Breaking Travel News interview: Paul van Frank, General Manager, Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa

Having being recognised as World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2015 & World’s Leading Luxury Villa Resort 2015 by the World Travel Awards in 2015, Breaking Travel News chats with Maradiva Villa Resort & Spa General Manager Mr Paul van Frank about all the latest developments at the property.

Breaking Travel News: Could we begin with an overview of Maradiva Villa Resort & Spa, Mauritius? What is on offer there to luxury travellers?

Paul van Frank: Nestled on the west coast of Mauritius, Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa was designed in 2003 by the famous Mauritian architect Maurice Giraud.  The resort has been inspired by the colonial residences of the sugar cane plantation owners. It also boasts an electric mix of Mauritian and Indian art which enhances the authenticity of the resort and which differentiates itself from other Mauritius properties.

In a lush 27 acre setting, with the turquoise waters of Tamarin Bay lapping the white sandy beach, the 65 villas are the heart of a vibrant paradise, ideally situated for coral diving, big game fishing, world-class golf and beautiful natural parks. With a large infinity swimming pool, an award winning holistic spa, three a la carte dining rooms and bars, a kids club, a sports and fitness centre and a boathouse, Maradiva offers world class facilities and the personalised service of a family owned and managed resort.

BTN: How would you describe the hospitality sector in Mauritius at present?

Paul van Frank: Vibrant & more alive than ever!  The future of the Hospitality sector in Mauritius looks bright taking into consideration an impressive airlift to connections worldwide; a reliable infrastructure & enhanced services not forgetting to highlight the all-important, ever present, genuine friendliness of Mauritians.  Mauritius offers a medley of diverse experiences ranging from the wilderness of the South to the electrifying nightlife of the North not to mention the untouched natural beauty of the East coast only surpassed by the most romantic of sunsets to be found in the West!

BTN: What is the philosophy behind Maradiva?

Paul van Frank: An ‘All Villa Resort’ offering unique experiences. With more than 200 staff members dedicated to serving its guests, the resort promises the epitome of Mauritian Hospitality.

BTN: What else do you think you would be able to add to the resort scene in Mauritius?

Paul van Frank: Maradiva has fixed itself as objective to establish the trend that sets the benchmark in Luxury Hospitality in Mauritius.

BTN: Can you tell us a little about what is on the agenda for 2016?

Paul van Frank: Are there any improvements or major events scheduled you are keen to share with our audience? – Further to the first ever NYE Party exclusively held at Maradiva in 2015 with the world- renowned Cavalli Club – Dubai, Maradiva aims to maintain a level of innovation within the luxury segment of the hospitality industry by organising more groundbreaking glamorous events.

BTN: Who do you tend to welcome to the hotel? Is it more of an international affair? How do you cater to this audience?

Paul van Frank: Maradiva caters to a truly eclectic international clientele, primarily, focusing on the most discerning of world travelers by providing them with a potpourri of experiences & personalized service.

BTN: How does your service at villa only product compare with traditional hotels and resorts on the island?

Paul van Frank: Maradiva clearly differentiates itself from all other Resorts by offering our esteemed guests with a haven of privacy, seclusion & serenity in a breathtaking natural environment.

BTN: You have introduced a new service to the spa with an ayurvedic doctor consultation, can you tell us more about this and the spa treatments on offer?

Paul van Frank: Ayurveda widely recognized as the knowledge of life & longevity is arguably the oldest existing system of preventive medicine & healthcare developed in India more than 5000 years ago. Addressing not only the physical, but, also the mental, emotional & spiritual aspects of wellbeing granting it a multi-dimensional perspective & making it a truly unique, holistic knowledge system. The benefits derived from the consultations given by our in-house Ayurvedic Doctor being, that an Ayurvedic diagnosis is made through a complete wellness & lifestyle history, pulse, tongue & nail diagnostics, as well as a skin & facial analysis.  As to the most prominent Ayurvedic treatments, they are Abhyanga, which is a herbal oil body massage, the benefits to be derived therefrom being a good appetite, alertness during the day, good sleep at night & reduced stress levels & on the other hand, Shirodhara.  In this case, a stream of warm medicated oil is poured over the forehead, taking one to a different level of mental peace recommended for sleeplessness, mental stress & hair care.

BTN: Moving from Mauritius, how do you see the group evolving around the globe or are you going to be focusing purely on Mauritius?

Paul van Frank: We are focusing on Mauritius and believe there is much to do here for now.

BTN: Maradiva Villa Resort & Spa was recognised as World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2015 & World’s Leading Luxury Villa Resort 2015 by the World Travel Awards in 2015. How did it feel to take these title?

Honoured! Maradiva being bestowed with such Awards is a true testimony of all of the hard work, dedication & commitment to excellency displayed by each member of our team.

More Information

Find out more about Maradiva Villa Resort & Spa by visiting www.maradiva.com