SALT of Palmar, an Adults-only Boutique Hotel — Hotel in Isle Mauritius

SALT of Palmar is not just a hotel — it’s a transformative experience.||It’s a rare kind of place where hospitality transcends comfort, where you don’t just check in but plug in — into a world of human connection, authenticity, and soul. SALT is not a getaway; it’s an awakening.||From the moment you arrive, you understand that this is no ordinary resort. Yes, it is beautifully set on the serene shores of Belle Mare, kissed by clear turquoise waters and surrounded by raw, vibrant nature. But what truly sets SALT apart is not its architecture or design — as striking as they are — it is its people. The staff are not simply polite or efficient; they are real, warm, engaged human beings who care. They carry the essence of Mauritian hospitality with such grace and generosity that, for those of us accustomed to the often mechanical service standards of Western hotels, it feels almost surreal.||SALT doesn’t sell luxury; it delivers meaning. And that makes all the difference.||Arrival Like No Other||From the very beginning, the tone was set by the unforgettable welcome from Rishi and Hanshi — two incredibly charismatic, well-mannered, and, above all, genuinely friendly members of the SALT family. Their energy was magnetic; not the kind of rehearsed hospitality we’ve grown used to, but something far more authentic. While we were greeted with what can only be described as nectar from heaven — a refreshing pineapple-based drink that somehow captured the spirit of the island — our luggage simply disappeared into caring hands.||The check-in process? Practically invisible. In fact, there is no reception desk at all. You’re welcomed in a beautiful open room, alive with vibrant colours and bold shapes, where nature and design blend effortlessly. It feels less like a hotel lobby and more like stepping into the heart of a home — one where you’re not just expected, but truly wanted.||Hanshi, a beautiful, soft-spoken, and extremely cordial lady, took us on a brief tour of the facilities — sharing each space with quiet pride and grace. From that first interaction to every morning after, she was a ray of sunshine, always greeting us with a smile and the gentle question: “How was your evening?” It was such a simple gesture, but one that made us feel remembered, cared for, and truly seen.||After that warm and seamless welcome, you’re handed your room key — not a cold, plastic rectangle, but a beautifully crafted wooden card, a small yet meaningful detail that sets the tone for everything else. Before you even step into your room, you’re guided through an exploratory tour of the premises. And that’s when it really hits you.||The pool glistens under the sun like liquid glass. The social areas are thoughtfully designed to encourage connection without ever feeling intrusive. Every corner — from the vibrant bars to the soulfully curated restaurants — bursts with character and intention. Your eyes struggle to take it all in. It’s not opulent in the traditional sense, but it is flawless in its balance of design, nature, and intimacy. The entire place feels like an exclusive, boutique villa — but one that’s open-hearted, never pretentious. A sanctuary built not to impress, but to inspire.||The Rooms — Simplicity and Soul||The rooms at SALT are a masterclass in minimalism — and we mean that in the most complimentary way. Clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed, they strike a perfect balance between simplicity and soul. Every line, texture, and fixture feels intentional, with beautiful yet functional amenities that reflect the hotel’s overall philosophy of mindful living. Natural light floods the space, creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to breathe a little deeper and move a little slower.||And then — the bed. It’s not an exaggeration to say it felt like sleeping in the clouds. The kind of comfort that erases all tension the moment you lie down, making it genuinely difficult to get up the next morning. Another detail that deserves applause: the toilet seats. SALT has opted for Japanese-style bidet seats — an uncommon but deeply appreciated luxury, especially for those of us who fell in love with this feature while traveling through Japan. It’s one of those thoughtful touches that quietly says, we care about your comfort — even in the smallest of ways.||Midway through our stay, we were surprised with an upgrade — from a Poolside View to an Ocean View room. And let me tell you: waking up to the sight of the Indian Ocean right outside your window is something that leaves you completely breathless. The horizon melts into soft blues, the breeze drifts gently in, and for a moment, time stands still. It’s not just a view; it’s a feeling. One that stays with you long after you’ve left.||The Good Kitchen — Food for the Heart, Food for the Spirit||Dining at SALT is not just nourishment — it’s part of the journey. The Good Kitchen, run by the godlike Chef Shiva and his remarkable team, is a temple of taste, creativity, and sincerity. From traditional Mauritian dishes to a fusion of international flavours, every plate carries a touch of the island — vibrant, thoughtful, alive. It’s not about over-the-top luxury or pretentious presentations. It’s about authenticity, balance, and soul.||What makes it even more special is how the food is sourced. Every ingredient is locally grown or produced, carefully selected from sustainable Mauritian farms and suppliers. It’s a commitment not just to freshness, but to the land, the people, and the island’s future. There’s a genuine respect for seasonality, zero-waste principles, and the idea that food should be as kind to the planet as it is to your body.||And mornings? Mornings at SALT are nothing short of magical. As the first rays of the Mauritian sunrise pour gently across the property, you’re welcomed into a breakfast experience that is both luxurious and deeply personal. Yanik, with his contagious warmth and energy, works alongside Chef Shiva to offer a spread that’s as elegant as it is nourishing. Freshly baked French-style pastries, homemade breads, gluten-free options, and an array of natural jams and freshly made peanut butter await you — all crafted in-house, with love.||And this is just the beginning. A generous à la carte breakfast menu follows, featuring beautifully plated dishes that change with the rhythm of the season. Every morning feels like a gift — a ritual of light, flavour, and calm that prepares you not just for the day ahead, but for a deeper connection to yourself and your surroundings.||We also shared two unforgettable culinary moments: an intimate dinner at the recently inaugurated Tek-Tek restaurant — where Chef Shiva and his apprentice Karen prepared a menu celebrating the sea’s offerings — and a 1-on-1 curry masterclass led by Shiva himself, using no shortcuts and no pastes, just pure ancestral knowledge and technique. Both are highly recommended experiences for anyone staying at SALT.||The restaurant, the bars, and the poolside areas are attended by what can only be described as a community — an extraordinary team of waiters and bartenders who work together like a well-synchronized orchestra of kindness, care, and joy. This isn’t “staff” in the usual sense. This is a family. A family that somehow knew all our names, our room, and even the little details we liked most. It genuinely started to feel as if they could read minds — anticipating our needs before we even voiced them, always with a smile, always with warmth.||I am eternally grateful to all of you — Bhishou, Bhavish, Rajiv, Reena, Shib, Dev, Med, Naresh, Suman, Vish, Sunil, Fayaz, Devin, Raju, Bhool, Yanik, Kamakshi, and Daram. All I can say is that I truly cherish the connections made with each and every one of you.||The SALT Spa — Healing, Inside and Out||Tucked into a peaceful corner of the property, the SALT Spa is more than just a wellness facility — it’s a quiet temple of relaxation, balance, and care. As an oral surgeon, my daily routine is physically demanding, often leaving my back and calves aching. I came to SALT not just to unwind, but to heal.||That healing began with a full-body massage by Sarah, whose hands are truly magical. Her presence is calming, her skill unmatched. She didn’t just relieve tension — she rebalanced something deeper.||On our final day — as we faced the sadness of leaving this oasis — I treated myself to a one-hour pedicure session, performed by the lovely Ritika. Somewhere between her gentle care and strong, precise hands, I drifted into what I can only describe as a deep, peaceful sleep coma. My body clearly needed it, and it thanked me.||Both Sarah and Ritika seem truly blessed by the gods — not only for their skilled hands, but for their calming presence, soft-spoken voices, and a natural ability to heal with strength and grace.||The spa itself is a sensory retreat — filled with an indescribable freshness carried in the air by the myriad of creams, oils, salts, and essential blends from SALT’s own line of wellness products, many of which are available to take home. You don’t just step into this spa — you exhale into it.||A Soul That Shines Brighter Than the Sun — Rishi Mahadoo||Among the many remarkable individuals who made our time at SALT unforgettable, one person deserves a chapter of his own: Rishi Mahadoo.||Rishi welcomed us the moment we arrived, and it became immediately clear — he is not your typical hotel manager. In truth, I dare to say he’s not a typical human being at all. His enthusiasm, his radiant charisma, and his profoundly kind soul are the kind of qualities you only hear about in mythological tales. Rishi is the living embodiment of hospitality elevated to an art form — and to a calling.||He doesn’t just ensure that your stay at SALT is seamless and extraordinary — he goes far beyond. With a quiet determination and heartfelt dedication, Rishi will move mountains (and sometimes the entire island) to create the perfect experience for you and your companions. Whether you’re simply looking to relax or longing to dive deeper into the culture, nature, and spirit of Mauritius, Rishi is the one who makes it all happen — reliably, effortlessly, and always with a smile.||He puts his heart and soul into everything. From organizing island adventures to making sure every moment at SALT feels just right, Rishi doesn’t work for the guests — he works with them, alongside them, and always with genuine care.||And I can say this as a fact: my wife and I made a true friendship with Rishi — the kind of bond you don’t expect to find on a holiday, but one we will always hold close to our hearts.||A Honeymoon Ten Years in the Making||We chose SALT for a very personal reason.||My wife and I got married ten years ago. Life, as it often does, moved fast — and although we’ve travelled many times since, we never quite managed to have the honeymoon we had always dreamed of. We always longed for that one perfect trip: to somewhere peaceful, surrounded by nature, kissed by clear waters — a place where we could truly disconnect from the world and reconnect with ourselves.||Coming from South America, raised on the coast, our standards for beaches and ocean views are set impossibly high. And for years, we carried those expectations like a quiet wish.||We were wrong about what we needed. And SALT was everything we didn’t even know we were searching for.||This was not just the honeymoon we missed a decade ago. It was something deeper, richer — a reminder of what really matters. The slow mornings. The kindness of strangers who become friends. The beauty of simplicity. The feeling of belonging far from home.||SALT gave us that. Gave me that. And it will forever hold a place in our hearts — not just as a beautiful escape, but as a place where something shifted, something opened.||We didn’t just stay at a hotel.||We lived...

I stayed here for 5 nights and would not come back here again. Go to LUX Belle Mare down the street instead.

Overall, my stay here was frustrating. The price for value was off, combined with poor operations, and inhospitable management. I agree with the other reviews that this is not a 5 star hotel, this is more of a 3 star hotel priced like a 5 star one that nickels and dimes everything.

Meal plans are misleading and not documented anywhere (app nor on paper), which makes it hard to digest what you are paying for - when asking the manager about this, he said "just Google it". Half the menu items are not included and given at a discount, which makes me question what is the point of buying a plan then?

THE GOOD: The hotel is indeed very picturesque and the setting is nice enough for Instagram.

The beach itself is beautiful and the outdoor area is spacious at least in the January timeframe.

Spa is good and Anja really saved my poor mood.

THE BAD: NO RECEPTION DESK: There is no reception desk, this important for a few reasons.

1. When you first enter the hotel, there is no one to greet you. My taxi driver ended up bringing my luggage in and it feels a bit disorienting, especially after coming in from a long flight.

2. When you need a problem addressed, it’s not easy to flag someone down. They have an app you can download with a online concierge but the concierge can sometimes take several hours (5-6 hours) to respond back to you.

3. Making calls to the front desk are not always answered. I sometimes have to call several times to get a hold of someone. Even calling in to the hotel from the outside, I was not able to get a hold of someone after trying to reach them several times.

FOOD: As others have mentioned, meals are exorbitantly priced. There are meal plans that you can consider but there is no physical menu for you to examine and compare meal plans. When looking at the menu itself, the food options are limited and a bit strange in design. They are primarily Indian or western meal items that can be ordered at the time and a good number of items that can only be ordered 24 hours ahead of time. I’m surprised that there isn’t creole representation on the menu. Additionally, as others have mentioned the hotel is very isolated and it’s not easy to find other alternatives. So take care to review the menu before you commit yourself to this place.

PEST CONTROL: I found 3 cockroaches during the course of my stay. I understand that this can happen in open concept hotels, but 3x is too many to let it go. When I did kill the roaches myself and tossed it in the trash, it then attracted a stream of ants. Not to mention there are also miniature ants everywhere. The manager offered me a different room to stay in and a 30 minute spa voucher, which I appreciate.

SERVICE: During the course of my stay, I felt pretty ignored by most of the staff even when I was trying to catch someone’s attention. I never received a proper welcome drink beyond water nor did I get a tour of the facilities after I was settled in to my room. Also, there is no room service.

I had an admin issue with my meal plan where I misunderstood what I reserved (for lack of menu) and did not have an invoice for what I booked and trying to get it resolved felt like I had to haggle with 3 escalations.

Most of the meal service is lackluster. Sanjay, on the waitstaff is one of the few waiters that really stands out and makes sure his guests are really taken care of. Otherwise, the service is inefficient and takes a very long time to be initially addressed and during most of my meals I was usually not checked in on during the course of my meal. Any 4 star and above hotel understands the importance of this type of gesture in hospitality. It doesn’t help that the actual waitstaff taking orders is small and the remaining staff are bussers/runners.

ACTIVITIES: You need to pay for transport in addition to the activity itself. When I originally booked this place, I thought they mentioned a bunch of complementary activities that I did not...

Just some helpful advice for bonvoy members. This isn't a typical Marriot. Very boutique like with lots of character. Nice resort property but there are things you should know.

1. I am gold, there are no upgrades here. If you book a garden view , u get a garden view. And it's not a garden view it's a parking lot view where you hear every car come in and out and employees talking early in the morning. See picture for garden view lol
2. I didn't get an automatic late checkout of 2 like I normally do. When I asked the response was more of a condescending "it's not guaranteed" but they did give me 1 pm My bigger issues bonvoy members should know , and why I would have picked JW Marriott instead if I wanted a high end resort, or the Westin if I wanted a better location. very remote location. It's an hour to everything like the airport and Port Louis . There is nothing walking except the resort next door which made me feel very uncomfortable and trapped there is only one restaurant. It's not bad, and the order what you want as opposed to buffet is probably better than most buffets . They do their best to accommodate allergies . My issue is it gets really old fast eating at the very same restaurant 3 times a day where the menus are the same and no real specials . It's also very very over priced like triple to quadruple what regular restaurants are on the island but you have no Choice as aside from the resort next door u can't walk to anything. Also a lack of options like not even a burger (beef) nor steak 🥩 as I recall. The jw Marriott has a lot more dining options and the Westin has more options closer. Again the food wasn't bad , just overpriced , and monotonous fast! Bring protein or meal replacement bars or your food bills will be bigger than the cost of staying! Also get breakfast included as it's only a few $$ more on the Marriott site another big issue I had was the taxis . Very remote location with no Uber. The taxis are very over priced and the ones you get from the hotel, they actually WORK for the hotel! The good news is pricing is upfront , they don't ask for more once u are in the car and they are safe and eager to make you happy. The downside is they are really expensive and u don't really have a choice which really bothered me. For example my taxi to the eye dr, a fancy really good retina specialist , the taxi was the same as the eye dr! To be fair , it's far, far from everything. Expect to pay 60-100 usd every time u leave the resort, and then expect the taxi driver to sell u on other stuff. I personally won't return to Mauritius until there is Uber/didi/or grab.but if I did I would stay at a higher end resort with more options like jw Marriott . also , although this is typical for island resorts, I am sensitive. I had mold in my room as my allergies were killing me the whole time. One place was a drawer where they store the coffee maker on top of a placemat. Guests obviously put the coffee maker back In the drawer with water on it and closed the drawer so mold was all over placemat. Luckily I had rubbing alcohol and cleaned it. Pic below. There also appeared to be mold on the walls in and around the shower and on the ceiling in bathroom. Mold happens in tropical Places but Marriott typically addresses it so u don't see it. Pictures attached. I didn't want to switch hotels and figured other rooms would be the same so since I hate conflict I didn't address it with staff as I was only there 3 nights. Overall it's got a nice boutique feel but needs improvement and they upsell everything, even workout classes like yoga are charged, which are usually free at resorts . And I was happy I only stayed for 3 days because no way I could have eaten there again after 3 meals a day for 3 days at the same spot! It is a beach resort however and probably better then a lot of none Marriott's so 3 stars . Location one star as it's so remote , but for those seeking a remote resort location is probably a four star . The best part and why I choose this place was it is adults only with no Kids and...