Located off the coast of Mauritius on a private island accessible only by a wooden bridge, each of the 98 luxury guest rooms boast airy split-level layouts with chic, beige stucco walls and porcelain floors with flecks of Indian quartzite. Uplit, hand-carved screens of Palissandre, a dense Madagascan wood, flank luxurious beds accented with rich fabrics, crisp linens and decorative panels. The décor celebrates the local culture with vibrant splashes of orange, red and purple -- reminiscent of the indigenous hibiscus and bougainvillea. Raised, open bathrooms feature glass sinks and sculptured, egg-shaped baths of a smooth poured marble blend, offering guests a direct sightline over the bed to the azure Indian Ocean beyond. 

A Sol Kerzner resort, $52 million was spent on the 11-month re-design of Le Touessrok, which evokes an ultra-hip ambiance rivaling contemporary hotels throughout the world. On Dec. 7, 2002, celebrities, prominent Mauritians and guests (fortunate enough to have reservations) will witness the unveiling of one of the most eagerly awaited hotel refurbishments in years. 

HBA�s Atlanta office adds this acclaim to their 2001 Gold Key Award for the design of the suites at Le Saint Geran, Le Touessrok�s sister property in Mauritius.