As autumn settles across Europe, summer takes up residence in the Indian Ocean. What if the half-term holidays were the perfect opportunity to extend summer in Mauritius?
In October and November, as the days grow shorter and the first chill sets in across the UK, the south-west of Mauritius offers a luminous escape, where turquoise lagoons, tropical nature and a gentle pace of life come together. For families and couples alike, the half-term holidays are the perfect opportunity to change scenery and rediscover the simple pleasures of days spent outdoors, swimming in warm waters and watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
At the heart of the Bel Ombre estate, Heritage Resorts & Golf invites guests to discover this unspoilt part of the island through three distinctive addresses: Heritage Awali Golf, Heritage Le Telfair and Heritage The Villas. Three settings, three ways of experiencing Bel Ombre, united by the same philosophy: a distinctly Mauritian art of living, deeply rooted in nature, wellbeing, gastronomy and togetherness.
Bel Ombre: Mauritius at its most natural
On the south-west coast of Mauritius, Bel Ombre reveals a wilder, more authentic side of the island. Here, lush green mountains appear to tumble towards the lagoon, whilst tropical forest and protected landscapes create a spectacular natural setting.
The Bel Ombre estate offers an exceptional playground for travellers looking to combine relaxation and discovery. Snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, catamaran cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking or excursions into the nature reserve: every day can unfold at its own pace.
Golf also plays a central role in the Heritage experience, with two exceptional courses, Le Château Golf Course and La Réserve Golf Links, offering a unique way to discover the landscapes of Bel Ombre.
Yet the charm of the south-west also lies in its ability to encourage guests to slow down. To linger over lunch overlooking the lagoon, indulge in a spa treatment or take an evening stroll as the sun sets. It is precisely this combination of nature, understated elegance and tropical art de vivre that makes Bel Ombre such an appealing destination for the half-term holidays.
Heritage Le Telfair: a haven of wellbeing and understated elegance
With architecture inspired by Mauritius’ historic colonial residences, Heritage Le Telfair embodies understated elegance in a spectacular setting where nature takes centre stage.
The resort is particularly suited to stays centred around reconnection and wellbeing. Its adults-only wing, with spacious suites, a dedicated pool and direct access to the beach, offers a more intimate setting for couples looking to truly switch off.
The Heritage Spa & Wellness, a 2,500 m² sanctuary, extends this philosophy. Inspired by the natural resources of Bel Ombre, it combines treatments using local ingredients with rituals drawing on African, Indian and Chinese traditions. Here, wellbeing goes far beyond a few hours of relaxation: it is approached as a holistic experience encompassing treatments, movement and reconnection with nature.
And because Mauritian wellbeing also begins at the table, Le Telfair offers a collection of restaurants, each with its own distinctive personality. Annabella’s celebrates generous brasserie-style cuisine in a lively setting, with an open kitchen; Gin’Ja, set directly beside the lagoon, serves pan-Asian cuisine with the sand just a few steps away; whilst Le Palmier showcases the finest flavours of the sea in a beachfront setting.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, C Beach Club combines music, cuisine and signature cocktails overlooking the lagoon. As evening falls, Cavendish Bar & Lounge, tucked away in the gardens, provides an elegant setting in which to linger over a classic cocktail.
Guests can also enjoy the other restaurants across the estate, including Château de Bel Ombre, a gastronomic dining destination set within a historic setting, as well as the clubhouses of both golf courses.
Heritage Awali: make the most of every moment
More vibrant and spontaneous, Heritage Awali celebrates the Mauritian way of life through its African influences, tropical surroundings and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
For the half-term holidays, the resort is particularly well suited to families and groups looking to fill their days with experiences. Days unfold according to individual desires: swimming in the lagoon, snorkelling, catamaran sailing, kayaking or paddleboarding for ocean lovers; hiking and adventures in the Bel Ombre nature reserve for those keen to explore the island’s landscapes.
Golf and the spa offer another way to enjoy the stay, striking the perfect balance between activity and relaxation.
Heritage Awali also takes on a special dimension when it comes to celebrating life’s biggest moments. Overlooking the lagoon, with bare feet in the sand or amidst the gardens of Château de Bel Ombre, the resort can create bespoke weddings designed around each couple. An intimate ceremony by the ocean, dinner beneath the stars or a celebration surrounded by loved ones: every occasion becomes a truly Mauritian experience.
Heritage The Villas: the intimacy of a private home
For those seeking more space and privacy, Heritage The Villas offers a collection of private villas discreetly nestled within the estate.
The experience takes on a different rhythm: guests enjoy the feeling of being at home whilst benefiting from the surroundings and services of a five-star resort. The villas provide an ideal setting for families and groups of friends looking for a more private escape, where each day can be shaped entirely around their own pace and preferences.
A leisurely breakfast, quality time with family, an afternoon by the water or an escape into the landscapes of Bel Ombre: here, luxury is defined above all by space, freedom and the opportunity to make the stay entirely your own.
Extending summer, simply
What if the half-term holidays were more than just a break in the school calendar? In Bel Ombre, they become an invitation to slow down, reconnect and rediscover the pleasure of simple things: walking barefoot along the beach, exploring a lagoon, enjoying lunch overlooking the ocean, playing a round of golf surrounded by spectacular nature or sharing dinner beneath the stars.
Heritage Awali, Heritage Le Telfair and Heritage The Villas offer three interpretations of one exceptional destination: the south-west of Mauritius.
As autumn takes hold across the UK, Bel Ombre is a reminder that summer is never quite as far away as it seems. Sometimes, all it takes is a change of horizon.
Frequently Asked Question
Why choose Mauritius for the half-term holidays?
The half-term holidays are a wonderful opportunity to escape to the Indian Ocean and rediscover a true sense of summer. In the south-west of Mauritius, Bel Ombre combines unspoilt nature, a turquoise lagoon, water-based activities, golf, wellbeing and gastronomy, creating a holiday that can be as adventurous or relaxing as you wish.
What can you do in Bel Ombre in October and November?
There are countless ways to experience Bel Ombre: snorkelling, catamaran cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking in nature, excursions into the Bel Ombre nature reserve and rounds of golf on the estate’s exceptional courses. Guests can also enjoy the beaches, restaurants and wellbeing experiences offered by Heritage Resorts & Golf.
Which Heritage resort is best for a family holiday?
Heritage Awali is particularly well suited to families and groups of friends looking for a holiday filled with activities, lagoon experiences and adventures in nature. For greater privacy and space, Heritage The Villas offers an exclusive alternative, combining the comfort of a private villa with the exceptional setting of the Bel Ombre estate.
Which Heritage address is best for a couple’s getaway?
Heritage Le Telfair offers an especially intimate setting for couples. Its understated elegance, natural surroundings, adults-only wing and Heritage Spa & Wellness create the ideal environment to slow down, reconnect and fully embrace a holiday dedicated to wellbeing.
