Spas in Mauritius

A holiday in Mauritius, with its long sandy beaches, verdant volcanic mountains, endless sugar cane fields and tropical climate, is perfect for escaping your daily routine and recharging for the next few months.

A visit to a spa is therefore worth considering: body, mind and spirit are cared for equally, and in this unique environment it is easier to leave everyday cares and obligations behind.

House of Traditional Balinese Massage, Arsenal

It all began when some visitors from Asia came to Mauritius on holiday. After a long walk on the beach, a visit to a wellness centre is a must, and at that moment a big wish arose: to bring a little bit of Asian relaxation culture to this beautiful island.

The House of Traditional Balinese Massage opened on 25 October 2010 and has since brought a piece of Asian tradition to Arsenal.

At the entrance there is a shop with many Asian gifts and spa products. Once you pass this foyer, you step into the world of Asian massage. First you come to a massage room for families with four massage beds, where a whole family can shake off its stress at the same time. On the first floor there are five more rooms for single and couple massages. In total there are fifteen massage beds and five deck chairs for foot reflexology, which is enough space to satisfy nearly every wish. It is still better to book in advance, so that nothing can get in the way of your moment of relaxation.

The house has a very special feature: it is equipped only with products from Bali. The decoration, the music and the staff come from Asia as well, so inside the building guests experience Asia by listening, watching and feeling the atmosphere.

Another outstanding feature is that only organic oils are used, which makes this place unique. I was glad to try a traditional Balinese massage and traditional foot reflexology here. During the long, relaxing time on the bed you can feel the pressure of the hands entering your body and removing everything that is not good for your health.

The treatments include traditional Balinese body massages, lymphatic drainage, pre- and post-natal massages, head, shoulder and hand massages, foot reflexology, body scrubs and ginger wraps. Please ask the spa for the current prices.

House of Traditional Balinese Massage
Brijmohun Building, Royal Road, Arsenal, Mauritius
Phone: +230 248 0379
Opening hours: daily 9 am to 8 pm
Google Maps: House of Traditional Balinese Massage

Luscious Spa, Grand Baie

Luscious Spa offers personal treatments in a calm, zen-like atmosphere. Its therapists give relaxing, Indian, deep tissue, hot stone and sports massages, as well as massages for pregnant women and for children, and there are also body scrubs, facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures. The spa has two salons, one in Grand Baie and one at Haute Rive in the district of Rivière du Rempart. Both are open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm and on Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm. The price list is on the spa’s website: a 60-minute relaxing massage costs Rs 1,400 and a 60-minute reflexology session Rs 1,200.

Luscious Spa
Sottise Road, Grand Baie
Phone / WhatsApp: +230 5786 7578
Second salon: Royal Road, Haute Rive, Rivière du Rempart
Phone / WhatsApp: +230 5775 8168
Website: luscious-spa.com
Google Maps: Luscious Spa, Grand Baie
Google Maps (second salon): Luscious Spa, Haute Rive

Grand Baie Gym and Hydro Spa

An independent spa is located between Grand Baie and Pointe aux Cannoniers. It is known for its highly qualified and experienced staff, who speak English and French, its modern, professional equipment and its variety of treatments.

A well-equipped gym, a hydro spa and a café in a tranquil garden are all part of the Grand Baie Gym experience.

Gym

In the gym you can do cardio or weight training on Technogym and Panatta equipment and free weights, join spinning and circuit classes in the indoor studio, or train in the outdoor crossfit and functional training area. There are also dance classes for children, and a personal trainer can be booked.

The gym also has a 25-metre pool surrounded by a tropical garden, with aqua aerobics for adults and swimming lessons for children. There is also a sauna.

Hydro spa

Water has a remarkable power to heal, stimulate and rejuvenate. The spa specialises in water treatments, but it also offers a wide range of traditional spa treatments.

For a perfect start or finish to your workout, take some time for yourself in the hydrotherapy spa and relax your muscles with a massage or a beauty treatment. Gym members get special rates at the hydro spa.

The treatments include:

• Hydrotherapy: affusion massage (a water-jet massage) and balneotherapy (a private jet-bath massage)
• A signature massage with hot oil that lasts two hours, and other massages
• Facials with Thalion, a marine cosmetic line from Brittany in France
• Deluxe manicures and pedicures (one hour), also semi-permanent (shellac)
• Slimming treatments combining detox, drainage, fat burning and cellulite removal, with a health coach for advice on diet
• A hair salon

Relaxation area

After or between your treatments, you can relax in the quiet garden.

Café

Refuel after a hard workout in the quaint café in the tranquil garden. The food is simple, healthy, homemade and tasty: fresh fruit juices, smoothies and protein shakes, power breakfasts, salads, wraps and sandwiches, with gluten-free and paleo options, and Lavazza coffee with muffins and cakes made daily. Takeaway is available.

Grand Baie Gym & Hydro Spa
X Club Road, Pointe aux Cannoniers, Grand Baie – Mauritius
Phone: +230 263 9290
Email: grandbaiegym@live.com
Website: grandbaiegymandspa.com
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 6 am to 8 pm, Saturday 7.30 am to 7.30 pm, Sunday 9 am to 1 pm
Google Maps: Grand Baie Gym & Hydro Spa

Ayurveda, the “science of life”

In Sanskrit, the word ayurveda consists of āyus, meaning “longevity”, and veda, meaning “related to knowledge” or “science”. Ayurveda has evolved throughout its history and remains an influential system of medicine. The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India. The Suśruta Saṃhitā and the Charaka Saṃhitā were influential works on traditional medicine in this era. Over the following centuries, Ayurvedic practitioners also identified a number of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for curing various ailments and diseases.

Ayurveda is considered to be a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the Western world, where several of its methods, such as herbs, massage and yoga, are used on their own as a form of CAM treatment.

External oil applications are widespread in Ayurveda. According to Ayurvedic ideas, they help to draw toxic substances out of the skin or mucous membranes. As wellness applications, they bring pleasant sensations, a soothing effect on the skin and a general relaxation response.

In Europe, Ayurvedic massages are in vogue, and the prices are very high. So consider trying an original Ayurvedic massage during your stay in Mauritius. There is a wide range of spas here; two Ayurveda spas are presented below.

Benefits of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that aims to work in harmony with the human body and to help it restore and maintain health. Ayurvedic spas describe the benefits of their treatments, therapies and massages like this; they are traditional claims rather than medical proof, and a massage is no substitute for a doctor:

• Supports good health through prevention
• Diminishes stress, tension and anxiety levels
• Eases long-standing complaints
• Is said to promote longevity and a focused mind
• Boosts the feeling of well-being
• Improves blood circulation
• Improves beauty

Kairali Ayurvedic Spa, Phoenix

History

Mr and Mrs Ramesh opened their first Kairali centre in Delhi in 1989. Mr Ramesh comes from a family of Ayurvedic physicians that goes back a long way. The company has since grown into a franchise and is expanding worldwide.

National Geographic Traveler ranked the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort in India among the top 10 in Asia and among the 50 best worldwide.

Kairali Mauritius

The pace of life is increasing everywhere in the world, including Mauritius, so it has become very important for Mauritians to look after their body balance and stay healthy. Kairali Mauritius is a place to find peace and relaxation and to restore your health.

Atmosphere

All new visitors consult an in-house Ayurvedic doctor for a health check and to tell the doctor about any previous illnesses, allergies and so on.

The Ayurvedic treatment rooms in the spa are traditionally furnished, and every room has its own shower and toilet for privacy.

A few things to know before your visit:

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment for check-in, so that your treatment is not shortened.
• A 50% deposit is required to confirm the booking.
• Please switch off your mobile phone in the spa, to ensure peace and tranquillity for all guests.
• For cancellations, please contact the spa at least three hours before the appointment, otherwise a fee of 50% is payable.
• Cash, cheques, debit and credit cards (Visa / MasterCard) are accepted.
• Most treatments are normally carried out without clothes, but you can wear whatever is comfortable for you.

Please tell the spa’s doctor before booking your treatments if you have high blood pressure, allergies, other physical ailments or disabilities, or if you are pregnant. We recommend not drinking alcohol before, during or immediately after treatment.

The spa is open every day: on Mondays from 12 noon to 8 pm, from Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 8 pm and at weekends and on public holidays from 9 am to 5 pm. Parking is available directly at the spa.

Treatments

Each visitor is asked which room temperature, light intensity and massage pressure they prefer.

The therapists, who are trained in Kerala (India), pamper customers with wonderful treatments and applications, followed by a period of relaxation with a warm herbal tea. In summer you can also relax in the Zen garden in front of the spa and listen to the sound of the water. The therapists speak only English. There are both male and female therapists, as many women prefer to be massaged only by women.

The emphasis is on relaxation and recreation, with many different massages, facials, beauty treatments and other specialised treatments to support weight loss and body toning. Meditation and yoga are also offered for the complete healing of body, mind and soul.

The Ayurvedic treatments aim to promote a good basic constitution and to remove imbalances so that the body returns to a state of healthy balance. They use herbal remedies, especially Ayurvedic massage oils made with herbs, and nutritional advice is given when required.

Some treatments are performed by two therapists at the same time, known as four-hand synchronised massages. This massage technique is traditionally said to help with sleep problems, stiff joints and low energy.

There are also several packages with treatments over several days.

Kairali Spa
8, Remy Ollier Street, Vacoas-Phoenix, Mauritius
Phone: +230 5257 1440
Email: info@kairali.mu
Website: kairali.mu
Google Maps: Kairali Ayurvedic Spa

Shantigiri Ayurveda Spa, Grand Baie

The Shantigiri Ayurveda Spa is an insider tip in Grand Baie. It is run by a couple who were both trained in India, and you will immediately feel welcome in its warm, familiar atmosphere.

There are no separate prices for locals and tourists, as you will find in most other spas. The prices are very low, but you get very good value for money.

Because the spa is very small and personal, you should consider contacting the owner before your holiday. If you wish, they can put together a special programme for your stay in Mauritius.

Both speak English, French, Hindi and Creole. They have many years of experience and are always improving their knowledge, extending their range of treatments and expanding their skills, not least because Ayurveda puts a lot of emphasis on the development of knowledge.

There are two small treatment rooms, one for single or partner massages and a second for Ayurvedic treatments. A shower and toilet are also available.

There are two main types of treatment: wellness and relaxation treatments, which are divided into traditional Indian massages and traditional world massages, and therapies aimed specifically at supporting health.

Pregnant women get special massages, for which the ingredients of the oil are changed or left out completely. Heart patients and people with back problems or water-retention or circulation problems can also choose a specific therapy.

I tested a back massage myself and I am still very impressed. It is a very different kind of massage from the ones I know from Europe. All the senses are involved: the light is dimmed, you smell the aromas and hear the music, and the interior and even the green walls help you escape into a world of silence, peace and calm. Just harmony!

After the massage you feel reborn and full of new energy.

Treatments and prices

Traditional Indian massages and Ayurvedic treatments cost between Rs 800 and Rs 1,500, according to the spa. They include:

• Indian massage, abhyangam and marma therapy massage (1 hour each)
• Indian head massage, Indian barber head massage and Indian back massage (30 minutes each)
• Reflexology, pizhichil, kizhi herbal therapy, shirodhara, urovasti chest therapy and kati vasti back therapy (40 to 60 minutes each)
• Herbal body scrub (30 minutes)

The world classic massages include hot stone therapy, soft touch aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, sport massage, fruit wrap and after sunburn wrap. There are also packages of two to three hours, for example “Nirvana” (abhyangam, reflexology and Indian massage) or “Shanti” (herbal body scrub, Indian massage and shirodhara).

Shantigiri Ayurveda Spa
Suryamukhi Road (in front of the Labour Office), Grand Baie
Phone: +230 5290 2161
Email: shantigiriayurveda@yahoo.com
Website: shantigiriayurvedaspa.com
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, Wednesday 8.30 am to 6 pm, Thursday 9 am to 6.30 pm, Sunday 9 am to 12 noon
Google Maps: Shantigiri Ayurveda Spa