Spa is a relatively new but highly appreciated word in the vocabulary of Mauritius. Mauritians had traditionally gone to see an Ayurveda therapist, or a Chinese herbalist to soothe their aching bones, and there was always someone in the family who knew how to tackle sore and stiff muscles! But then, a generation of spa employees that were carefully taught the ultimate secrets of their trade while working in the many 5-star hotels around the island, eventually retired and were eager to start their own businesses. Ultimately their businesses thrived, because the island-wide progress had created a new illness, which had never before been an issue: stress. Stress symptoms could be pleasantly relieved in the spa, so business men and women were the first customers of the new generation of spa therapists.

The Spa-bug fully hit the island, when expats and smart travellers who discovered the local blogs, went spa scouting. The Mauritians soon also fully embraced this new trend, as they love to pamper themselves and be spoiled. The treatments offered in the spas of Mauritius are excellent, as many therapists additionally practise healing arts and hence enrich their treatments with exotic essential oils, bamboo sticks, singing bowls, flower elixirs, and ancient techniques like Reiki and Pranic Healing, Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Crystal Therapy or Ayurveda.

So those in need of a holistic treat will find local professionals with great experience and knowledge, veterans of the spa world, offering fine massages and exotic treatments throughout Mauritius. Some even come to their clients’ home or hotel room, such as Wellness 365 and Gem Spa in Quatre Bornes. Others provide services during business hours, like Eurospa in Mahebourg, Rituals Spa in Fond du Sac or OM Spa in Flic en Flac.

Spas are also a new attraction in shopping malls, sprouting like mushrooms all over the island. While visitors of La Croisette may relax at Oleum Spa, those shopping at Bagatelle may have fish gently nibbling their tired footsies at Johaness Spa. At Hot Spring Spa in la Balise Marina, eager customers can relax in a huge bathtub, whilst enjoying the scenery and the ample pool at Les Mariannes Wellness Centre provides great views of the mountains.

Ah and of course there are the myriad of hotel spas, of which there are too many to mention, but can all usually be described with one word: divine! Before booking a hotel, smart travellers should check out the resident spa and browse the available treatments which could greatly enhance the quality of a holiday.