Feeling sluggish and fatigued? Writer Donna Richardson escaped to Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Wellness Resort in Mauritius for a yoga retreat to re-energise and banish the busy-ness blues.
Words and images: Donna Richardson
Far from the chilly shores of England, the captivating island of Mauritius, off the East Coast of Africa, welcomed me with its warm, tropical embrace. The air was filled with the sweet scent of vibrant flowers, their colours vivid against the lush greenery.
A gentle breeze rustled the palm leaves, creating a soothing backdrop that instantly lifted the weight of my worries. Worn down by life’s stresses, I found solace in this paradise, where the breathtaking landscapes and serene sounds of nature rejuvenated my spirit.
First impressions
From the moment I arrived at the resort, I was taken aback by its beauty. Designed in a French and British Colonial style, the property, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, radiates pure class and elegance. In the lobby, I was greeted by my host, who handed me a refreshing drink and a cold towel.
Stepping out onto the veranda, I took in the breathtaking view of the resort, the lazy river winding through it, and the endless expanse of the sea beyond and surrendered myself to the soothing rhythm of island time.
It’s like you stepped back in time in this tropical paradise. I admired the charming gas-lit lamps and Victorian bridges as well as the plantation-style architecture and swinging hammocks strung between the trees, as I meandered around the stunning gardens on my way to my room.
I pinched myself. I was about to spend seven blissful days here and was eager to embark on my yoga journey. As a newcomer to yoga, I looked forward to learning new techniques and embracing the transformative experience that awaited me.
After a long 12- hour overnight flight, I was keen to unwind. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished with antique furniture and the bed was decorated in frangipani petals. There was a writing desk, a walk-in wardrobe, a bathtub, a shower and a WC. The room had a TV and was fully air conditioned with a ceiling fan too.
I quickly unpacked my Wellicious yoga gear, a yoga and activewear brand committed to setting new standards in sustainability and circular fashion, crafted using biodegradable and non-toxic materials that embrace a fully circular model. With timeless designs that shed no harmful microplastics and are free from toxins, which mean it leaves no trace on the fragile ecosystem. I slipped on my Bravissimo swimming costume and stepped out onto my private terrace, where I flopped on the bed and enjoyed a snooze.
The sun’s rays warmed my body. I soon heated up so took a refreshing dip in the pool, sipped on my cool drink, and replenished my energy by nibbling delicious macarons. As soon as I woke up I nourished my body with a breakfast of fresh fruits and vegetables at Annabella’s. I also loved to lounge at lunch at the beachside bar before a lazy afternoon reading a book on a billowing bed by the pool.
That evening, I met my yoga teacher, Tara Lee, a respected teacher who greeted me warmly in the piano bar.
I felt a connection right away; she felt very familiar. I soon realised why as I recognised her from a DVD I’d bought when I was pregnant with my daughter. Tara specialises in postnatal yoga, helping new mothers on their wellness journeys before and after childbirth – what a small world. Her knowledge and comforting presence made me feel reassured and excited to learn from her as I took a well-deserved pamper break, something that all mothers need.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we were entranced by the traditional Sega dance, before us, as the tropical breeze and our cocktails cooled us down. The breathtaking spectacle of the setting sun captured my gaze, and I was mesmerised by the vast equatorial clouds as the sky erupted into a riot of colours.
As night fell, crickets hummed in the trees and the smell of sweet frangipani filled the air. I ran a bath and then relaxed in my huge, comfortable bed that had been turned down. Just hours earlier, it had been decorated with dainty flowers and I could still smell their scent on the pillow as I slipped into a sweet slumber.
The next morning began slowly and with purpose. I wandered around the resort, exploring its lush tropical gardens and stumbled upon the serene Seven Colours wellness spa. I participated in an aqua stretching class led by a skilled practitioner, specifically designed to help loosen my muscles in preparation for my yoga sessions.
It turned out my guide was a reiki master and he guided me through techniques to achieve deeper relaxation. The staff were incredibly friendly, and I appreciated the array of treatments they offered. I even enjoyed a personalised Tai Chi session and a massage that added a peaceful touch to my morning routine. The hotel has a wonderful pool surrounded by billowing day beds and this is where I based myself for the rest of the afternoon.
The hotel was named after Charles Le Telfair, a famous local botanist from Ireland. He came to the island in 1808 and was nominated for the post of Chief Secretary for the Government, and many other high offices. He owned several estates in Mauritius, including one where the hotel was built.
Golf is a major pursuit for the expats and visitors to Mauritius, and the resort has two golf courses: La Reserve, a links course co-designed by Louis Oosthuizen offering panoramic ocean views at every hole; and Le Chateau Golf Course, which features a stunning colonial-style 19th-century Chateau, the perfect scene for the first yoga session.
We were transported in a golf buggy for a brief journey, and I was entranced by the rolling greens and tropical background as well as the enchanting gardens. Stepping on the yoga deck, I was immediately enveloped by a sense of tranquillity. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Tara led us through a series of yoga movements aimed at opening up our bodies and promoting relaxation.
In that incredible setting, I felt completely at ease and genuinely happy – truly feeling blessed before stepping out to the gardens to enjoy a gin and tonic before walking back to the resort for our evening meal. I dined at Annabel’s Gin’ja, enjoying Asian cuisine, and then headed over to the piano bar for a cocktail and then back to my room as it was up early the next morning for more yoga.
The sun’s rays beat down on me as I did a sun salutation and warrior pose, drawing energy from the experience, which set me up for the entire day. I embraced Tara’s teaching and followed her guidance. Then we all enjoyed a delicious and healthy breakfast as we got to know one another, and as I made new friends I discovered that we all shared a passion for wellness and wellbeing.
After the session, it was off to the Bel Ombre nature reserve, a UNESCO biosphere treasure, set within the 6,100-acre estate. This is home to endemic wildlife such as the pink pigeon, monkeys, deer and wild boar who thrive in the lush environment.
We took a jeep through the reserve to a forest clearing where we discovered waterfalls and got up close with the endemic ebony tree and various flora and fauna. It was a magical afternoon and as I stood atop a hilltop and I gazed out at the vast Indian Ocean, a profound sense of peace washed over me.
Food and Drink
After exploring the beautiful surroundings, we returned to the resort, excited for a leisurely lunch at the charming Le Palmier restaurant that overlooked the sparkling beach. It quickly became my favourite spot, where I enjoyed a wonderfully crafted seared tuna salad that was both perfectly seasoned and beautifully presented.
Dining on the beach added to the experience as the staff revealed their lamb tagine pots alongside colourful plates. The resort features an impressive array of 12 dining options. A standout was the gourmet dining at Le Chateau, where each dish felt like a work of art that left a lasting impression on my taste buds.
They also offer a ‘Gourmet Bliss’ dining package that allows you to experience all their exceptional restaurants, creating an unforgettable culinary journey. Another memorable meal was at the neighbouring Awali resort at Boma, where we enjoyed an authentic African feast beside a roaring fire, complete with dancing, singing, and plenty of delicious food and drinks—truly a highlight of the holiday.
I enjoyed the yoga sessions and found relaxing in this beautiful resort and exploring its surroundings rejuvenating. Wellness is certainly a good motivation to visit, and as I arrived in poor health, I definitely nursed myself back to wellness after a dose of vitamin sea, sun and sand. The trip was definitely what the doctor ordered, and I fully recommend a trip.
Trip information
Heritage Le Telfair is a five-star plantation style hotel providing luxury all-suite accommodation. If you’re after a refined escape that combines elegant architecture with fine dining across a sumptuous choice of restaurants and a wellness spa, this is it.
The yoga break was available to clients of the Adults-Only wing, a collection of suites clustered around a U-shaped heated pool, which is served by butlers who bring snacks from The Tiki Bar, special in-room treats. My dedicated Resident Host made sure my room looked lovely at all times.
Rates start from £327/night, for two adults sharing a Deluxe Suite, on a Bed & Breakfast basis in January.
The Wellness Bliss package at Heritage Le Telfair is offered at £570 for a three-night Detox experience, to £1,150 for five nights. The Healthy Weight programme starts at £1,025 for seven nights. Alternatively, the Chakras Balancing and Yoga starts from £360 for three nights, while the Good Health and Better Sleep programme costs £730 for 10 nights. The Mauritian and Traditional Experience is offered to guests of the hotel for seven nights at £570.
Book at https://heritageresorts.mu/hotels-mauritius/le-telfair
Packing list
Given the distance I travelled, I was keen to offset my emissions by choosing ethical clothing, so I opted for brands that made me feel good and were good for the planet
I packed the following:
- VIONIC AW25 TRAINERS with Max cushioning are uniquely balanced with support and stability. Featuring a lightweight midsole rebound technology to enhance walking motion, this was perfect for my personal fitness sessions on the beach and hiking
- Bravissimo Pichola and Seville swimsuits and Swimdress for enjoying the pool
- My Wellicious clothing consisted of a racer tank in Caviar Black, Cropped Tank Top in Caviar Black, Easy Pocket Leggings in Shoreline Blue, Caviar Black, Shoreline Blue and Sea Green leggings and an aqua Control Bra, Wellicious Easy Pocket Leggings Made From Biodegradable Yoga Fabric and a Wellicious Racer Tank in Sunshine Yellow – Eco-Friendly, Breathable & Circular.
- I also used a Pacsafe CX Anti-theft 8 L mini rucksack
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