LE TOUESSROK

Ideal for: adventure seekers

Perched along a pristine stretch of coastline on the north-east coast, Le Touessrok just beckons to be explored. If lounging about a spacious and brightly decorated ocean suite or catching some rays by the resort’s main pool doesn’t appeal, guests have exclusive access to nearby Îlot Mangénie, an uninhabited island equipped with hammocks, sun loungers, a restaurant and very attentive staff who are on hand to ensure you have everything you need.

For more active pursuits, take a boat across the lagoon to the resort’s second island, Île aux Cerfs, where you’ll find plenty of water activities to get your adrenaline pumping, including windsurfers, kayaks and waterskis. Then, spend an afternoon teeing off on the world-renowned golf course as the sun sets over the mainland. 

Tel: +230 402 7700

www.letouessrokresort.com

 

Ideal for: rest and relaxation

Sprawled over 14 hectares on the quiet southern coast, this resort is the last word in seclusion. Ocean villas — most with private infinity pools — are equipped with everything you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible, including king-size beds, Plantation organic toiletries and Nespresso coffee machines. When you can tear yourself away from your room’s glorious ocean view, there’s plenty to entertain throughout the resort.

Enjoy meals made using produce sourced locally and from the resort’s own garden at one of the three on-site restaurants. And no relaxing holiday would be complete without a spa treatment. Nira Spa is the one of the largest in the Indian Ocean, and combines ancient Ayurveda and yoga techniques with modern wellbeing practices — the 90-minute Sega ritual is a must-do. 

Tel: +230 603 7200

www.shantimaurice.com

Ideal for: families and groups

As one of the first luxury resorts on the island, Le Prince Maurice has had plenty of time to fine-tune its offerings. With 64 junior suites, 12 family suites, 12 villas and one Princely Suite, there’s plenty of space for families and groups of any size. The three-bedroom Princely Suite is located in a secluded part of the resort close to the beach and also comes with the services of a villa master to attend to your every need.

Adults can enjoy a treatment in the Spa de Constance by Sisley, fine dining at Le Barachois, a floating restaurant that sits over a natural fish reserve, or a round of golf at one of the two nearby courses. For young discerning travellers, there’s Les Petits Princes kids’ club, which has its own pool and runs cooking classes and outdoor game days. 

Tel: +230 402 3636

princemaurice.constancehotels.com

Ideal for: being close to the action

While most resorts are a decent drive away from Mauritius’ major townships, Royal Palm, on the sun-drenched north-west coast, is just minutes from the popular tourist hangout of Grand Baie, making it ideal for visitors wanting to experience Mauritian life beyond the five-star resorts.

All 84 suites face the beach and each are personalised with colourful printed fabrics and artworks, though all have the same relaxed ambience that’s quite a contrast to the noise of town. Of course, a stay here grants you all the other luxuries of a typical resort including gourmet dining options, watersports and a Clarins spa. When the sun sets, you have the option to forgo drinks at the hotel’s main bar for Grand Baie’s buzzing nightlife.  

Tel: +230 209 8300

www.beachcomber-hotels.com

Ideal for: couples

Located on a stretch of ivory sand in the west coast of the island, Maradiva is the only resort of its kind in Mauritius — accommodation is 65 private villas. Although smaller in size compared to many other resorts on the island, the intimate layout makes Maradiva ideal for a romantic getaway. Each villa has its own private terrace, garden and infinity pool, and a butler is available round the clock to attend to your every whim.

Such a romantic setting sets the mood for a variety of couples’ activities, including an indulgent Indian aromatherpy treatment for two (finishing with a rose-petal bath and champagne, of course) and in-villa dining by candlelight, where Maradiva’s staff work with you to create your ideal menu, which is then prepared fresh and then served to you by your butler. 

Tel: +230 403 1500

www.maradiva.com

Ideal for: culture vultures

Set between lush fields of sugarcane and Le Morne Beach in the island’s south-west is the first St. Regis hotel in Africa. The resort celebrates the diversity of Mauritian culture. It is designed to resemble a Victorian sugar baron’s manor house; all 172 guestrooms and suites are elegantly appointed with wide terraces affording Indian Ocean views.

The top-of-the-range beachfront St. Regis Villa features four bedrooms with private pools and gardens, as well as a bar, a private spa treatment room and personal butler service. An authentic Indian menu from Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar is served at the resort’s Simply India restaurant, though to keep with the colonial theme, you can enjoy Mauritian-French fusion cuisine at Le Manoir Dining Room.

Tel: +230 403 9000 

www.stregismauritius.com