Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, a 5-star all-inclusive eco-focused sanctuary on Mauritius's unspoilt south-west coast, offers a newly renovated spa, access to a 3,200-acre nature reserve, and a range of dining options. The resort is located in the Domaine de Bel Ombre, a former sugar cane estate transformed into eco-conscious luxury resorts with golf courses and spas.
An Eco-Conscious Island Escape
Mauritius, an island nation off the coast of Africa east of Madagascar, is a coral reef-ringed destination that hasn't experienced a volcanic eruption in 700,000 years. The island features a central plateau, jagged basalt peaks, and white-sand beaches. The south-west coast, where Heritage Awali is located, benefits from gentle trade winds that diffuse the heat.
The island is culturally diverse, with Hinduism as the dominant religion and ornate Hindu temples. Mauritians are multi-lingual, speaking English, French, Mauritian Creole, and Hindi. The sugar industry, once the backbone of the economy, brought contract labourers from India, contributing to the cultural mix.
Accommodation and Amenities
The Deluxe Seaview Suite at Heritage Awali features air conditioning, a ceiling fan, flat-screen TV, bathtub, rainfall shower, and views of the ocean lagoon. The contemporary African-inspired style blends sleek wooden furniture with natural textures in neutral tones. The resort has three swimming pools, including an adults-only pool, plus beach access.
The Heritage Spa, newly renovated, offers treatments in thatched cottages designed in traditional Mauritian style with reed roofs providing natural insulation. Facilities include a bridal room and private couple kiosks. A 45-minute back massage is part of the package, with options for 'strong' massage to ease work tension.
Dining and Local Attractions
All-inclusive guests can dine at the Savana buffet or on-site restaurants. Other Bel Ombre venues, including sister resort Heritage Le Telfair, Le Chateau, and Heritage Golf Club, offer additional options within the menu credit allowance. Breakfast at Savana includes freshly-prepared pancakes with maple syrup and coconut, while Le Palmier serves shrimp skewer with green papaya and pineapple salsa. Dinner at Infinity Blue features 'Catch of the Day' dorado steamed with lemongrass, garlic, and lemon butter sauce.
Le Chateau de Bel Ombre, a short shuttle ride away, is an original 1810 plantation house with period furniture and a formal French garden. The Bel Ombre Nature Reserve is popular for hiking, 4x4 safaris, and quad bike rides. The Place du Moulin cultural hub houses the World of Seashells Museum with Africa's largest collection of marine specimens.
Eco-Initiatives and Conservation
The Heritage Marine Education Centre focuses on preserving the Mauritian marine ecosystem. A local coral restoration project is overseen by the Ministry of Blue Economy in collaboration with local fishermen, using thermally tolerant corals as a climate change adaptation strategy. The 2020 MV Wakashio oil spill affected mangrove wetlands, and rising sea temperatures have caused coral bleaching.
In the Black River Gorges-Bel Ombre Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO designated zone, eco-initiatives focus on endemic species recovery. Endangered Black Ebony trees are regenerating, pink pigeons are returning, and the echo parakeet is thriving. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise has been introduced as an ecological replacement for native tortoises.
Rates at Heritage Awali start from £346 per room per night in a Deluxe Seaview Suite in September 2026. The all-inclusive stay includes access to the 18-hole Le Chateau Golf Course (from May to October), meals, drinks, land sports, evening entertainment, and one spa treatment per person.
