Nurturing Nature’s Bounty with Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

Set alongside Mauritius’ most pristine and largest lagoons, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita plays a very important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem on the east coast of Mauritius. Within the beautiful mangroves and the reef beyond, Rick-Ernest Bonnier, the Resort Ocean Environment Manager, dedicates his time to marine and environmental conservation. “Snorkelling close to the mangroves is always an adventure,” he smiles. “Aside from absorbing CO₂, mangroves play a major role in maintaining the biodiversity of our lagoon – home to various species of fish and other marine life, creating a very vibrant snorkelling experience.”

Seahorse Conservation

Always happy to share knowledge or take guests on educational walks to discover more of the surrounding nature within the Resort, Rick is currently developing a Seahorse Conservation Project. "The Resort lies in a fishing reserve area, offering ample opportunities to experience vibrant marine life along the surrounding reefs," he shares. "We are fortunate to have a small seahorse population in our waters among other species of fish and coral." A unique species found in shallow tropical waters and with a high risk of extinction, ensuring a healthy environment for the seahorses is Rick’s most important preoccupation. Having been a part of the Resort for more than eight years, this environmentalist knows where to locate them, even as guests join a snorkelling trip to sites that seahorses have been observed at. "The first stage of my current research includes identifying the population structure, the species and their behaviour in the natural habitat,” Rick offers insights adding that two species have currently been observed: Hippocampus Histrix and Hippocampus Kuda.

Nature’s Beauty

Rick is also available every day at 8:00 am for a Morning Resort Nature Walk. As guests are guided through the property's lush, tropical vegetation he points out endemic trees and plants such as Latanier Bleu, Latanier Jaune, Bois de Natte and more, along with local wildlife species such as Mauritius Ornate Day Gecko, Mauritius fruit bats and many tropical birds. “Some of the species are endemic to Mauritius while others are in the Mascarene region (including the islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues, Madagascar and Reunion),” he shares. “From the chirping of the birds to the rustling breeze among the leaves, there are so many sounds, smells and textures to explore and learn more about the native environment around us.”

This year, the Resort celebrated Earth Day with the launch of a new initiative; an introduction to a mini endemic forest created around the overwater spa. "The idea is to create our own endemic nursery where we plant and grow various species of endemic trees,” he explains. “Once they have grown, we will replant them in to our vast landscape to contribute to the conservation of our native flora.”

The Resort’s commitment to sustainability and conservation efforts shows in its day-to-day operation with elimination of single-use plastic, in-house water bottling, eco-friendly amenities, sustainable produce in menus, among others. “It is a part of everything we do,” confirms Martin Dell, General Manager. “Our commitment to our planet and people is unwavering, governed by Four Seasons For Good.”