Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius, will re-open on October 19 following an extensive redesign by interior and architect designers The Odd Duck, which enhanced every facet of the resort, from its 185 guestrooms and suites to its renowned restaurants and bars.

Inspired by nature and culture, Shangri-La Le Touessrok blends contemporary beach design that celebrates the Mauritius’s rich cultural. Drawing inspiration from the island’s natural beauty, a light, sandy beige colour palette is used throughout the rooms and suites, bringing subtle floral and fauna motifs to life.

The design also honours local craftsmanship, featuring sculptural pieces and accessories inspired by traditional Mauritian weaving techniques.

Each room tells a unique story through thoughtful touches, from elegant rattan furnishings, to black-and- white photography that captures the island’s cultural heritage through playful interpretations of traditional scenes, a statement said.

The guestrooms are categorised into three distinct wings: Hibiscus, Coral and Frangipani, each named to reflect the island's native flora. Soft floral-inspired asymmetrical pendants and sconces, along with Sisal rugs in gradient tones subtly differentiate each room category while grounding the design in the local landscape.

New Beach Suites

Ten new Hibiscus one-bedroom beachfront suites feature a spacious living room, complete with a dining table and a comfortable sofa bed for extra guests.

In the bedroom, a second minibar can be found in a large wardrobe characterized by intricate carvings in the wood, while local artwork inspired by Mauritius’s natural landscape in neutral tones adorn the walls and create a sense of place.

The bathroom is accessible from the living room, allowing for ample privacy in the master bedroom. All beach suites are connected if an additional room is required for families and guests travelling in large groups. 

A New Dining Era

Shangri-La Le Touessrok unveils five freshly renovated restaurants, elevating its culinary and dining experience to new heights. This includes two brand new restaurants —TSK (Touessrok, Soul Kitchen) and Coco’s. Along with enhancements to three existing outlets (Kushi, Safran, and Sega).

The heart and soul of the resort, restaurant TSK echoes the layout of a Mauritian home with a lively kitchen, refined dining room, light filled conservatory and a library.

An indoor dining area opens out onto an alfresco outdoor terrace adorned with lush tropical potted plants. Travertine effect porcelain tiles adorn the floors. The delicately detailed rattan and wood chairs, plush, patterned banquettes and contemporary wicker dining chairs invite guests to relax as if they were at home.

Black and white patterned mosaic flooring at the conservatory is contrasted by the lush lime coloured greenery of the potted plants.

The botanical library is the quieter and cozier nook of the bustling and active space, where guests will find a variety of comfortable seating options, beautiful art, and ornaments celebrating the flora and fauna of Mauritius.

The Mauritian Beach House

Coco’s, named after the Mauritian term for coconut, stands on the very spot where Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok story began 45 years ago. It’s a laid-back beach restaurant with breathtaking panoramic views of Hibiscus Beach and lagoon.

Located directly on the shore, it features a bar and lounge section, two covered dining areas, as well as open-air dining on decks and terraces.

Coco's is home to indigenous art pieces that tell the story of the island’s rich cultural background. The design inspiration combines French Riviera elegance and colonial architecture with the tropical vibrancy of Mauritius, featuring elements like sugarcane fields, local rums, lush greenery, coral tones, and the serene blues of the ocean.

Featuring layers of shells shaped by the ocean, the eye-catching chandelier centrepiece embodies a blend of luxury and natural beauty that perfectly complements the restaurant's coastal aesthetic.

A selection of eclectic furniture and lighting pieces enrich the space including Moroso Shadowy chairs, Paola lenti poufs, Dodo tassel lamps from House of Hackney, and layered fabrics from Elitis, Pierre Frey, and Perennials.

A Love Letter to India

As a poetic ode to the rich tapestry of Indian culture, Safran artfully blends South Indian elegance with British colonial flair.

The space is designed to immerse guests in an intimate culinary journey, surrounded by the beauty of Indian artisanal décor and carefully curated lighting that accentuates each delicate detail.

At the fiery heart of Safran are the tandoor ovens, where guests can watch chefs prepare an array of tandoori delicacies and freshly baked naans that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate.

The use of traditional Indian craftsmanship in the décor is inspired by Indian jewellery and includes block-printed artisanal patterns on the radial flooring and delicate saree fringes in the joinery.

Another iconic feature within the space are three oversized brass patina hoods which have been custom designed in intricate Indian motifs as an ode to the master metal smiths in Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, a careful selection of furniture made using solid wood and featuring natural stones, rattan detailing, and beautiful metal carvings both contrast and complement each other to bring the spirit of India to life.

A Japanese Hideaway

Hidden within the folds of Shangri-La's Le Touessrok lies Kushi, a secluded haven where the delicate wonders of Japanese cuisine is both honoured and elevated.

Inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, a golden shimmering tailormade wallcovering encompasses the sushi counter and pathway to the Teppan room, while an impressive 6-metre-long custom mosaic wall in blue sapphire and gold onyx forms the backdrop to the Teppan counter.

Pencil herringbone in Dandong green marble adorns the floors and artistic pendants attached to a tinted mirrored ceiling come together to create a harmonious and sophisticated atmosphere.

The interiors have been thoughtfully redesigned to include a comfortable seated sushi counter, enabling guests to engage directly with the chefs, creating a more intimate and personal dining experience.

The Island’s Living Room

Inspired by the concept of a living room, Sega Bar features a custom designed bar with soft arches and a rich green Elitis wallcovering, while an assortment of plush lounge chairs and inviting sofas, create a cosy and comfortable setting.

The traditional thatched roof, soft and moody lighting and lush greenery create a tropical yet sophisticated atmosphere that pays homage to the Mauritian lifestyle.

An eclectic mix of nostalgic artifacts and accessories showcase the island’s rich history in a personable way, such as a custom designed chess and backgammon table in stained teak wood, and hand-woven rugs that anchor the space.

Harmony With Nature and Sustainability

In keeping with Shangri-La’s commitment to protecting the environment, Shangri-La Le Touessrok’s renovation incorporates sustainable practices to preserve the island’s natural beauty for future generations.

Asmaa Said, lead designer for the project from The Odd Duck, said: “It’s easy to find inspiration everywhere in scenic Mauritius, however working on this iconic property has been an inspiration in itself. Shangri-La Le Touessrok has such a rich history and a unique soul that was important for us to preserve whilst reimagining its new look.

“It has been a true labour of love for us to work on this beautiful project and be a part of the resort’s ongoing legacy.” – TradeArabia News Service