Nestled on the east coast of Mauritius in a setting that can only be described as a tropical paradise, the adults-only boutique hotel SALT of Palmar stands out against the sugar-white sand, turquoise-blue water and lush vegetation thanks to a bold colour scheme of peach-washed geometric volumes fringed by royal blue accents. Inspired by the island’s vibrant colour palette, London-based French artist and designer Camille Walala, working with Mauritian architect John-François Adams, has transformed an existing riad-style structure into an eye-popping, Instagram-friendly haven bursting with tropical hues, graphic patterns and playful forms. The first in The Lux Collective’s series of SALT-branded hotels, the 59-room resort encapsulates the brand’s penchant for statement-making architecture and design making it Design Hotels' first Member Hotel in Mauritius, as well as a passion for genuine hospitality, cultural authenticity and sustainability – think bespoke furnishings made by local artisans, a salt therapy room (the island’s first), and a farm-to-table, zero-waste culinary philosophy.

Known for her joyful murals and colourful installations that channel the bold graphics of the Memphis Group, in what is her first foray into interior design, Walala adapted her signature tribal pop style to the islands’ natural landscape and vernacular architecture. “People paint their houses in the most amazing tones that really stand out against the emerald green of the plants and the ever-changing colours of the sky,” she says. Originally painted in burnt orange, the building complex is now swathed in a lighter peach shade playfully complemented by pops of royal blue, lavender and yellow, and black and white striped patterns. Emerald sun-loungers with orange piping, canary yellow beach towels and black-and-white parasols jazz up the pool area, which Adam redesigned to improve its connection to the beach. The interplay of colours and patterns continues inside with fabrics in coral, pineapple and cerulean hues adding to the vivid colours of the public areas.

The bright colour palette is balanced by a rich tapestry of textures courtesy of the hotel’s bespoke furnishings which Walala designed in collaboration with a roster of talented local artisans. From the woven chairs by the pool, to the rug in the library, to mosaic tables, sunbeds, cushions and pottery, everything was created especially for the project.

Τhe locally made furnishings exemplify the hotel’s homegrown and homemade-centric philosophy which extends from the locally sourced natural products used in the intimate spa, to the fresh, seasonal ingredients underpinning the Mauritian, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine themed menu at The Good Kitchen, the hotel’s poolside restaurant, and the signature cocktails served in the property’s three bars. What’s more, everything on the à la carte breakfast menu, from kombuchas, to peanut butter, to jams to the flaky pastries created in collaboration with famed Parisian bakery Du Pain et de Idées, is entirely made from scratch.

Painted in a soothing white, the guest rooms offer a respite from the zany colourfulness of the public areas, while retaining the hotel’s overall sensibility with splashes of colour making their appearance on fiery orange-red chairs, striped cushions and turquoise-blue wood furnishings. Custom mattress by Carpe Diem, a company founded by a Swedish chiropractor, beach baskets made from recycled plastics by local artisan Reotee Buleeram, refillable, all-natural toiletries, and hand-picked books by local authors, plus a bespoke guidebook, round up the in-room guest experience. With that being said, with Mauritius’ unparalleled natural beauty at your feet, we imagine that guests aren’t going to spending that much time in their rooms.