“We are completing a transitional year, which was part of a transformation journey we started in 2014,” director of sales and marketing Jean-Pierre Bosquet explained. “All our resorts will soon be fully operational and we are optimistic about forward bookings.”

The “transformation” has involved the reopening at the end of 2015 of Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa on the east coast of Mauritius and 2017 sees the reopening of Kanuhura, Maldives.

“We entered into a partnership with Shangri-La in 2015 with the retention of 74% of the asset and with 2016 the first full year of its operation, we are delighted with the progress made so far on that hotel,” Bosquet said.

He added overall growth in tourist arrivals in Mauritius in the past year had helped Sun Resorts to achieve “excellent occupancy rates” throughout 2016.

In the Maldives, the group is planning to reopen its Kanuhura resort on December 1 following an 18-month renovation and redesign programme.

Kanuhura will offer 94 villas and suites, eight restaurants, three bars, an orchid garden, Kids & Teens Club, two private islets, spa, tennis and squash courts and a dive centre.

“A ‘Gypset’ concept has inspired our designers to create what we hope will become one of the most revered resorts in the Maldives,” Bosquet said. “Kanuhura’s brand identity relaunch is also set to be fronted by the supermodel, jewellery designer and actress Erin Wasson, who is a strong advocate of our Gypset concept.”

At WTM London, the company will launch Sun Golf, a new initiative focused on marketing the three golf courses Sun has in Mauritius – Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club designed by Bernhard Langer; Anahita Golf Course, designed by Ernie Els; and Tamarina Golf Club designed by Rodney Wright.

Sugar Beach Golf & Spa Resort is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary and will launch the Governor’s Flower Lounge this December, which will include private butler service, flower-themed decor, French manicured gardens, and a revised beach experience.

Elsewhere in the group, La Pirogue Resort & Spa has completed a soft refurbishment as that resort celebrates its 40th anniversary.

“In Mauritius, there is a renewed initiative by the Mauritius Tourist Promotion Authority to raise the island’s profile to entice additional tourists from around the globe, so we end the year with a very positive outlook,” said Bosquet.

“And we are very optimistic for the year ahead as we look to the opening of the much-loved Kanuhura in the Maldives.”