InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Lateral Holdings have announced the opening of the first upscale InterContinental hotel resort on the African continent at Mauritius.

Overlooking the Indian Ocean, InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort is located along the Bay of Balaclava, 20 minutes north of the country’s capital Port Louis and a 15-minute drive from the island’s most popular area, Grand Baie.

“This opening is a significant milestone for us as it is our first hotel resort on the African continent. Mauritius is an extremely popular tourist destination globally and welcomed over 900,000 tourists in 2008,” said John Bamsey, chief operation officer, IHG Middle East and Africa

"Tourism is a major focus for the Government and we are confident that this resort will be a great contribution to Mauritius," he opined.

“InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort offers travellers a truly authentic destination experience,” added Bamsey.

Finished with natural hand-chiselled limestone, volcanic rock, and African timber, the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort comprises 210 spacious rooms, including 40 family guest rooms and 10 suites, each with a panoramic view of the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean and white sandy beaches of the Bay of Balaclava.

All rooms feature a stone-bathtub, individual bathroom with a 19- inch plasma TV and a separate shower.

A wide range of amenities, including a 42-inch plasma TV, broadband internet access, and convenient central bed-side electronic controls, provide guests with the utmost luxury and exceptional comfort, synonymous to the InterContinental brand.

Complementing the island’s natural beauty, InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort has two infinity pools located next to the beach and the only lagoon on the island with a natural islet for a salt-water dip.

For diving enthusiasts, the resort has an extensive range of water activities that include snorkelling, scuba diving, water skiing and deep sea fishing.

Situated on the roof-top, the resort’s Angsana Spa and Health Club, managed by Banyan Tree, offers 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 resort also offers guests a variety of specialty restaurants. Veda, a first of its kind on the island, that blends authentic Indian cuisine with contemporary design; Segala, which is situated on the beach, will serve the Mediterranean Seafood; Noble House that will offer oriental fusion cuisine; Palms that offers light meals and fun food adjacent to the main pool area; and, Senso with a diverse International buffet.

The opening of the resort also marks a new partnership for InterContinental Hotels Group and Lateral Holdings, whose prime interest is in developing hospitality, retail and residential projects across the Indian Ocean Rim.

Commenting on the opening, Darryl Sequeira, executive director of Lateral Holdings said, "The launch is quite significant for us as it is our first hotel resort project in the hospitality category and on the African continent."

"Mauritius is considered an aspirational destination attracting travellers from around the world who seek unique and enriching experiences."

He said InterContintental was a natural choice as its core values resonate very well with the destination and type of traveller it attracts.

"We are looking forward to a long and lasting relationship with IHG and are very confident that InterContinental will make its mark and be very successful in Mauritius,” Sequeira added.-TradeArabia News Service