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A resort with the words “one & only” incorporated into its name needs a management brimming with self assurance and setting standards that aspire to the stratospheric. Place such a resort in Mauritius, where stellar standards are the norm, and the consequences could fall into the category of “tempting fate.”
Well, there is such a place on the island. It’s known as the One&Only Le Touessrok and anyone checking in there will be suitably mind-boggled. It’s not best practice in tourism to describe a resort as “without peer” but you’d be on pretty safe ground in this case.
You’ll get the picture when you learn that a recent refurbishment took 11 months and cost US$50 million, give or take. And this doesn’t include the tab for the new 18 hole golf course, laid out by Bernhard Langer on its own island a five minute boat ride across the bay. Recalling the comment re superlatives, it has been described as “perhaps the most beautiful in world golf.”
Simply to quote the statistics is perhaps the best form of description of this mind boggling resort.
Set in the style of a thatched roofed Mediterranean village but in three wings, there are 68 de luxe rooms and 130 new split level suites, all with unimpeded sea views. Each wing follows the shore line: two are on the main island; the third is on Frangipani, a minor island reached via a spectacular wooden footbridge.
Secluded terraces are the norm and, of course, all guests have personalised 24 hour butler service.
Diners are spoiled for choice: there are six restaurants of disparate style and setting, the main one being Three-Nine-Eight. In Mediterranean-style, it works on several levels, rather like a market place through which guests can meander, choosing dishes from nine countries prepared in eight show kitchens.
The free recreational facilities include most water sports and the golf course and while the resort is romantic in extremis it also caters for families. To this end, there are supervised facilities on tap for youngsters of all ages. Nothing too formal, though: this is the island of cool. Laid back is OK. Boredom here is a no-no.
A major innovation is the Givenchy Spa, reached via a short walk over the footbridge that gives onto Frangipani Island. This is a world apart, with stunning architecture in tropical surroundings, whose centre piece is a private garden with treatments rooms off and overlooking it.
In terms of innovative treatment the spa wants for nothing, as you’d imagine: there’s even a Bride’s Room dedicated to pampering in preparation for the big day.
And while she’s becoming even more beautiful her Best Beloved will be keeping in trim over Bernhard Langer’s jewel. Set on its own island with a coastline of tiny bays and inlets which demand some white knuckle tee shots over water, this is a real test of character and technique.
The par-72 masterpiece, 7,000 yards from the back pegs, is the longest course in Mauritius with holes snaking up and down the length of the tiny island. But there are four sets of tees offering disparate shot lines according to ability. It’s not a penal course.
Wide fairways are, in the main, off-set by relatively small greens and a man would need his game on-song over this beauty. But in such a setting he could play like a goose and still walk off with a smile. This really is a One&Only...
*To book, visit: www.oneandonlyletouessrok.com
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