Interview: Roman Goetsch, General Manager, One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius
Nestled on its own private peninsula, where the gentle lagoon meets the Indian Ocean, One&Only Le Saint Géran has long defined the spirit of luxury in Mauritius. Nearly five decades on, the resort continues to evolve while preserving its soul – a balance of heritage, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality.
At the helm is Roman Goetsch, General Manager since 2020, whose thoughtful leadership and deep respect for the resort’s legacy have guided it into a new era of intuitive, modern luxury. A Swiss national fluent in German and French, Roman brings more than two decades of international hospitality experience spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Before joining One&Only, he managed the award‑winning Hotel Bristol in Warsaw – named among Travel + Leisure’s Top 100 Hotels in the World – as well as The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa in Mauritius.
In this conversation, Roman shares what makes Le Saint Géran so special – from its history and people to the quiet magic that draws guests back year after year.
If you could describe the One&Only Le Saint Géran in three words, what would they be and why?
Secluded. Timeless. Legendary.
Saint Géran has a presence you can feel the moment you arrive – a quiet sense of seclusion, a timeless beauty shaped by its peninsula, and a history that has defined luxury in Mauritius for nearly five decades. It’s not just a resort; it’s a story still being written, one guest at a time.
What unique qualities or experiences set One&Only Le Saint Géran apart from other luxury resorts in Mauritius?
It’s the soul of the place. Many resorts can be beautiful, but few create such an emotional connection with their guests. People come back because they feel something – a warmth, a rhythm, a sense of familiarity. The Guerlain Spa brings Parisian artistry to wellness, RIVA blends sophistication with barefoot ease, and our Private Homes invite guests to truly live here, not just stay.
What inspired you personally to work in luxury hospitality, and what continually excites you about managing such an iconic resort?
Luxury hospitality, at its best, goes far beyond beautiful settings – it’s about intuition, emotion, and anticipation. It’s about understanding people deeply, often without a single word being spoken. I’ve always been inspired by the idea that hospitality is both an art and a craft – a balance of creativity, human connection, and meticulous attention to detail. What drew me to luxury hospitality specifically is the freedom to innovate. In the ultra-luxury space, we’re not confined by convention; we’re encouraged to imagine, reinvent, and create moments that stay with guests long after they leave.
What excites me most about leading One&Only Le Saint Géran is its soul. This resort has a heartbeat – shaped by our people, our history, and the emotional connection guests feel every time they return. Being the steward of such an iconic place, guiding its evolution while preserving its essence, is deeply rewarding and endlessly inspiring.
One&Only Le Saint Géran has a rich history since its opening. How has the extensive renovation completed in 2017 enhanced the guest experience while respecting the resort’s legacy?
The renovation was more of a rebirth than a reinvention. We didn’t want to change the spirit of Le Saint Géran – we wanted to let it breathe. The spaces became lighter, more open, and more in tune with the sea and the lagoon. Yet at its heart, that same sense of belonging remains exactly as it was in the seventies.
How does the resort’s location and natural surroundings influence the guest experience and overall philosophy of hospitality?
This peninsula has its own rhythm. You wake up to still water on one side and crashing waves on the other – a daily reminder to be present and to slow down. Our hospitality mirrors that rhythm: intuitive, unhurried, and deeply human. We’re surrounded by natural beauty here, yet it’s the calm, grounding energy of the place that truly defines the guest experience.
What kinds of curated or exclusive experiences can guests expect during their stay at One&Only Le Saint Géran?
At One&Only Le Saint Géran, we believe in crafting memories rather than itineraries. Each experience is thoughtfully curated to feel deeply personal – a sunrise paddle across the still lagoon, a private dinner beneath the palm trees, or a Guerlain ritual infused with the island’s native botanicals.
Exclusivity here isn’t defined by extravagance, but by intimacy and connection. Guests can unwind at the only Guerlain Spa in Mauritius, retreat to our newly launched Private Homes designed for families seeking space and seclusion, or explore the first Brunello Cucinelli boutique in the Indian Ocean – a celebration of craftsmanship and timeless style. Every moment at One&Only Le Saint Géran is designed to feel uniquely yours.
Do you have a favourite spot on the property or something guests often overlook that you’d recommend experiencing?
If I had to choose my favourite place to unwind within the resort, it would undoubtedly be at the very tip of our peninsula – where the gentle lagoon meets the Indian Ocean. During sunset, there’s something truly magical about that spot: the way the sunlight dances on the water and the breeze drifts through the palm trees. It’s a place that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of One&Only Le Saint Géran – serene, welcoming, and utterly breathtaking.
Is there a signature dish or cocktail that has become part of One&Only Le Saint Géran’s identity, and what makes it special?
Our signature cocktail, the Moris Sour, perfectly captures the spirit of One&Only Le Saint Géran and the soul of Mauritius. Created by our award-winning mixologist, Yousouf, this cocktail pays homage to the island’s heritage through every ingredient. It blends homemade spiced rum, Demerara sugar syrup – a nod to the island’s sugarcane legacy – fresh lime for tropical balance, and a dash of Angostura Bitters to reflect Mauritius’ multicultural influences.
Finished with an edible sugar-paper garnish of a dodo carrying the Mauritian flag, the Moris Sour is more than a drink – it’s a story of place, passion, and pride. Much like One&Only Le Saint Géran itself, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, authenticity, and the art of creating something timeless.
When you are off duty, what are your favourite local spots or activities in Mauritius you would recommend to guests?
I’ve always been drawn to stories – especially those that shape this island. Mauritius has a soul, and I love discovering it again and again, often through the eyes of its people. The island’s rich tapestry of cultures and traditions is something I feel privileged to be part of. I often spend weekends exploring the coastline, where public beaches become places of communion and celebration, or taking a quiet afternoon to support a local conservation project.
Whenever I can, I love hiking through the lush forests – finding new trails, scenic viewpoints, and hidden waterfalls. It’s these authentic experiences, shared with friends, family, and the local community, that truly make Mauritius feel like home to me.
What is one of the most memorable moments or stories from your career journey at One&Only Le Saint Géran?
There are countless moments that have stayed with me, but one in particular captures the spirit of what makes this place so special. A couple returned to the resort after 25 years – the same resort where they had married decades earlier. What they didn’t expect was that Sachin, one of our Assistant Host Managers and a true Legacy Maker, recognised them immediately. He had been present at their original ceremony all those years ago. Without being asked, he quietly gathered photos from their wedding, arranged a vow renewal, and recreated elements of that day in the most heartfelt and personal way.
Watching them relive that moment – surprised, emotional, and deeply moved – was extraordinary. It reminded me that luxury isn’t defined by flawless service alone; it lives in human connection, memory, and genuine care. That moment reflected everything One&Only Le Saint Géran stands for.
Read our full review of our stay at the One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius, here.
For more information, visit https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/le-saint-geran.
