SALT of Palmar

An adults-only hotel of 59 rooms on the east coast at Palmar, part of the Design Hotels collection. The French designer Camille Walala reworked a 1970s concrete block in flat blocks of colour and geometric pattern, and rooms hold books and radios in place of televisions. The operation is built around local sourcing and low waste: ingredients drawn largely from within about ten kilometres, filtered water instead of bottled, locally made toiletries, and a skill-swap scheme pairing guests with Mauritian potters, cooks and soap-makers for short workshops. Facilities include two restaurants, two bars, a heated pool, a spa with a halotherapy salt room, and watersports on the lagoon.