1. Could you share the story behind the creation of Legend Hill Residences & Spa and what inspired you to build this resort in Mauritius?
Eva Naidu: Of course. To understand Legend Hill, we must start with MJ Développement, founded by Michael and Jean, two French real-estate entrepreneurs who have worked in Mauritius for over a decade. They brought innovative hospitality concepts to the island with Mythic and Marguery, villa-style accommodations with concierge services, offering the privacy of a home with the amenities of a hotel.
When they discovered this extraordinary mountainside location, they immediately felt it needed to become a luxury project. They decided to develop a resort that blends villas with a boutique hotel experience and invited my father, Thierry Naidu, CEO of Phoenix Hotel Collection and half Mauritian, into the partnership. Together, they created Legend Hill.
The Residence features rooms & suites, villas, penthouses, premium suites, and a boutique hotel wing, all designed around the breathtaking ocean view. Our clubhouse includes two Michelin-star-signed restaurants by Chef Glenn Viel, which is a major milestone for Mauritius’ culinary landscape. We also developed the Legend Hill Spa in partnership with Cinq Mondes, because wellness is essential in Mauritius. Building on the mountain was challenging, but as you can see, the result is extraordinary.
2. Legend Hill is designed as a tranquil luxury retreat. What is your vision for the guest experience, and how do you aim to stand out in Mauritius’ competitive luxury market?
Eva Naidu: Authenticity is our foundation. Almost our entire team is 100% Mauritian, and the warmth with which Mauritians welcome guests is a true differentiator.
Our vision revolves around privacy, autonomy, and personalized service. We offer a wide range of accommodations, from large family villas with private pools and kitchens to spacious apartments and suites, allowing us to cater to couples, families, or high-net-worth individuals seeking discretion.
Though we are not beachfront, we are the only five-star luxury property in Rivière Noire and just five minutes from key beaches, shops, and activities. Guests enjoy both mountain serenity and convenient access to Mauritius’ most vibrant adventure hub.
Kevina Mudhoo: Every space here faces the sea, including our spa treatment rooms. We like to say it’s not simply a room with a view, but a view with a room. For us, luxury is defined by space, privacy, and exceptional service and not just price.
3. As you prepare for opening, what key pillars of service, wellness, and design have you prioritized?
Eva Naidu: We developed a five-sense philosophy:
Our Legend Hill signature spa treatment incorporates Ayurvedic influences, reflecting Mauritius’ cultural diversity and Indian heritage.
4. Sustainability is crucial in modern hospitality. How has sustainability informed the resort’s planning and construction?
Eva Naidu: Building on the mountain was challenging, but sustainability guided every step. We planted extensive native vegetation to integrate the resort naturally into the landscape.
We use wastewater for irrigation, and every accommodation includes solar panels for water heating. Operationally, our philosophy is centered on local partnerships:
Sustainability for us is cultural, environmental, and community-driven.
5. With Mauritian culture being so rich, how will you integrate local culture, nature, and heritage into the guest experience?
Eva Naidu: Mauritius is far more than a honeymoon destination. It is a multicultural country with vibrant Indian, Chinese, African, and European roots. We want guests to experience the island beyond the beach.
Our concierge, Dinesh, customizes itineraries before and during each stay, whether that’s hiking national parks, exploring hidden nature spots, or dining with local families. We're also developing signature Legend Hill experiences such as private boat tours to lesser-known areas with gourmet picnic baskets from our chef.
Kevina Mudhoo: Guests can also enjoy authentic Mauritian dishes thoughtfully prepared by a local Mauritian lady, with recipes enriched by traditional spices and culinary heritage. They can savour these meals in the comfort of their villa, and even dine the Mauritian way, if they wish.
6. How will you attract early visitors and build a loyal customer base, especially from the Gulf region?
Kevina Mudhoo: The GCC market is growing, already up 3% year-on-year, and Mauritius is especially attractive during the Gulf summer months. Privacy and large accommodations with private pools are key preferences for this market, and we are perfectly positioned to meet them.
Our partnership strategy includes:
Our accommodations range from 44 sqm rooms to 677 sqm villas, making us ideal for couples, families, or ultra-high-net-worth travelers.
7. Wellness travel is booming globally. What spa and holistic experiences will Legend Hill offer to the health-conscious traveler?
Eva Naidu: Wellness begins the moment you enter the resort—the open architecture, altitude, ocean breeze, and panoramic view bring an immediate sense of release.
At the spa, we offer:
It’s a fully immersive retreat experience.
8. How do you plan to position Legend Hill among high-net-worth international travelers?
Eva Naidu: Rivière Noire is unique, strategically located between beaches, mountains, restaurants, and activities. Unlike the east of Mauritius, where guests often stay within the resort, here you can explore freely without needing long transfers or drivers.
Kevina Mudhoo: We offer privacy, large living spaces, independent accommodations, and a setting unmatched on this side of the island. It’s a compelling proposition for discerning global travelers.
9. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers, especially Gulf investors, travelers, and business partners, about Legend Hill’s values and future contribution to Mauritius?
Eva Naidu: Mauritius is more than a destination, it is a feeling. At Legend Hill, that feeling becomes an experience.
Kevina Mudhoo: One more important point: Phoenix Hotel Company has a long history of developing Mauritian talent. For over 20 years, we have taken Mauritian professionals abroad for training in our international hotels. With Legend Hill, we continue this mission. Our staff are not only Mauritian, they are future global hospitality leaders.
This is part of our long-term contribution to Mauritius’ tourism industry.
.png)
