OCTOBER 2, 2008. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts today opens Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, a tropical sanctuary that takes its inspiration from the dense mangroves and lush greenery that line the east Mauritian coast.

"Many people are familiar with Mauritius as a beach destination," explained Andrew Harrison, General Manager, "but Four Seasons is keen to introduce guests to the many ways to appreciate the island beyond its shoreline by interacting with its natural offerings, whether that's through sporting activities, adventure, discovery or relaxation."

The all-pool villa Resort is part of the Anahita World Class Sanctuary, a private mixed-use development that includes Private Residences and the Four Seasons Golf Club Mauritius at Anahita, featuring an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ernie Els. The Resort borders one of Mauritius' largest lagoons and occupies its own stretch of coastline, extending across wooden bridges to encompass a private island, Ile aux Chats (4.5 hectares / 11 acres).

All elements of the Resort feature a contemporary Mauritian style, designed to invite interaction with the surrounding nature. The 123 single-storey Pool and Residence Villas are arranged around the existing landscape, resulting in unique and authentic features like waterfront gardens behind the mangroves. All villas feature extensive outdoor living spaces that include an al fresco shower, a large verandah, plunge pool and private garden filled with indigenous plants and trees.

A secluded over-water Spa - influenced by the island's ancestral healing rituals, ingredients and therapies - combines with the Golf Course, three sand beaches, four swimming pools, Fitness Centre, Boathouse and Diving Centre to offer the most comprehensive leisure facilities on the island. There are also four restaurants and a lounge bar, serving Southern French, Italian, Pan-Asian, and international cuisine, all with a modern twist, in keeping with the Resort's contemporary styling.

Families are catered for with the Teen's Club and Kids' Club Village, where the complimentary Kids for All Seasons Programme enriched by the Resort's tropical environment, expansive grounds and traditional Mauritian elements. The Resort also facilitates a range of activities to bring the family closer together through interaction with the natural environment, including swimming in the clear pools below the cascading waterfalls of Grande Riviere Sud Est, snorkelling or kayaking around the Ile aux Chats and visits to the island's many nature reserves and gardens, including Ile aux Aigrettes, a sanctuary for plants, animals, reptiles and birds. "Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is a very unique place where families will want to come spend time together year after year and we look forward to welcoming them," added Mr. Harrison.