Leading UK health and beauty writer (and editor of Shine!) Collette Walsh visited the magical Heritage Le Telfair Spa and Golf Resort in Mauritius and found possibly the best luxury wellness programme she has ever experienced. Here, she shares her account of Heritage Le Telfair’s Spa experience and why the facilities and incredible service at the resort have warranted our annual ‘Shine Magazine Spa of the Year’ 2018 accolade.

As a trained holistic therapist of over 17 years, as well as time-served health and lifestyle writer, I am pretty discerning when it comes to even luxury ‘wellness packages’. However, on arriving at the incredibly beautiful Le Telfair Spa Resort on the truly stunning island of Mauritius, I knew that this was going to be an experience to remember and for all the right reasons.

The wellness team have clearly studied what treatments and approaches bring the most therapeutic results and absolutely every element of their programmes is bespoke. Following a consultation with their Wellness Experience Coordinator & Osteopath, Matthieu Gossart.

Now, it must be stated that I am a touch cynical about these consultations at spas – often it is just a matter of asking about skin types and if one has any illnesses, but at Le Telfair’s spa, the consultation was on another level! Every element of my life – stress, family, my health history and so on, were looked at and with tremendous compassion and intuition from Mattieu and his team. I felt like I had just had 10 years’ of top therapy in under an hour!

A gentle and nurturing prescription of treatments were coordinated and a bespoke wellness program built around my personality and energy strengths and weaknesses. The traditional Mauritian approach is celebrated here with one’s chakras and energy treated with great respect. It was actually a very nurturing, comforting and safe experience.

Among the treatments recommended for me was signature ‘Seven Colours’ (aligned to each chakra) healing system that entailed such wonderful delights such as a therapeutic walk in the tropical gardens and forrest! If only my GP (doctor) in the UK would give out such prescriptions…

In keeping with the holistic approach of the wellness centre, all the food and drinks were carefully designed to bring balance and to promote health and zest. As if this place couldn’t get any better, the resort – one of the best luxury resorts in the world – also offers daily sunset yoga. I was in health heaven! I love yoga but the teacher they had while I was there, was just in a class other own (Le Telfair clearly only select the best of everything) – so we had Karine Kleb, one of the best yoga instructors in the world! Her patience and insight was fabulous – I don’t think I have enjoyed yoga like it before – of course the beautiful views helped.

The combination of the art of eco-therapy and natural body wisdom of all the wonderful staff made the programme provided by the Wellness Centre ideal in finding a sense of inner balance and a wonderful sense of peace.

Here are the top four nature experiences available to bring out the inner zen with a stay at Heritage Resorts including the stunning Le Telfair…

The Shinrin Yoku Experience

More commonly known as ‘Forest Bathing’, the Shinrin Yoku is a blissfully therapeutic experience that allows guests to soak up the sights, the sounds and the scents of the luxuriant forest. Taking place in the serene surrounds of the 2,500-hectacre Heritage Nature Reserve, guests will be guided by a Reiki Master who will gently lead the way on this mesmeric journey.

By walking barefoot along some of the trails on this experience, guests will feel deeply grounded, with soft birdsong as a mindful soundtrack.

Slow and meditative, the experience aims to encourage a peace of mind by reconnecting through nature under the shaded canopies, whilst appreciating the warm tropical breeze.

The effects of this experience are restorative and rejuvenating, and guests should feel invigorated with a deeper, more peaceful night’s sleep to follow.

The Nature Wellness Walk Experience

This is an experience that offers the group the opportunity to explore the forest, learn about the 200-year-old history of the Heritage Bel Ombre Estate and its ongoing conservation projects, as well as the grounds’ exceptional biodiversity.

Guests will see the forest in a new perspective, as a knowledgeable guide points out the rare flora and fauna and wildlife along the way, in addition to stopping at several magnificent viewpoints.

For a wholly mindful experience, gentle stretching and breathing exercises will also be incorporated on the nature and wellness walk.

The Nature Trek Experience

 An all-encompassing holistic experience, the Nature Treks are a cleanse of the body and the mind, focusing on every part of a guest’s being.

There are three trek options: gentle, intermediate or vigorous. Whether a gentle roam, an active walk or even a hearty run through the Heritage Nature Reserve, guests can take pleasure in the views as they pass through undulating hills, flourishing landscapes and widespread forest with dazzling sights out to the cerulean Indian Ocean.

The Active Sea Walk Session

The depths of the forest are replaced by the healing powers of the ocean with the Active Sea Walk Session.

At close proximity to Heritage Le Telfair and Heritage Awali Resorts, guests on this experience can soak in the valuable properties of the saltwater. Whilst walking in the sea the flow of the current will aid in muscle toning, as well as detoxification of the body, whilst revitalising metabolism and improving circulation.

The sea air will clear out the lungs, and the combination of sunlight and water soothe the senses, as well as the soul.

*Prices vary. All wellness and nature experiences can be booked through: resa@heritageresorts.mu

To find out more and to book go to: www.heritageresorts.mu