20°Sud

Gunner’s Coin Island

On the north coast of Mauritius, Grand Baie bustles with activity in the humid heat of the coast, breaking the peaceful monotony of insular life. It seems like the far distant past when villagers here would unload cargo on the beach. What was once a simple hamlet is now a modern center with high fashion boutiques, restaurants, bars and nightclubs and has become the most frequented destination on the island, grouping together 70 percent of the island’s tourists. The down side to this rapid growth of tourist activity is the fact that Grand Baie no longer reveals the traditions and customs of Mauritius, although a few vendors selling the traditional Dholl Purri, a flat bread filled with crushed peas and cooked in a frying pan, as well as some small restaurants once frequented by local fishermen have survived and remained faithful to original spirit of the village. Although the city overlooks the water of the bay of the same name, the coast has been progressively taken over by real estate promoters and has lost its past splendor, making beaches here a rarity. Visitors therefore, have to leave the center of Grand Baie and head for the Gunners’ Coin region in order to take advantage of the peaceful beaches of Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy.

Intimate luxury

To the northwest of Mauritius, Gunners’ Coin Island dominates the water of the Grand Baie lagoon, far from the constant hustle and bustle of its neighbor. Quiet and remote, the island contains a pearl of elegance and refinement, jealously hidden by lush vegetation in the heart of a former coconut grove. Far from curious eyes, behind an imposing oak wood entrance, the 20° Sud hotel is limited to a small number of privileged guests in its 34 rooms and suites, assuring them of total intimacy.

The elegant and filtered atmosphere is halfway between old colonial charm and modern comfort, combining discreet luxury with a rustic feel and decorated with creations from the celebrated Flamant Home Interiors house. The goal of blending minimalist luxury with confidentiality was daring but brilliantly carried out, to the point that it’s hard to tell if one is dealing with a chambre d’hôte or a charm oriented hotel.

In the evening, the restaurant accompanies meals with the sound of soft, jazzy music, producing the ideal atmosphere for a romantic dinner.

The site of 20° Sud, formerly the Colonial Coconut, inspired British writer John Michelet in the writing of his celebrated best selling thriller, “Coconut.”