Accommodations

How do you imagine a place that doesn’t yet exist?

Why the name Legend Hill? Finding the right name for a place like this was never simply a branding exercise. It was part of bringing the vision to life. For several weeks, our team at MJ Développement explored different ideas with the agency. Some drew inspiration from the ocean, the west coast of Mauritius, the iconic silhouette of Le Morne or simply the majesty of the setting. Yet one word kept returning: Legend. Because there was, and still is, something exceptional about this place. Because our ambition went beyond creating another resort. We wanted to create somewhere travellers would remember long after they had left, a place that would leave an impression, an emotion, something they would carry with them. On 16 July 2018, after several weeks of reflection, I simply suggested two words: “Legend Hill”. They said it all. Legend, because we wanted every traveller to leave with a story to tell. A place that leaves its mark, an emotion, a memory, a scent. A place that does not leave you indifferent. Hill, for La Tourelle, the beautiful mountain overlooking Rivière Noire. A rare setting where the view stretches for more than 180° across the turquoise lagoon, from Tamarin Bay to the iconic silhouette of Le Morne. And so it was here, on the slopes of La Tourelle, that the story of Legend Hill would be written. The decision was unanimous. Within minutes, the project had found its name. Looking back at the challenges and everything we encountered along the way, I don’t think we could have chosen a better name for this place… Why did you choose this location over anywhere else? I have always said that Legend Hill is probably the most spectacular project we have ever had the opportunity to imagine and perhaps ever will. Of course, there is the extraordinary view, stretching for more than 180° and changing with every hour of the day. But what makes this place truly unique goes far beyond the panorama. We are just above the village of Rivière Noire, with its energy, relaxed way of life and nature all around us. Here, it is not unusual to see monkeys crossing the gardens or to watch the lagoon change colour as the day unfolds. We imagined Legend Hill around one simple idea: wherever you are, the view should always be part of the experience. From a room, suite or villa to a restaurant or the swimming pool, we wanted guests to feel immersed in this extraordinary living landscape. A landscape that is constantly changing, yet one you never tire of looking at. Building a project of this scale on a mountainside was a considerable challenge. We called on specialist companies and local expertise in Mauritius to bring the vision to life while respecting the site’s natural contours. What detail at Legend Hill might guests not notice, yet matters most to you? Naturally, many guests remember the view. Yet the detail I am most proud of is almost invisible: we wanted the buildings to blend into the landscape as much as possible. The colours chosen with the architect, the construction on stilts, the façades, the materials… everything was considered so that the architecture would sit naturally within the mountain and its surroundings rather than impose itself upon them. We did not want to build a monument or introduce colours that would compete with the landscape. We wanted to create a place that felt as though it had always belonged here. If our guests leave feeling that everything was simply in its rightful place, then we have achieved what we set out to do. That is probably the greatest compliment we could receive. What is your favourite time of day at Legend Hill? Without hesitation, sunset. I believe Legend Hill offers one of the most beautiful sunset views in the Indian Ocean. Of course, there is the panorama, different every evening. But what moves me just as much is the way the resort comes to life at that particular moment. The kitchens led by three-Michelin-starred chef Glenn Viel come alive, dishes leave the kitchen, cocktails arrive at the tables, travellers return from their excursions, and everyone pauses for a moment to take in the view. I love watching our guests experience Legend Hill in their own way. Seeing the teams at work, catching the aromas from the kitchens, hearing laughter, watching eyes turn towards Le Morne… That is probably the moment when the whole project truly comes to life. What would you like travellers to take with them when they leave Legend Hill? I would like them to leave with the memory of a rare place and a feeling unlike any other. Of course, there is the view, which is difficult to forget. The one you wake up to, rediscover by the pool or watch at sunset, the kind of view that makes you want to keep your eyes open just a little longer. But beyond the panorama, I hope what stays with them most is a feeling. The feeling of having experienced a stay where the intimacy of a private residence meets the excellence of hospitality, delivered by our operating partner and associate, Phoenix Hotel Collection. Because ultimately, the most beautiful journeys are not simply the ones we photograph. They are the ones we continue to feel long after we return home.