Our next stop in Mauritius took us to the southern part of the island, where we stayed at the elegant Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort. Nestled in the Domaine de Bel Ombre, the resort is superbly located in an area offering the best of both worlds — close to the sparkling Indian Ocean yet surrounded by hills and lush scenery. It’s a place where pristine beaches meet coastal cliffs, tropical forests, and rolling mountains. Waterfalls and plantations dot the landscape, making every glance feel like a postcard.

About the Hotel & Location
Heritage Le Telfair is built in a colonial and plantation-house style, paying homage to 19th-century French Creole architecture. The resort sits within the expansive Domaine de Bel Ombre, which spans around 2,500 hectares of tropical nature. From here, you can see mountains rising inland, forests and rivers winding through valleys, and of course, the ocean and lagoon with coral reefs just offshore. Our suite was wonderful — a spacious living room leading into a bedroom, a large bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers, and a terrace overlooking the gardens and river. It was the kind of room where you wake up slowly, soaking in the views and the sounds of nature.

Day One & First Evening
After checking in and settling into our suite, we took a leisurely walk around the resort to get our bearings. The landscaping is beautiful — winding paths, little bridges over waterways, tropical plants, palms, and birds chirping — it sets a tranquil tone. That evening, we dined at the beachfront restaurant G’inja, starting with sushi and skewers for starters, moving on to fresh fish dishes for the main course, and finishing with a flaming dessert — a dramatic flourish. Having a table on the beach, with the sound of waves and the sand beneath our feet, made it a perfect night.

Golf, Views & Chamarel Day
The next morning, well-rested, we took a buggy to Le Château Golf Club. We enjoyed a light breakfast overlooking the course, then joined a golf class offered by the hotel. My husband hit some surprisingly good shots. I… had fun trying. For lunch, we headed to Chamarel. The Chamarel Restaurant boasts one of the most spectacular views in the south — overlooking valleys, hills, and the coastline in the distance. Afterwards, we toured a nearby coffee plantation, learning how local beans are grown, harvested, and roasted. The air was filled with rich aromas, surrounded by green hills and a sense of history. Then came one of the highlights: the Chamarel Waterfall and the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark. The 100-metre waterfall plunges dramatically down a basalt cliff against a backdrop of thick vegetation. The Seven Coloured Earth is an extraordinary stretch of dunes, about 7,500 square metres in size, where the soil naturally forms bands of red, brown, violet, green, blue, and yellow hues. These colours originate from volcanic activity millions of years ago — ancient lava flows transformed into basalt and later weathered under hot, humid conditions. Iron oxides give many of the reds and browns, while aluminium oxides contribute the blues and purples. Rainfall over centuries shaped the dunes into the gentle, wavy forms we see today. It’s a geological wonder — magical under the shifting light. The name “Chamarel” comes from the de Chazal family concession in the late 18th century, though visitors only began arriving in large numbers in the mid-20th century. After exploring, our excellent driver, Widley, found the perfect spot to watch the sunset — wrapping up the day in golden light and calm air. It felt like a magical ending. Speaking of our driver, I have to say… Widley was such a beautiful soul. He not only spent the day with us but shared so much about Mauritius — its culture, history, and modern life — and helped us see the island through local eyes. Widley truly understands what hospitality means, and we were so thankful to have him with us.

Evenings & Relaxation
Dinner back at the hotel that night was at Infinity Blue. We started with soup, enjoyed some grilled meats, and of course, I couldn’t resist ordering coconut ice cream — one of my favourites, and this one was exceptional.

Lazy Morning & Beach Time
The following morning, I woke up early, squeezed in a session at the hotel gym, then walked around the property before it got busy. The gardens, river, and palm trees looked even more peaceful in the early light. Breakfast at C Beach Restaurant was calm and unhurried — yoghurt, avocado toast, tea, and coffee. We lingered over slow conversation, just enjoying the moment. Then we spent time at the beach, reading, listening to music, and relaxing. Pure vacation bliss.

Special Afternoon at Le Château de Bel Ombre & Golden Hour Turning Romantic
For lunch, we visited Le Château de Bel Ombre, an atmospheric chateau (a restored old manor) surrounded by splendid gardens. The fish was cooked to perfection, and the desserts… out of this world. We had planned a Golden Hour dinner overlooking the La Réserve golf course. When we arrived, the setting sun was perfect — golden and warm. But then the weather turned: the wind picked up, and rain threatened. Unlucky timing! Thankfully, the team had a Plan B and moved us to the Club House. Even so, the dinner remained intimate and lovely. The staff were thoughtful, the food delicious, and the ambiance cosy despite the weather. It still felt so romantic and special.

Final Day & Farewell
On our last day, we slowed down. We lingered over a delicious buffet breakfast at Annabella’s, talking and enjoying the morning light — the kind of morning you wish you could stretch out forever. After packing, we had a farewell lunch at Le Palmier, where once again, the local fish was simply perfect. And yes, I couldn’t resist ordering coconut ice cream one more time. Our stay at Heritage Le Telfair was outstanding. The balance of luxury, nature, and peace was just right. The setting — with forested hills, rivers, waterfalls, plantations, and the vast ocean — brings all of Mauritius’s ecosystems together beautifully. The food offered both variety and excellence. Heritage Le Telfair doesn’t just provide a place to stay — it offers a full experience of Mauritius: its history, natural beauty, calm, and indulgence.

The Hotel:

Room tour: