Sunlife Unveils Exciting Culinary Development
- HC Editor
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
Sunlife is delighted to announce an exciting culinary milestone at its renowned luxury
resort, Sugar Beach in Mauritius. The launch of Maré Maré Beach Restaurant introduces a fresh and dynamic dining concept which promises to redefine the gastronomic landscape, offering guests world-class dining experiences crafted by internationally celebrated chefs.

Maré Maré Beach Restaurant
Sugar Beach is pleased to announce its brand-new Beach Restaurant concept, Maré Maré. Formerly known as Citronella’s, this unique pop-up Chef concept offers a deliciously fresh Mediterranean menu, reimagined by a world-renowned guest chef each year.
For the launch of Maré Maré, Sunlife has collaborated with South African celebrity chef Reuben Riffel, who brings his extraordinary culinary expertise to Sugar Beach. With over 30 years of culinary experience, Reuben has taught Martha Stewart to pickle fish, cooked for Hollywood legends like Denzel Washington and Sean Connery, and showcased his skills on platforms like Today and MasterChef South Africa. His journey spans continents and cuisines, from Antarctica to Azerbaijan, but his heart remains in the Cape Winelands village of Franschhoek, where he has opened ten restaurants, including his flagship, Reuben’s.
Reuben’s philosophy celebrates real food, meaningful connections, and global flavours. At Maré Maré, he invites guests to experience his passion for barbeques (better known as braaiing in South Africa) and creating vibrant, flavourful dishes. Reuben’s specially curated à la carte menu at Maré Maré features a blend of bold, sophisticated, and comforting flavours. Indulge in delectable starters like marinated tuna with smoked chilli and guacamole or roasted mangoes with burrata and savoury granola. Enjoy signature pizzas, freshly prepared grill dishes, and irresistible desserts, such as chocolate delice with salted caramel.
With its luxurious seaside setting, Maré Maré offers an elevated, contemporary dining experience. Guests can enjoy the beachside bar, pizza station, plush lounges, and the iconic fire pit, making Maré Maré a destination for memorable moments.
Alongside Maré Maré, Sugar Beach is also home to two further culinary gems: the vibrant Buddha-Bar Beach, known for its bohemian beachfront energy, and Le Patio, the resort’s elegant all-day dining destination.

Buddha Bar Beach
This stylish, open-air venue brings the globally renowned Buddha-Bar lifestyle concept to the west coast of Mauritius, combining cutting-edge music, inspired mixology, and innovative cuisine in an effortlessly chic setting.
Set against a backdrop of golden sunsets and swaying palms, Buddha-Bar Beach invites guests to sip jasmine flower spritzes or signature cocktails as the sky transforms into hues of rose and gold. The resident DJ sets the mood with soulful beats, creating an electric yet relaxed ambience that carries through from sundown to starlight.
The menu, influenced by both Asian and Mediterranean flavours, features an eclectic mix of fresh, vibrant dishes designed for sharing. From sushi platters and ceviche to grilled meats, each plate is crafted with finesse and flair.
Whether guests are lounging by day, mingling over sunset drinks, or dining under the stars, Buddha-Bar Beach offers a sophisticated yet playful energy—making it the social spot of Sugar Beach.

Le Patio
At the heart of Sugar Beach lies Le Patio, the resort’s elegant all-day dining restaurant that blends refined international cuisine with Mauritian charm. Set in a grand open-plan space that overlooks the resort’s lush gardens, Le Patio invites guests to begin and end their day with a curated culinary journey.
Breakfast at Le Patio is a vibrant affair, with an abundant buffet of freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, made-to-order eggs, and local specialities. As the day unfolds, the restaurant transforms into a hub of global flavours, offering themed dinner evenings that showcase everything from Mediterranean classics to Indian spices and pan-Asian favourites.
Live cooking stations and interactive chef counters add an engaging touch, allowing guests to watch dishes come to life with artistry and flair. Whether dining indoors under vaulted ceilings or al fresco in the warm island breeze, Le Patio delivers a relaxed yet refined experience for couples, families, and friends alike.
Thoughtfully designed to reflect the charm of Sugar Beach, Le Patio embodies the resort’s
commitment to laid-back luxury and exceptional cuisine.
About Sugar Beach
A sparkling gem on the west coast of Mauritius - Sugar Beach is a five-star resort. Expansive green lawns unfurl onto powdery white sands, while French-style gardens burst with vibrant bougainvillaea. With some of the most breathtaking views on the island, Sugar Beach invites guests to soak up the astounding natural beauty of Mauritius in a graceful and sophisticated setting.
Guests can relax beneath palm-leaf fans or take a refreshing dip in one of two luxurious pools – including the island’s largest, at 2,000m2, and an infinity pool that stretches out towards the Indian Ocean.
The resort features 238 rooms and suites spread across the elegant Manor House and 16 private villas. Interiors are bright and calming, with lagoon-inspired hues, wide sunlit windows, and crisp white linen. The grand Manor House itself is a architectural masterpiece, with soaring ceilings, arched windows, and columned walkways that evoke a long-lost era of stately elegance.
From champagne-fuelled soirées to tranquil spa days at GLOW spa, Sugar Beach offers an
irresistible blend of indulgence and relaxation. A wealth of water sports – from paddleboarding and snorkelling to windsurfing and kayaking – are available just steps from the shore.
With a world-class culinary offering including the new Maré Maré Beach Restaurant, the iconic Buddha-Bar Beach, and refined dining at Le Patio, Sugar Beach is a true epicurean destination. Whether guests come for celebration or serenity, the resort delivers unforgettable moments with the signature warmth and magic of Mauritius.
Comments