For two decades the co-founders Hans and Julie Gauthier have hunted for and deliberated over the best villas and hotels across the Indian Ocean region. The seeds of the villa rental idea grew after the development of a family plot among the swaying palms in Trou Aux Biches. Some of their clients have been with them along the whole stretch of the journey and this niche business has grown through their clients’ loyalty and spontaneous recommendations to their friends. .

The new website offers a superb selection of quality properties known for their locations, excellent service and culinary delights.

In Mauritius there is a huge choice of hand-picked villas: resort villas from the stunning Four Seasons and Le Touessrok villas to the beach villas of le Paradis and Trou Aux Biches and the golf estates of Anahita and Heritage. Exclusive designer beach villas like Villa One 4-suite pool villa in Pointe Aux Canonniers and Cape Blue exclusive 5-bedroom beachfront villa in Cap Malheureux. In the luxury villa category Villa Athenee voted one of the top 10 best beach villas by Condé Nast Traveller and Island Villa L’Ilot a real private island offering a privileged and unique stay. There is also an array of beach bungalows which offer the more budget conscious an excellent base for that family beach holiday. All around the island there are also contemporary beach apartments from the desirable Cape Point in Cap Malheureux in the north to the recently opened Esplanade in Black River on the west coast. For the Mauritius hotels there is a hand-picked portfolio of the best luxury and boutique hotels whether for a golf trip with friends, a family holiday or a romantic escape.

The Seychelles portfolio includes the best luxury hotels in the archipelago from the gourmet delights of Four Seasons Seychelles to the barefoot luxury of Desroches. Some of the most popular pool villas have also been included like the 4-bedroom Li-Al-Do Maison on Mahe.

Zanzibar is a new destination with a choice of luxury villa resorts like Essque Zalu an all pool villa resort and the romantic spa resorts of The Residence and The Palms. All the private villas offer original experiences from the loft style beach chic of Upendo Retreat to the eco credentials of Milele Villas.

Mozambique, another new destination, offers a delightful Indian Ocean adventure. Hidden gems like Azura at Quilalea with Mozambican butler service and superb spa, Azura at Benguerra designer modern chic with a traditional twist and the exclusive Vamizi Island. From Santorini-in-Africa to Pambele these villas offer all inclusive fully staffed luxury accommodation with stunning beaches.

Hans Gauthier, Managing Director and Co-Founder is delighted with the launch and spends much of his time keeping an eye on the future of travel in the region and looking forward to sharing his excitement of these developments with their clients. The focus of Elegant Destinations has always been a family company with very personal service and all requests always tailor-made as if they were their own holidays.