A guide to the ultimate relaxation break in Mauritius

Relaxing, tension releasing and rejuvenating- this is how to unwind in paradise at the Cinq Mondes Spa and Wellness Retreat at Long Beach Mauritius Words by Sarah Barnes

When on holiday you want to relax to the absolute maximum – so what could be more indulgent than treating yourself to an incredible spa treatment among lush tropical gardens at a renowned beach paradise in Mauritius?

The spa

Imagine a place so zen that you feel sleepy as soon as you walk through the door; the Cinq Mondes Spa and Wellness Retreat at Long Beach Mauritius is a real hidden gem. This Parisian brand is known for its beautiful collection of products that work in harmony with healing treatments and pull on beauty rituals from around the world. Nestled in the grounds of Long Beach Mauritius, just like the hotel itself, this spa is a luxurious and one-of-a-kind experience.

Described as an oasis that celebrates holistic well-being, the spa is surrounded by water and has been built using natural volcanic rock, stone and wood. Think of it as a detoxing labyrinth of hammams, steam rooms and secluded treatment areas. Yes please!

The vibe

Make your way along the winding paths surrounded by water to the glass doors- already so tranquil.

The air inside is cool and clean and you are swiftly lead to a light changing room where fluffy white towels and slippers await. Then escape up into the tropical gardens to your own private retreat. The treatments rooms (nine single rooms and two for couples) over look water and the sounds of Mauritian island life will already have you floating away on a cloud.

Whether you are a spa enthusiast or a first timer there are massages that will make you melt like butter, body scrubs and wraps to give you the smoothest skin and facials that will leave you with a complexion as clear as the islands waters. Or if you want to free your mind and re claim that sense of calm then book in for a yoga or Qi Gong class in the spa’s pavilion.

The Treatment:

With a wide menu it will take a while to peruse and decide what treatment you want- trust us you will want them all. But to help you pick that little bit faster we recommend the Udarabyangha Detox Treatment. Get ready for a whole 50 minutes of a sensory overload inspired by traditional Indian medicine. You are treated to a full body massage that works your back, abdomen, neck and even feet. Reaching to all the core zones of the body to release stress at those pressure points where we hold a lot of tension. This massage helps to detoxify and flatten the abdomen, as continuous strokes can stimulate blood and oxygen flow to improve digestion– who knew a massage could do so much!

You will be finished off with a luxurious body wrap that will help to rejuvenate your skin- leaving you feeling centered, smooth and ridiculously relaxed. Completely worth every minute. The Udarabyangha Detox Treatment is priced at 4,000 Mauritian Rupees (£89) 

Pre and post treatment is taken seriously here so after you have peeled yourself away from your treatment room, continue to relax further on hanging loungers with a complimentary detox juice in hand. You have never had ‘me time’ like this before.

Tips from the pro

As Cinq Mondes is notorious for using natural ingredients to heal the body, we asked Spa Manager Reshma Madhub to share a Mauritian tradition, a simple beauty tip that we could use back home.

We all suffer from headaches, and being so busy we just pop painkillers, but it's possible to use a natural ingredient instead to help ease the pain.

'Our grandmothers use to massage our head by putting coconut oil in our scalp,' Reshma explains. 'Always warm the coconut oil as it should be body temperature, and then gently let the oil flow from your forehead back into your scalp. Massage away with your fingers in a clockwise circular movement for ten minutes to really relieve tension.'

Not only will this help to release the pressure built in your head, but the coconut oil will moisture your hair too. Leave the oil in overnight and wash out the next day with a shampoo that contains protein and vitamin B to encourage healthy follicle growth.

For a coconut hit, try Cinq Mondes Nectar de Bresil, an invigorating and moisturising in shower body lotion, or the Ayurvedic Plants repairing cream shampoo.

To book

Kuoni offer seven nights on all-inclusive at Long Beach Mauritius in a Junior Suite, including flights on Emirates from London Gatwick and transfers in resort. The price for selected departures in September 2018 is from £1849 per person. To book please quote tour ref: IO1232.

Make each trip a voyage of discovery this summer - Fly direct or from a choice of Regional UK airports to Mauritius and save on airfare with Air Mauritius.

Book today at www.airmauritius.com or call Air Mauritius service Centre on 0207 434 4375.