and at The Peninsula Hong Kong.
RIU Hotels & Resorts will add a new destination to its portfolio with the opening of three hotels making up the new RIU Resort located on the glorious Le Morne peninsula on the island of Mauritius. The complex includes the Riu Le Morne (Adults Only by RIU), Riu Creole and Riu Coral. The hotels are currently closed for refurbishment to adapt facilities to the RIU standard of service, involving a total investment of around 70 million Euros. The three hotels, which are on the beach front, all have four stars and offer the recognized RIU All Inclusive 24-hour service.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) and Blue Ocean Park Ltd. today announced the debut of the world-renowned Westin brand in Mauritius with the opening of The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius. Nestled in lush tropical gardens, the resort enjoys a pristine beachfront location in the historic Turtle Bay of Balaclava on the North West coast of the island.
Jeremie de Fombelle joins LUX* Le Morne, Mauritius as General Manager, bringing with him considerable international experience, gained particularly in prestigious hotel establishments in Asia. His knowledge of China and other Asian markets will be of particular value at a time when the Mauritian hotel industry is seeking to attract more visitors from those parts of the world.
Reporting into Damon Page, Area Manager Starwood Hotels & Resorts Indian Ocean and General Manager of The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, Mr. Bova assumes responsibility for the smooth operation of the resort including accommodation, restaurants and bars, housekeeping and all guest services and full management responsibility of the property in the absence of Mr. Page.
RIU Hotels & Resorts has just finalised the purchase of a resort with three hotels located on the stunning Le Morne peninsula, on the Island of Mauritius. The new RIU Resort of Mauritius is made up of the Riu Le Morne (Adults Only by RIU), Riu Creole and Riu Coral which are now closed for a refurbishment to adapt their facilities to RIU's standards of service. Total investment in the project will be 80 million euros. All three hotels lead directly onto the beach, are 4-star and from their opening in February 2014 will offer RIU's renowned All Inclusive 24 Hours service.
Jumeirah Group, the global hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, has signed a management agreement to operate a luxury resort in Mauritius. The hotel is currently under development and expected to open in 2018.Designed by internationally renowned architects, the hotel will be set on 68.5 hectares of land and located approximately 50km from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. The property will include all-day dining and specialty restaurants, lounge and poolside bars, meeting and events space, spa facilities, a swimming pool, health club, children's facilities and a teen club.Gerald Lawless, President and CEO of Jumeirah Group, said: "We are delighted to be expanding our portfolio of hotels and resorts to embrace the beautiful island of Mauritius. Our track record in delivering the very best in luxury hospitality, combined with the success of our two other tropical island resorts – Jumeirah Vittaveli and Jumeirah Dhevanafushi in the Maldives – fills us with confidence that our guests will warmly welcome the addition of a property in Mauritius."Jumeirah Group currently operates 22 luxury hotels and serviced apartments, including eleven in the Gulf region, eight in Europe and three in Asia. A further 17 hotels are now under development.
Shanti Maurice, the luxury boutique resort in Mauritius, has welcomed its new General Manager, Guido Farina. Mr. Farina will replace Mr Duarte Correia, who is to be General Manager at a new Nira Yana hotel, which opens on Pemba Island, Zanzibar in December.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that it will soon introduce its Westin Hotels & Resorts brand to the island of Mauritius. Owned by Blue Ocean Park Ltd., The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius is scheduled to open in spring 2014. The resort will enjoy a pristine beachfront location in the historic Turtle Bay of Balaclava – the former breeding grounds of the Mauritian green sea turtle – on the North West coast of Mauritius, offering captivating views on the turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean.
The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, which officially opened its doors earlier this year, today celebrates the unveiling of The St. Regis Villa. Spanning 1,659 square metres, The St. Regis Villa is the largest and most exclusive full-service private residence in Mauritius, offering families and groups of friends the ultimate luxury experience, combined with bespoke service and refined elegance both befitting of the destination and true to the St. Regis legacy. Located on the south-western tip of the island, the resort marks the St. Regis brand’s debut in Africa.
Edouard Plaisance's career in the hospitality industry spans the globe. At LUX Resorts, Plaisance was the Director of Sales and Marketing for the two hotels on Reunion Island. He held the same position at the Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Crete, Greece and Djerba, Tunisia. Prior to joining Mövenpick, he was with Le Meridien (Starwood) in Nice, France as the Deputy Director of Sales and Marketing. As Sales Manager for Les Hotels de Paris, he was responsible for 25 hotels in Paris, France. Edouard also served as Sales Agent with Prudential Realty Los Cabos, Mexico and as Sales Executive with Le Renaissance La Defense (Marriott International) in Paris, France.
Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger® Hotels and Resorts executive vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, is pleased to announce the appointment of Frederic Chretien as general manager of the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa, effective October 1, 2013. The property, which is currently undergoing an extensive renovation, is scheduled to open in December 2013.
Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, has announced the appointment of Frederick de Marcy Chelin as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa. The new Outrigger property is scheduled to open in the Indian Ocean in December 2013. Mr de Marcy Chelin's appointment is effective from 27 August 2013.