Mauritius (December 5 2011) – This weekend LUX*Island Resorts, the newly launched brand which has replaced Naiade Resorts Ltd, celebrated the official unveiling of its radical new concept at an exclusive gala event in LUX* Le Morne, one of the group’s five Indian Ocean resorts. Over the course of three days, LUX* Island Resorts introduced their new lighter, brighter island life experience through a series of events and performances.
Hosted by LUX* Island Resorts CEO Paul Jones, a unique gala event taking place on December 3 immersed guests, flown in from all over the world, in a show-stopping interpretation of the brand’s concept which Jones likens to a musical production.
Set against a scenic island backdrop, the show curated by LUX* opened with a surprising performance by one of the world’s brightest new classical stars, violinist Charlie Siem, and was followed with a world first: the LUX* Overture, a dramatic visual production accompanied by the Sound of LUX* Choir. Specially produced and directed by renowned composer and conductor Steve Sidwell, the choir was made up of singers auditioned and trained from amongst LUX* cast members. The evening concluded with a concert by South African electro-jazz sensation Goldfish who showcased their single ‘Kiss the Sun’ written exclusively for LUX* and a final trumpet solo by Sidwell.
The evening, compered by international news anchor Aaron Heslehurst, was attended by Mauritius’ Minister of Tourism Michael Sik Yuen, the Minister of State for Tourism, Arts and Culture and Chairman of the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation Mohamed Thoyyib and the President of Ile de la Réunion Tourisme Jacqueline Farreyrol. Over 600 guests including members of the local community and LUX* crew such as the company’s design muse Kelly Hoppen, landscape designer Stephen Woodhams and Aromatherapist Shirley Page, Fitness Guru Stephen Price and nutritional therapist Vicky Edgson of Honestly Healthy partied until the early hours.
The gala show was the culmination of a three-day celebration which saw the unveiling of the brand at an exclusive dinner in the magical gardens of LUX* Le Morne and a beach party, in true Mauritian style, at private paradise island Ile des Deux Cocos.
“Our launch event is not a traditional hotel opening: it is a unique celebration of island life inspired by the flavours, culture and people of all our destinations in Mauritius, Maldives and La Reunion. We are doing more than simply changing the name of the company or putting a new brand on our hotels”, says Jones. “We are dedicated to staging a lighter, brighter and less complicated holiday experience. After 12 months of hard work by all the team, it is incredible seeing our concept , which we call ‘Island Light’ come alive and be able to give guests a taste of the multi sensorial authentic experience at a LUX* island resort!”
Over the next year, the guest rooms, suites and pool villas at LUX* Island Resorts will be redesigned by Kelly Hoppen. The award winning designer, known for her simple, light and authentic style, will reflect the colours of the island and create an ambience to help rebalance the body and soul.
