OVERVIEW
Mauritius was once home to many a pirate, playing host to Dutch sailors and Arab spice traders, creating a fascinating cultural melting pot. Now you can expect to hear French and Dutch alongside a French and Arabic taste fusion. Yet the national dish is one of an Indian-inspired lentil-filled dholl puri showing the truly rich history of this tiny country.
But it’s the island’s sandy beaches and volcanic backdrops that it’s now best known. Spend your days hobie-cat sailing, exploring the abundant coral reefs just off the shoreline and deciding between which of the many swimming pools take your fancy. Mauritius seemingly does laid-back luxury extremely well. Service is understated and yet faultless here. The locals are friendly and polite to a fault. There’s really very little one could complain about when spending your days on the white-sand Mauritian beaches.
You gather idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius
Mark Twain
CURRENT FAVES
Located on the idyllic north-eastern coast of Mauritius, One&Only Le Saint Géran creates a sense of exclusivity on its own private peninsula with both a beachfront and a calm lagoon unlike any other resort on the island. Le Saint Géran emerges fresh from a nine month, multi-million-dollar refurbishment, with each of the brand-new guest rooms offering lagoon, ocean or beach views. All suites also benefit from butler service. Dining concepts include all day dining at the open kitchen styled La Terrasse bar and restaurant, a modern Pan-Asian experience at Tapasake whilst cuisine from PR1ME Contemporary Grill is served over water courtyard seating. With a stunning new pool instated at the tip of the peninsula, a total of three pools offers families, couples and spa visitors their own dedicated spaces to relax. Complimentary activities include water-skiing, kayaks, snorkelling and windsurfing, whilst the spa offers a tranquil retreat with Mauritian-inspired treatments.
Lapped by the Indian Ocean’s waters, luxury hotel Le Prince Maurice has beachfront and lake-edge luxurious suites. Set in sprawling grounds with a free-form pool, gorgeous spa and private beach, this hotel doesn’t scrimp on facilities. They also have four restaurants to choose from including a spectacular option that floats on water. Make use of the excellent kids club for the little ones as you make your way to lie by the main pool, shaded by nearby palm trees, enjoying some peace and quiet.
Situated on the white sands of Trou d’Eau Douce bay, Shangri-La Le Touessrok is set on the beautiful east coast of Mauritius. In fact, it offers luxurious seclusion with direct access to the beach and endless activities if you’re so inclined. With Japanese and Asian restaurants (including one on a nearby beach accessed by private boat), you won’t go hungry. Additionally, an 18-hole championship golf course and huge selection of water sports will keep the whole family entertained. From kayaking to water-skiing, a trendy beach club and sumptuous treatments at CHI spa, this is one of the best hotels on the island.
Surrounded by magnificent mountains, the striking plantation-style residence Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort boasts spectacular ocean views. Following extensive renovations in 2017, this 5-star resort combines its trademark charm with a refreshed, modern look. Detox with a juice at Annabella’s in the morning before a Pan-Asian lunch on the white sand at Gin’Ja. Perfect for golf-lovers and kite-surf enthusiasts; you can make the most of free unlimited green fees on the award-winning 18-hole championship golf course, and enrol at the kitesurfing school before retreating for the afternoon to their Seven Colours Spa.
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Le Morne Mountain on the south west of the island, LUX* Le Morne offers pavilion-style buildings housing elegant suites with access onto the sandy beach. Watch as the chefs prepare your meal at The Kitchen, look out over the lagoon when dining at East or swim up to the bar for a refreshing cocktail. Make a splash in the sea with a dynamic range of complimentary watersports (the south west of the island is ideal for kitesurfing), work out at the gym or unwind at the spa before spending the evening on the sand watching an al fresco movie with Cinema Paradiso.