Sun-soaked beaches and glorious landscapes drenched in endless shades of green await revellers looking to visit the stunning Indian Ocean this holiday season. Even as the mercury dips over the northern hemisphere, just across the equator Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita appears even more radiant this time of year as long summer days and brilliant blue skies allow for a full schedule of entertainment.
Martin Dell, General Manager, says that the focus is very much on creating a distinctly Mauritian atmosphere, “Family time and vibrant celebration are the cornerstone of a truly local experience,” he suggests. “There’s no better place to experience the warm hospitality that comes from a confluence of cultures and traditions that Mauritius is renowned for.” Beginning with a tree-lighting ceremony (December 21, 2024), the spirit revs up all the way through the New Year, winding down only after another feast to mark the Orthodox Christmas (January 7, 2025). Adding a little touch of elegance to the proceedings this year, the Resort embraces its Kreol heritage with special Morisien-inspired overtures at every venue and occasion.
Beyond Luxury
Families can plan to stay longer at the Resort’s multi-bedroom Private Retreats with up to five-bedroom villas fitted with a lavish heated swimming pool, multiple living spaces, fully equipped kitchens, villa hosts and even customised dining. “For the ultimate foodie, the Resort’s Stay and Dine offer is curated to ensure that every family meal is a memorable treat,” smiles Executive Chef Olivier Barré, who has lined up the ultimate dining experience for the year-end celebration.
Dine Together
A little taste of all things Creole will be up for a taste challenge this Christmas as the Resort’s chefs double down on the local flavours and tropical ingredients on the menus. The Christmas Eve Dinner promises to be a spectacular offering with live food stations and traditional Christmas classics laid out buffet-style at Bambou. Headlining the menu at this banquet will be a selection of the freshest seafood from across the region, including Red Emperor snapper from Seychelles, wild Camaron (freshwater shrimp), and Rova Caviar from Madagascar. “Representing the essence of these Vanilla Islands, the desserts and pastries section will be especially. decadent, with more than a hint of exotic local spices and seasonal fruit,” confirms Olivier. At Acquapazza, Chef Roberto Macigno hosts a five-course set menu dinner of traditional Italian home-style recipes from Roberto’s nonna, giving them a Creole twist using locally and regionally sourced ingredients. “Whether in Mauritius or in Italy, we believe that a family that eats together, stays together,” gushes this maverick chef.
Countdown to 2025
If the Christmas celebrations sound effervescent, then things only get even more bubbly before the Banané night at Bambou gets underway. Premium Mauritian rums and international spirits are transformed into heady, Creole concoctions by the Resort’s expert bar hands, as Sega dancers and live musicians get things grooving. “The mood is festive, and the food is indulgent, with an oyster bar, caviar station featuring Madagascar’s finest caviar and a special tropical mango-infused foie gras terrine,” hints Olivier. Besides the dancing and fireworks on the beach, Acquapazza creates an intimate New Year’s Eve affair, with a creative Creole five-course dinner accompanied by a lively Creole instrumental trio.
Creole Concepts
The essential down-to-earth, island vibe resonates across the Resort and guests can look forward to an easy, relaxed vacation away from the city rush. A bazaar-style Local Market Lunch, with stalls serving local snacks and beverages on the beach, is anticipated to bring just the right amount of island flair to this celebration. “The beauty of island food is its simplicity, and here in Mauritius we have an eclectic mix of African, Indian, French, and even Chinese influences that you can taste on the streets,” says Olivier. Look to sample some of his favourite local Flacq market gajak such as gato pima and dholl puri served with a variety of spicy achards (relishes) and washed down with some tropical cut-fruit and freshly pressed sugarcane juice. At Lazy Fish, fresh-caught seafood sizzles at the hands of the local grill-masters, with Mauritian lagoon lobsters and spiced rum flambéd bananas to tease the taste buds as moutya (a Creole bonfire dance from the Mascarene region) dancers sway to the crackle of the flames. Offering fantastic insight into how complex Creole flavours can be quickly conjured up, the Kwi Kreol cooking class is a journey on the curry trail challenge where teams of guests compete to create some local Creole dishes.
Kids For All Seasons
Families will appreciate the efforts taken to initiate the young’uns with Creole culture through a fun infused itinerary of activities. The Hobbit Village Kid’s Club with its daily schedule of tailored Creole activities make sure kids are having the Mauritian adventure of their lives. “From sessions of anou koz kreol where the kids will learn to spell and pronounce words the Creole way, to games of coukasiette (hide and seek) and la marelle (hopscotch the local way), every activity has a little Morisien twinkle to it,” smiles Director of Rooms Armelle Duval, who along with her concierge team has curated the top destination experiences for guests. “Sports enthusiasts can look forward to two signature golf courses, including the spectacular Bernhard Langer-designed course situated on Ile aux Cerfs. This gorgeous little island across the lagoon with its pristine white sand beach and turquoise blue water is a favourite spot for a beach picnic and some watersports extracurriculars,” she tips.
One with Nature
The lead up to the new year also represents an opportunity for guests to invest in their personal wellbeing, and a visit to the Resort’s stunning, over-water spa can be a transformative experience. “The Nous Zil (Our Island) Ritual is especially nourishing, with its nativesugarcane-based scrub, moringa extract wrap, and virgin coconut oil body massage bringing the
finest of local Mauritian goodness to the fore,” shares Joelle Jennepy, Senior Director of Spa. With lavish holiday menus and special local touches, guests can look forward to those cherished family celebrations and creating lasting memories together this holiday season.
To enjoy the Creole festival of colours and flavours this holiday season, reserve a stay by calling +230 402 3100 or emailing res.mauritius@fourseasons.com.
