Introducing Mr Rocco Bova… the wonderful new Resort Manager at the stunning St. Regis in Mauritius. A relatively new hotel to the island, the St. Regis is already a firm favourite at Turquoise, boasting fantastic facilities for couples and families alike.
Located on Le Morne beach on the south west coast of the island, the hotel lies in a wonderfully secluded spot within a sheltered turquoise lagoon…
How long have you been Resort Manager at the St. Regis in Mauritius?
Approximately 4 months.
If you could sum up the hotel in three words, what would they be?
Seductive, Sanctuary, Sunset.
The accommodation at the hotel looks stunning; could you tell us a bit about the style of the property, and where that inspiration came from?
It’s inspired by the Colonial heritage of Mauritius. The St. Regis architecture is blending modern amenities with classic design, offering some of the largest rooms & suites in the island, steps away from the sea and best of comforts, including the legendary St. Regis Signature bed.
Do you get to know the guests that come and stay with you at the hotel?
Very often we meet guests on arrival and throughout their stay. I often entertain some of them for dinner, for example today is a family where the father is a cigar connoisseur. There is always a good opportunity to bond with guests and discover the real purpose of their visit. By doing this we build long term relationships and share what the brand is all about.
Which is your favourite restaurant? Do you have a favourite dish?
As an Italian by birth, it’s always difficult to choose when it comes about food, and 20 years away from home doesn’t really help. I have learned to appreciate food from all over the world and if you ask me what is my favourite dish I would say one of the local catch. The “daurade” as Mauritians call it, it’s commonly known as dolphin fish (Coryphaena hippurus). Grilled with a light tomato salsa, its succulent and firm flesh is a pleasure to the palate. Paired with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon it’s divine.
Do you tend to have a lot of repeat guests coming back to the hotel every year?
Being the St. Regis Mauritius Resort a relatively new property we do not have yet many repeat guests but we had some already coming 3 times in such short period. It’s certainly a good sign!
Which is your favourite excursion on offer to the guests at the hotel?
I think that swimming with the dolphins is certainly breath taking. Only 15-20 minutes from the Resort and in a good day you may be able to see hundreds and swim so close you can almost touch them. This is a one in a lifetime experience that many treasure as the highlight in Mauritius.
Finally – would you say the hotel is more suited to couples, or families? Or both?
The Resort facilities are meant for a wide audience. We have ample space to provide privacy for those who wish to be left to relax on the beach and a kids club that offer at least 12 hours a day of entertainment for the little ones. Iridium SPA for enriching your soul and body and a “boutique’ cinema with only 30 seats where you can watch your favourite movie in total comfort. The choice is yours.
