InterContinental Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement with Lateral Holdings to develop a $50 million luxury resort on the idyllic island of Mauritius.

Scheduled to open in late 2008, the 210 room InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort will offer guests a prime beachfront location in the Bay of Balaclava, 20 minutes north of the country’s capital Port Louis.

The development is the hotel brand’s first resort in the African region and is part of InterContinetal Hotels Group’s aggressive growth plan that will almost double the Middle East and Africa property portfolio over the next three years, said an official spokesman.

“We are thrilled to be developing InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balacava Fort, especially in a destination that is synonymous with the ultimate in luxury travel,” said chief operating officer, IHG, Middle East & Africa, John Bamsey.

“Globally, InterContinental Resorts offer the best in upscale accommodation and the brand is the preferred choice for international travellers looking for a truly authentic destination experience,” he added.

InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort will be located just 15 minutes drive from Grand Baie, the island’s most popular area. It will comprise 210 bright and spacious rooms, including 40 family guest rooms and 10 suites.

In addition, the resort will include a Club InterContinental floor with Club Rooms and Lounge where guests can enjoy an exclusive retreat with privileges including breakfast and regular refreshments throughout the day.

All rooms have an attractive open-plan design and overlook the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean, allowing guests to take in the stunning scenery of the island’s pristine beaches.  The ocean-facing rooms will feature a stone-bath, 42-inch wall-mounted plasma screens with interactive television and a private outdoor balcony or terrace area completing the accommodation’s superior feel.

InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort will offer travellers the opportunity to enjoy the distinct beauty of this volcanic island, which is famous for the extinct Dodo bird and its magnificent coral reefs. 

A two-tier infinity pool located next to the beach is a perfect accompaniment to the natural surroundings and the resort will boast the only lagoon on the island with a natural salt-water dip pool. Guests will be invited to explore the adjacent marine park through snorkeling or diving trips organised by the resort’s diving center, or sign up for one of the many water-sports on offer.

Situated on the roof-top, the resort’s spa and health club will offer panoramic views across the Indian Ocean. The spa will offer the ultimate in rejuvenation through steam and sauna rooms, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, relaxation areas and a boutique offering a range of wellness products.

The four fine-dining options set for the resort include a Mediterranean restaurant and two beachfront outlets offering up-market Indian and Chinese cuisine. The Indian restaurant will be the first of its kind on the island, blending authentic Indian cuisine with a contemporary design.

For high profile social and corporate events, the property will feature the largest banqueting and conference hall in a hotel in Mauritius, accommodating up to 1,000 people. The area includes four meeting rooms and a business centre equipped with modern equipment, and an eight-metre-high grand ballroom that has direct access to the pool, gardens stunning beach area..

Other resort highlights include a pool bar with live entertainment, two tennis courts, a kids’ club and retail shops. – TradeArabia News Service