ORIGINS

Located in Mauritius, “Chamarel” takes its name from the enigmatic “Lands of Chamarel”. A unique corner of the African continent, characterized by high hills and hills, where dunes of seven colors paint a lunar landscape that captivates the imagination.

In this picturesque town, diversity reaches its maximum expression, creating a unique cultural tapestry. Arabs, Indians, Chinese, Dutch, Italians, Africans and Creoles live together in harmony, forming a melting pot of traditions that intertwine in the daily life of this place. Each ethnic group, with its unique customs, has contributed significantly to the rich and complex fabric of the history of this exotic country.
With 3,000 souls, every corner of this place is not only a physical space, but a silent witness to the stories that have shaped this diverse community. From the lively markets where colors and aromas mingle, to the monumental temples that are relics of bygone eras, each street tells a unique story. The neighborhoods, with their winding alleyways and bustling squares, bear witness to the civilizations that have left their mark on this place, creating a tangible connection

At the heart of this vibrant cultural narrative is “El Art Boutique Hotel Chamarel” in Dénia, Alicante, Spain. Inspired by the cultural richness of its namesake, this hotel is not only a place to stay, but a living testimony to the fusion of history and modernity.
Every corner of the hotel seeks to reflect the essence of this fusion, creating a welcoming environment where guests can feel immersed in the richness of diversity. Each element is designed to offer a journey through time and celebrate the hospitality that characterizes this unique place.
Art Boutique Hotel Chamarel is not only a place to rest, but a destination in itself. We cordially invite you to be part of this unique experience. We will be happy to welcome you and take you on a journey where the cultural richness and magic of Chamarel intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Welcome to an oasis of history, modernity and hospitality in the heart of Denia.

On a sultry summer afternoon in 2002, after a boisterous meeting in the technical office of scenography and lighting of the Rialto Theater in downtown Valencia, I found myself hurriedly boarding a cab. The cab driver must still remember the rush I imposed on him while I was on my way to Manises airport. Against all odds, I managed to arrive and boarded at the last minute on the flight to Milan, which, after a 15-hour flight and a brief stopover in Zurich, took us to Mauritius, the northernmost island of the African continent, aboard an Air-Italia plane. My travel companions, Mila and Anaïs, were waiting for me, surprised and astonished.

Upon landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport in Plaisence, 4 km from Maheburg in the southeast of the island and 48 km from the capital Port Louis, our journey began.

The Chamarel lands, located in the southern part of Mauritius, offer a unique visual experience: strata of seven colors that give the region a magical and unreal appearance. This corner of the world is home to the indigenous Creoles, a multiracial population that has maintained its ancient customs and mysterious traditions over the centuries.

Diverse ethnic groups coexist in small populations, each preserving its own identity. From the olive-skinned Hindus in saffron-colored saris and white temples to the ethnic Arabs in their stalls, where the scent of mint and spearmint permeates the air, and vendors offer strange gadgets and exotic spices.

Around the corner, the magic of Chamarel transports us back in time, where history comes alive in every detail. We met Dutch settlers, their children in arms, dressed in elegant gray Tweed cloth clothes, as if they had emerged from a period painting. Their destination is the Black Chapelchurch, an imposing-looking Protestant chapel with its pointed, crimson-red, slate roof rising majestically among the branches of a huge, century-old oak tree.
The atmosphere of the chapel envelops us in reverent silence as we watch the Dutch families, in their traditional dress, making their way to the entrance. The rustle of dry leaves beneath their feet seems to resonate with echoes of the past, reminding us of an era when ships still plied the seas under sail.

When consulting our Spanish language dictionary in search of the meaning of the word “trip”, we find the following definition: “Trip is the change of location in space of people, which is done through means of transportation or without them”. This definition immerses us in the notion of physical movements and displacements from one part of the world to another, whether by air, sea or land, and even through space. However, by immersing ourselves in the richness of an ancestral language such as Sanskrit, which is more than a hundred years old, we can
6000 years old, we discover a different perspective: Journey = यात्रा (yātrā) f.
If we delve deeper into the meaning of this word, we realize that it also refers to actions and moves, but with a crucial component that we often forget: Yatra. The particularity here is that the space traversed by the subject performing the action is “interior”, not exterior, as we commonly understand it. This nuance reveals to us that as we embark on a journey around the world, we are actually exploring within ourselves.

This approach invites us to reflect on the deeper meaning of our journeys. How many times have we focused our attention only on external destinies, without considering the richness of our own being? The journey, in its essence, becomes an opportunity to explore our thoughts, emotions and discover layers, unknown states of our inner being.

The idea that every step taken in the outside world is also a step inward transforms our travel experiences into opportunities for self-reflection. Each encounter, whether with a different culture or a surprising landscape, becomes a mirror that reflects aspects of ourselves that we may never have explored before. This approach does not exclude the wonder of exploring remote places and experiencing new adventures, but adds a deeper dimension to our experiences. By understanding that the inner and outer journey are intrinsically connected, we can enrich our global journeys with a more conscious and meaningful perspective.

As we progress on our journey, we discover that every corner of the world becomes a canvas that invites us to paint our own narrative. The cobblestone streets of ancient cities and majestic natural landscapes become mirrors that reflect our deepest emotions and thoughts. The journey, understood as an internal and external exploration, becomes a powerful tool for personal transformation. Every experience, whether in the bustling streets of a metropolis or in the tranquility of nature, presents us with opportunities to grow, learn and evolve. Integrating awareness into every step As we expand our understanding of the journey, we realize the importance of awareness in every step we take. It is not just about arriving at a physical destination, but about entering the journey with an open and receptive mind. Awareness allows us to fully appreciate each experience, connecting us with the outer and inner world in a deeper way. The word “travel” goes beyond the simple action of moving from one place to another. It is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vast landscape of our own being, discovering that every journey is a journey both external and internal.