WORDS: DEBBIE LOOTS :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Personal wellbeing became a primary focus during the pandemic. Now a worldwide trend, it’s little wonder home buyers are tempted to invest in neighbouring Mauritius where wellness offerings are as idyllic as the lifestyle
Need a little self-care? Well, there isn’t a better time to start than now, as the old mantra goes. And these days it’s easy – if you live in a contemporary residential development chances are good you don’t have to leave the confines of your property to engage in some health-focused practices.
Gone are the days of home estates’ version of a wellness centre being a gym (with second-rate equipment) that doubles up as a yoga studio, or art gallery when the creative mood strikes the community. Modern developers have caught on to the increasing popularity of the global wellness trend and are including high-end amenities in their estate offerings.
WHAT IS PROPERTY WELLNESS?
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) says it’s “properties that incorporate intentional wellness elements in their design, materials, buildings, amenities, services and/or programming”.
And, the whole world seems to be getting on the bandwagon now – the GWI’s second Wellness Real Estate and Communities Symposium 2023 is happening in America this month, and players in property are getting ready to discover more about “building well” and exploring new investment opportunities. Speakers include top business leaders such as Kathryn Scheckel and Peter Epping and celebrity wellness guru Deepak Chopra.
ALL THAT AND MORE
So, now that we know, where do we go from here? How about Mauritius? Wellness is somehow synonymous with the island. In fact, one can even say Mauritius is a wellness trendsetter. It sold a laid-back lifestyle to politically weary South Africans way back in the 1980s already with images of pristine beaches, azure ocean scapes and palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze. And it was not only all down to clever marketing then – Mauritius has proved itself to be all that and more.
It’s close enough to call home (some expats and swallows will confirm) without being bogged down with all our local concerns, load-shedding for one. What’s more, the Mauritian government makes it super easy to live the idyllic island lifestyle with their enticing residence by investment programmes.
DOWN SOUTH
“Mauritius is not exposed to currency fluctuations once you have purchased. Selling takes place in hard currency such as dollars or euros. The permanent residency is, of course, a big attraction and at $375,000 still accessible to South Africans,” says Pam Golding Properties (Mauritius) consultant Peet Strauss, who should know – he lives in Bel Ombre at Heritage Villas Valriche in the south-west of Mauritius. The south is relatively undeveloped and multiple outdoor activities can be enjoyed in the fresh air here.
A view from a villa terrace at Villas Valriche
“Villas Valriche is a low-density villa-exclusive estate with freehold building plots and sea and mountain views,” he says. “On the premises are two five-star hotels, world-class water sport facilities, 12 restaurants, two magnificent golf courses and a nature reserve with beautiful hikes and cycling.” The estate also has a gym, tennis court, swimming pool and access to the hotel spas – Heritage Le Telfair and Heritage Awali. Prices for the villas start at $1.3m and plots at $367,300.
BUY HERE AND BE WELL
Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort and Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort offer luxury wellness experiences including authentic rituals and massages. The Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort’s spa is inspired by an African village with cabins in lush surroundings. The Wellness Pavilion at Le Telfair also offers the Seven Colours Millesime Collection with a holistic approach to wellness including spa treatments, osteopathic consultations, sports practices and natural cosmetics.
MORE DEVELOPMENTS WITH WELLNESS AT HEART
Harmonie Golf & Beach Estate Villas interior
Harmonie Golf & Beach Estate Villas
Situated on the west coast with views of the golf course, the sea and the Tourelle de Tamarin mountain, these villas are sheltered from the wind and get lots of natural light. The three phases of the Harmonie project will include a clubhouse and an 18-hole golf course.
“Living in the west is unique in that you still have a small town feel but also amazing amenities,” says Timo Geldenhuys, director of Sotheby’s International Realty in Mauritius. “We have an abundance of shopping alternatives, access to amazing healthcare and top restaurants.”
Embracing an outdoor lifestyle for health and wellness is easy here. “As a family, we love exploring,” says Geldenhuys. “We spend a lot of time snorkelling, swimming with dolphins or just boating. There are plenty of off-road mountain bike tracks and the Black River gorge is on our doorstep.” Property prices start at $1.648m.
One of the villas at Énnea Golf Villas, Azuri
Azuri: Énnea Golf Villas
Situated on the north coast, the Azuri Ocean and Golf Village offers peaceful living with urban amenities close by. Here residents can expect lovely views across the golf green where an outdoor gazebo, a swimming pool and a deck are part of the deal. Prices start at $513,695.
Take your pick from the various wellness treatments, including traditional massages and specialised body treatments all offered in beautiful tranquil surroundings. For those who prefer a bit more of a workout, membership to the world-class nine-hole signature par 3 golf course and access to all the Azuri resort facilities and sports clubs are also included.
The exclusive La Casa de Papel
Anahita, La Casa de Papel
Situated in the Hedonia neighbourhood of the exclusive Anahita resort on the east coast is La Casa de Papel, a luxury property with an open terrace offering vistas over the mountains and golf fairways.
For your wellness fix go to Anahita Spa by Thémaé Paris. Thémaé means “Japanese tea ceremony” and treatments are based on the many benefits of tea, be it through a ceremony or a special tea facial. Golf on one of the 18-hole courses or a workout in the fitness centre are more wellness options. Priced at $4.645m.
