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Review of LUX* Grand Gaube

Varun Sharma Varun Sharma Mar 1, 2024

Location

Situated on a private peninsula in northern Mauritius, LUX* Grand Gaube stands as the flagship among LUX*’s Mauritian resorts. Boasting 186 ocean-facing rooms, suites, and villas, the property is a masterclass in contemporary, retro-inspired design by the celebrated Kelly Hoppen. Surrounded by lush gardens and secluded beaches, the resort delivers an atmosphere of exclusivity and serenity, ideal for discerning travelers. 

Culinary experiences at LUX* Grand Gaube are both diverse and world-class. INTI is the resort’s signature Peruvian restaurant, while Bodrum Blue tempts with authentic Turkish flavors. The Palm Court serves global cuisine in a market-style setting, and Beach Rouge offers Mediterranean fare in a lively beach club ambiance. Café LUX* is a haven for specialty coffee and pastries, and the Creole Smokehouse plates up Mauritian grills and curries beneath the shade of a majestic banyan. For casual bites, BB’s delivers gourmet burgers—both plant-based and classic—while gin aficionados will appreciate the G&T 100 Club, featuring an impressive selection of over 100 gin varieties. 

Wellness is woven into the resort’s DNA. Three tranquil beaches, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and the award-winning LUX* ME Spa with 12 treatment rooms and three temperature-controlled pools ensure relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa menu includes in-room treatments, steam and sauna facilities, and mindful experiences such as yoga, tai chi, and guided meditation—many curated in partnership with Healthy Minds. Outdoor fitness options abound, including the Vitality Parcours beneath the Filaos trees. 

Adventure seekers can indulge in a spectrum of water sports—water skiing, windsurfing, diving, and dolphin encounters—while land-based activities include Mauritian fishing, tennis and padel courts, horseback riding, and golf. Helicopter flights provide breathtaking aerial views, and guests have priority access to the Mont Choisy Le Golf championship course nearby. 

Families are exceptionally well cared for, with Play kids’ club, a dedicated teen program, and even spa treatments designed for young guests. Additional activities like cycling, family golf, and stargazing led by the resort’s resident astrologer create lasting memories for all ages.

Accommodation

LUX* Grand Gaube enjoys a privileged position on Mauritius’ northern coast, enveloped by vibrant tropical foliage and expansive lawns dotted with centuries-old banyan and coconut trees. The resort is uniquely set on three tranquil, sandy coves, all offering panoramic views of Coin de Mire Island. 

Cultural excursions are easily accessible—the historic Château de Labourdonnais, a beautifully restored colonial estate, is close by, while the lively towns of Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux are just a short drive away. The capital, Port Louis, is a 30-kilometre journey, making day trips effortless.

Travelers arrive via Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, approximately 75 kilometres from the resort. Depending on traffic, transfers typically range from 60 to 90 minutes, though private helicopter transfers can be arranged for a swift and scenic arrival.

Service & Facilities

All 186 accommodations at LUX* Grand Gaube are ocean-facing, each reflecting Kelly Hoppen’s signature blend of beachside elegance and modern comfort. Across nine room types, the interiors showcase minimalist wood floors, crisp white linens on premium Sleep Tight beds, and pops of navy and mustard. Oversized windows and white shutters open to sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, while carefully curated objets d’art lend a residential warmth, evoking the atmosphere of an exclusive coastal retreat. 

Entry-level Superior Rooms offer 51 square metres of space with both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for unwinding amid tropical gardens. The suite collection includes Junior, Ocean Junior, Wellness Junior, and Prestige Junior Suites. Wellness Junior Suites feature four-poster beds, retro-chic bathrooms, yoga mats, and exclusive wellness amenities, including two spa treatments and a personalized consultation. The Ocean Junior Suites provide glass-enclosed terraces and freestanding bathtubs with dramatic sea views, ideal for couples. Prestige Junior Suites, located in the adults-only section, offer thatched-roof terraces, al fresco dining, sun loungers, an outdoor tub, and a Jacuzzi overlooking the bay. 

For ultimate privacy, the four top-tier categories include the spacious LUX* Suite, the Family Suite, and the secluded LUX* Villa and Ocean Villa. The LUX* Villa, set apart from the main resort, features a private beach, expansive deck, dedicated swimming pool, and 24-hour butler service. Its airy bathroom includes a walk-in shower and a standalone tub with leafy views. The Ocean Villa, with two bedrooms, mirrors this level of luxury and seclusion, offering private gardens, a personal pool, and round-the-clock butler service for a truly bespoke Mauritian escape.

Style

LUX* Grand Gaube is celebrated for its attentive service and exceptional amenities, creating a seamless resort experience. The property is enveloped by meticulously maintained tropical gardens, with two main beaches offering full service and calm, swimmable waters. Guests can choose from a host of aquatic activities, from exhilarating water skiing and windsurfing to kayaking, diving, and guided dolphin swims. Traditional Mauritian fishing excursions are also available for those seeking local authenticity.

On land, guests can play at the Tennis Academy—complete with four floodlit courts and a padel court—ride horses along the shoreline, or enjoy croquet, bocce, and volleyball. For a unique perspective, scenic seaplane or helicopter flights are on offer. Golfers benefit from a driving range on property and exclusive access to the nearby Mont Choisy 18-hole championship course; guests in higher suite categories enjoy complimentary green fees.

The resort’s wellness program is among the island’s most comprehensive. The TechnoGym-equipped fitness center, yoga and meditation spaces, and the Mindfulness Maze are thoughtfully designed to encourage holistic health. Outdoor fitness classes and the shaded Vitality Parcours offer invigorating workouts in the fresh air. 

The LUX* ME Spa is a sanctuary for relaxation, offering a curated menu of treatments—including signature aromatherapy by Shirley Page and immersive sound bath therapies. Facilities include three pools at varying temperatures, steam and sauna rooms, and tranquil relaxation areas both inside and out. In-room spa treatments and a full suite of beauty services, from barbering to manicures, are also available. 

Families are warmly welcomed, with a daily kids’ club for ages 3-11, a teen program for those 12-17, and child-friendly spa offerings. Group activities extend to cycling, family golf, and astronomy sessions with the in-house astrologer. 

Other highlights include an atmospheric indoor cinema with classic and contemporary films—plus complimentary popcorn—and a whimsically British red phone booth offering free international calls for guests, a favorite among families and nostalgic travelers alike.

Restaurants & Bars

LUX* Grand Gaube radiates a contemporary, barefoot-luxury vibe, blending chic simplicity with playful sophistication. Kelly Hoppen’s design vision is evident throughout the property, with airy spaces, tactile natural materials, and a palette inspired by the Mauritian coast. The resort’s three private bays offer secluded swimming and sunbathing, while the layout ensures both privacy and a sense of community—premium suites and villas are discreetly tucked away for added exclusivity. 

The culinary program is as varied as it is refined, promising something for every palate, from casual beach bites to fine dining. Wellness, water sports, and cultural activities are seamlessly integrated, allowing guests to curate each day to their tastes—whether that means a sunrise yoga session, a gourmet in-room breakfast, or simply relaxing on a terrace with panoramic sea views. Sustainability is a guiding principle at LUX*, and the resort is firmly established as a leader in the Indian Ocean’s luxury hospitality scene.

Sustainability

Embark on a global culinary journey with LUX* Grand Gaube’s array of dining venues. INTI is the island’s pioneering Peruvian-Argentinian restaurant, offering an inventive menu of ceviche, tapas, and expertly grilled meats, all with panoramic ocean views from both indoor and breezy terrace seating. Bodrum Blue delivers a vibrant Turkish experience on a jetty, serving mezze, baklava, grilled seafood, and signature raki.

Beach Rouge doubles as a beach club and Mediterranean eatery, where guests can enjoy fresh pastas, seafood, and rosé by day, and cocktails, dancing, and elegant dinners by night, featuring the freshest catch and prime meat cuts. The Palm Court Restaurant & Bar is a cosmopolitan hub, with interactive stations highlighting Asian, Italian, and Japanese cuisines, from teppanyaki and rotisserie to wood-fired pizzas and gourmet cocktails at sunset.

For artisan coffee and light fare, Café LUX* stands out with its own roasted blends and tempting pastries. Under the sprawling banyan, the Creole Smokehouse hosts pop-up dining events with Mauritian curries, grilled seafood, and signature island flavors. The Rum Treehouse features a curated menu of 88 rums, while BB’s Hamburgers serves up gourmet burgers and hot dogs, including plant-based options. Finally, the G&T 100 Club offers connoisseurs a rare collection of over 100 gins, best enjoyed while gazing out to sea.

What We Love

Environmental stewardship is at the heart of the LUX* philosophy. The brand is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and adheres to the UN Global Compact’s four pillars: Human Rights, Labour, Environment, and Anti-Corruption. LUX* Grand Gaube partners with Ray of Light to support vulnerable communities and leads with its Tread Lightly initiative, emphasizing renewable energy, biodiversity, and conservation. The resort’s pioneering solar PV installations at Ile des Deux Cocos contribute to reducing fossil fuel dependence and emissions. LUX* Grand Gaube maintains its prestigious EarthCheck 5 Earth rating, reaffirming its leadership in sustainable luxury hospitality. 

The property is also an advocate for biodiversity, housing over 240,000 bees in on-site hives. Guests can participate in the Hug Me Honey program, learning about pollinator conservation while enjoying honey produced on the estate—a sweet touch to an eco-conscious stay.

Editor’s Picks: What We Love

  • Culinary Excellence – The resort’s six restaurants and seven bars offer an extraordinary spectrum of flavors. INTI stands out as a destination in its own right, frequently ranked among Africa’s best for Peruvian cuisine. Bodrum Blue, perched at the end of a jetty, serves unforgettable Turkish and Ottoman dishes. Beach Rouge is a lively, modern pizzeria and casual dining hub, while the Creole Smokehouse delivers Mauritian specialties like lobster, curries, and expertly smoked meats.
  • Signature Ice Cream – LUX* is renowned for its artisanal gelato. At Grand Gaube, a converted Mini car serves as a mobile gelato bar, delighting guests of all ages with a rotating selection of handmade flavors. Indulgence is encouraged—after all, isn’t that what holidays are for?
  • Entertainment & Culture – Mauritius is celebrated for its vibrant spirit, and LUX* Grand Gaube captures that energy with nightly live music and sega performances at The Palm Court. Guests are invited to join in the dance, ensuring memorable evenings and a true taste of Mauritian joie de vivre.Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

Guest Favourites: What They Love

  • Innovative Design – The moment you enter LUX* Grand Gaube, you’re greeted by a light-filled, uplifting ambiance. The resort’s unique retro-chic aesthetic departs from traditional tropical motifs, creating an effortlessly stylish and welcoming environment that harmonizes with the lush landscaping.
  • Secluded Peninsula – Spanning 42 hectares of manicured gardens and hidden coves, the resort offers ample space for every guest. Whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, or solo, there’s a sense of privacy and tranquility. The picturesque bays and lagoons provide a serene backdrop for both relaxation and exploration.
  • Spectacular Views – Every room showcases sweeping vistas of the sea—whether it’s the triple-bay beaches, tranquil lagoons, or the dramatic northern islets, the scenery is always captivating.Stephane AnselineGeneral ManagerLUX* Grand Gaube