Positioning itself as a top holiday destination for GCC travellers, Sunlife Resorts Mauritius is stepping up its offerings to meet the specific preferences of guests from the UAE and wider Middle East.
From halal-friendly dining and mocktails to curated experiences and wellness programmes, the group is focused on delivering culturally mindful luxury at its four beachfront resorts.
Sunlife Resorts, Mauritius
“We understand the needs of travellers from the UAE and the region — and we’re ready to meet those expectations,” said Ramesh Jeenarain, Group Head of Sales at Sunlife Resorts, during an interview with Dubai Newsweek on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 held at World Trade Centre in Dubai.
Ramesh Jeenarain
Sunlife Resorts operates four distinctive properties in Mauritius: Sugar Beach, Long Beach, La Pirogue, and the adults-only Ambre. These resorts are part of the group’s larger vision to offer more than just accommodation.
‘We sell experiences’
“We don’t just sell rooms — we sell experiences,” Jeenarain said. “Our guests go home remembering how they felt, what they did, and the unique moments we help create.”
Central to this vision is the Come Alive Collection—a curated set of immersive activities that range from perfume-making and croquet on manicured lawns to art classes using recycled glass and boat painting workshops.
Designed for Middle Eastern comfort
Understanding cultural sensitivities and travel habits, Sunlife has taken deliberate steps to ensure a seamless experience for Muslim and Middle Eastern guests.
“Our resorts are Arabic-friendly. We offer halal food, shisha lounges, bidet hoses, Qibla direction markers, prayer mats, and a wide variety of non-alcoholic cocktails made to perfection — not just juice with soda,” Jeenarain explained.
Dining is a major highlight across the resorts. Signature venues include Buddha-Bar Beach, Mare Mare — now led by renowned South African chef Reuben Riffel — and Hasu, which has been ranked among Africa’s top Japanese restaurants.
“Guests from the GCC appreciate sophisticated cuisine and ambiance. We’ve designed our culinary offerings to match that expectation, with both local and international flair,” he said.
Each Sunlife resort brings its own flavor to the guest journey. At Sugar Beach, guests can enjoy a “Brilliant Breakfast” served aboard a traditional pirogue. At La Pirogue, the same boats become canvases for art. Long Beach offers electric bikes for exploring local markets or the Black River Gorges National Park.
“Our experiences are rooted in local culture but designed for global travellers. We want guests to leave with stories, not just photos,” Jeenarain said.
Wellness
Wellness is another key area of focus, anchored by Sunlife’s GLOW Spa, a brand developed in-house. “It’s about more than treatments—it’s mind, body, and soul,” he said. “From sound healing to rituals using locally sourced oils, our spa journey is deeply nourishing.”
Catering to a diverse market, Sunlife’s properties are well-equipped for families, solo travellers, and corporate groups.
“Our entry-level room at Long Beach is 60 square meters, perfect for families. We support all-inclusive and half-board plans and have conference facilities across all resorts,” Jeenarain added.
Mauritius is a competitive hospitality market, but Jeenarain is confident about Sunlife’s positioning. “We’re in the 4.5-star space — competitively priced, but with exceptional value,” he said.
“What sets us apart is our long beachfronts on both the sunrise and sunset coasts. This is a major reason guests travel to Mauritius — to enjoy the sea, the beach, and open skies.”
Flights from Dubai to Mauritius
Sunlife also works closely with Emirates, one of the main carriers bringing Middle Eastern tourists to the island. “Emirates flies around 280 passengers daily to Mauritius, and many of them are our guests. We continue to grow that relationship,” he said.
For guests looking to explore the island beyond the resort, Sunlife arranges excursions through local ground handlers. “From catamaran cruises and helicopter tours to visits to national parks and cultural sites, we make sure guests can see the best of Mauritius,” he said.
Sugar Beach a dream wedding destination
Nestled on the pristine shores of Flic-en-Flac Beach, Sugar Beach is a dream destination for couples seeking a magical sunset wedding. Sugar Beach Mauritius offers the perfect blend of romance, luxury, and effortless elegance for your big day.
Future plans
The team at Sunlife is already focused on the future. “We are always looking to do better — more bold, more creative. We innovate constantly, from experiences to property upgrades. There’s more coming, and we’ll announce it soon,” Jeenarain said.
“Our mission is to create meaningful travel for everyone. For our guests from the UAE and the region, we offer comfort, privacy, cuisine, and experiences that truly feel like a world away — but also like home,” Jeenarain concluded.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
