Why The Lux Collective Belongs on Your Indian Ocean Holiday Shortlist
When South African travellers picture a luxury island holiday, the Indian Ocean is usually the first place they look. The perfect ingredients for a week of relaxation? A short flight, warm water, great food, and a beach that barely looks real.
2.2min read
Published 13 April 2026
Guest Blogger
When South African travellers picture a luxury island holiday, the Indian Ocean is usually the first place they look. The perfect ingredients for a week of relaxation? A short flight, warm water, great food, and a beach that barely looks real.
The Lux Collective, the group behind LUX* Resorts, SALT, and Tamassa, has spent decades building some of the finest properties across Mauritius, the Maldives, Reunion Island, and Zanzibar. Their portfolio spans honeymoon suites, boutique adult-only retreats, adventure-ready beachfront resorts, and family all-inclusives, so there is always the perfect resort for the trip you have in mind.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family holiday that keeps everyone happy, or something entirely at your own pace, there’s a resort that’s a perfect match for your holiday style. Here’s what to know before you book.
Mauritius: Six Properties, Three Brands, One Island
Mauritius is where The Lux Collective has its biggest portfolio, with six properties across three distinct brands. Each one has a different character, which makes it straightforward to match the resort to the kind of holiday you want.
LUX* Belle Mare sits on the east coast and is one of the island's most polished beachfront resorts. It's well suited to couples and honeymooners, with a long stretch of private beach, beautifully appointed rooms, and a spa that’s worth planning a whole trip around.
For something with more drama, LUX* Le Morne sits right at the base of Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO-listed mountain, with wide open views and a peaceful lagoon. The area is also known for kitesurfing, thanks to consistent wind conditions, but even if you’re not on the water, the setting alone makes this one of the most scenic stays on the island.
In the north, LUX* Grand Gaube has more of a design-led feel, with interiors by Kelly Hoppen that lean into a retro, beach house aesthetic. It was named the world’s most Instagrammable hotel in 2023, and you can see why from the entrance hall alone. Everything from the light to the layout feels considered, but it still has a relaxed, slightly offbeat edge. Closer to the action, LUX Grand Baie* is the most modern of the group. This is where you go if you want something more lively, with a rooftop infinity pool, a popular beach club, and easy access to Grand Baie’s restaurants and nightlife. You get all the perks of an all-inclusive stay, but it feels more like a lifestyle hotel than a typical resort, with a strong focus on wellness, design, and social spaces.
SALT of Palmar is a different experience altogether. It’s adults-only, boutique (with just 59 rooms), and built around an authentic connection to the island rather than a conventional resort formula. Locally inspired design, community-rooted activities, and a strong sustainability focus make it a standout for couples who want to travel with purpose and without the crowds. The architecture and earthy tones feel quite Moroccan in style, and that’s because they preserved the architecture from the previous Moroccan owners – a slice of Marrakech, in Mauritius!
For families, Tamassa at Bel Ombre on the south coast answers everything. The name comes from "tamasha," a Mauritian Creole word meaning festive, and that energy carries through the whole resort. An all-inclusive package, one of the island's largest pools, a dedicated children's area, and a full range of daily activities mean families can arrive and switch off completely.
Mauritius
Expert tip
Stretch your legs on a walking trail in Black River Gorges National Park, home to many engaged species such as the pink pigeon, macaques, red deer, wild boar and various butterflies.
Anusya
Product Manager
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Reunion Island and Zanzibar
The Lux Collective also has a presence on two very different Indian Ocean islands, each offering a completely different kind of trip.
LUX* Saint Gilles is the only five-star hotel on Reunion Island, a set directly on Hermitage Beach with three restaurants, a large pool, and rooms that make the most of the tropical surroundings. Reunion is known for its dramatic landscapes, with volcanic peaks, cirques, and hiking trails that cut through the interior.
Staying at LUX* Saint Gilles gives you a comfortable base to explore it all. You can spend your mornings on the beach or by the pool, then head inland for guided hikes, cycling routes, or even helicopter flights over the Piton de la Fournaise volcano.
In Zanzibar, LUX* Marijani brings The Lux Collective's approach to East Africa's most iconic island. From here, it’s easy to explore Zanzibar’s highlights. Stone Town is about an hour away and worth visiting for its layered history and architecture, while spice farm tours, dhow cruises, and snorkelling trips along the Zanzibar Channel can all be arranged locally. The beaches on this side of the island are also less affected by tidal changes, which means more consistent swimming throughout the day.
The Maldives: LUX* South Ari Atoll
If you’re looking to splurge, then the Maldives make for one of the most beautiful island getaways on the planet. LUX* South Ari Atoll is a real spoil, with overwater villas and beach villas positioned above a house reef that leads straight into exceptional snorkelling and diving. The South Ari Atoll is one of the most consistent locations in the world to swim with whale sharks, and the resort runs dedicated excursions around them.
Sunrise yoga over the ocean, open-water dive sessions, stargazing from an overwater deck, spa treatments with nothing but sea on either side. All-inclusive options are available for those who want to step off the plane and not think about the bill until they are heading home.
Families and Couples: Finding the Right Fit
It’s clear that there are plenty of options to choose from. But being spoiled for choice can also be overwhelming! Here’s a quick guide to finding the right The Lux Collective property for you. Use it as a starting point for inspiration, because whichever resort you choose, you’ll have a holiday to remember.
- For couples and honeymooners: LUX* Belle Mare and SALT of Palmar in Mauritius, and LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives lead the list. Each offers privacy, thoughtful design, and service that anticipates what you need without being intrusive, so you can enjoy your time together uninterrupted.
- For families: Tamassa Bel Ombre is the strongest choice, with its all-inclusive setup, oversized pool, and activities built around keeping everyone busy from breakfast to sundown. LUX* Grand Baie and LUX* Grand Gaube also cater well to families who prefer a slightly more flexible approach.
- For the activity-focused traveller: LUX* Le Morne for kitesurfing and mountain scenery, LUX* South Ari Atoll for world-class diving and whale shark encounters, and LUX* Saint Gilles Reunion for volcanic hiking and coastal cycling.
Plan Your Indian Ocean Escape
Still not quite sure which one is right for you? A Flight Centre Expert can help you narrow it down, match you to the right resort, and package everything together, from flights to transfers. It takes the pressure off planning so you can focus on the part that matters: actually enjoying the trip.
Chat to a Flight Centre Expert today to start planning your Indian Ocean holiday.
