First - a bit of history!
In the heart of the warm Indian Ocean, 500 miles east of Madagascar, lies this tropical getaway of perfection which is Mauritius. Access is easy as the island is served by regular flights from Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The strategic position of Mauritius on the former “Spice route”, earned it the title of “Star and Key of the Indian Ocean”. The island has been successively colonised by the Arabs, the Dutch, the French and the British.
Today the Mauritius island is an example to the world in many ways, especially culturally. Its population is melting pot, which blends Indian, Chinese, African and European lifestyles and traditions. The legendary Mauritian hospitality and the excellence of the hotel industry have propelled it to being one of the world’s most sought-after long-haul holiday destinations. Not to mention that it has more 5 star resorts than anywhere else on the planet! Here are our top picks:
1. Best family resort
Mauritius is the ultimate family destination. Calm, clear waters all around the island combined with specially designed resorts catering for multi-generation travel give you so much choice. We love La Pirogue for its great value, Heritage Awali for its golf offering and choice of restaurants as well as Constance Belle Mare Plage for its modern facilities and mile and a half long beach.
2. Best beach
The list is long luckily and you don’t have to wander far to find stunners, however a few stand out in our opinion – Shangri La Le Touessrok has an impressive beach with two jetties for boats. Dinarobin and sister-resort Paradis in the south has the most beautiful view of Le Morne in the background and lagoon. The long beach at Belle Mare Plage is fabulous, quiet and lined with swaying palms.
3. Best golf course
It’s got to be Paradis Golf Club at the Paradis Hotel. Built within the resort's grounds, the 18-hole Par 72 golf course stretches along 5,924 metres between the iconic Morne Mountain and the crystal-clear lagoon of the Morne peninsula. The Ile aux Cerfs course is the stuff of legends and Four Seasons Anahita is highly recomended.
4. Best spa
One & Only Spa at The One & Only Le Saint Geran – this is a serious destination ESPA spa. It is beautifully set in tropical surroundings, with sauna, Hamman and pool. The spa at the Oberoi is pretty impressive too and their therapists have been trained in India specifically for this spa.
5. Best rooms
The Oberoi - Small is most definitely gorgeous at this intimate boutique-style hotel on the North West coast. Whether in a thatched Luxury Pavilion, the Royal Villa with private pool or one of the Luxury Villas with private pool, garden and gazebo, all feature romantic four-poster beds and sunken marble baths, plus sea-facing views.
Shangri La Le Touessrok – we love the new suites on Frangipani Island, they are contemporary in style, featuring stunning ocean views and many offer direct access to the beach. If you opt for a secluded Beach Villa you'll have the pleasure of your very own private garden and infinity-edge pool.
For complete understated luxury try the tiny 20 Degres Sud in Grand Baie. And it’s all grown-up with no children allowed and each of the suites comes with its own outdoor jacuzzi.
6. Best Creole meals
For lunch in mauritius try the waterfront promenade in Mahebourg port town for quirky and rustic places to eat like La Colombe and then for dinner head off to Grand Baie to Monsieur Roberts’ Palais de Chine restaurant for their signature dish – spicy crab. Bibs highly recommended! And for exotic rum-based concoctions – the tiny Mari Kontan bar at the Luxe Bel Mare.
7. Best water-sports
Mauritius Troux Biches and Mont Choisy are fantastic beaches for various water sports endeavours. At Shangri La Touessrok you can learn to kayak, paddleboard and sail in calm conditions. For scuba diving head to The Luxe Bell Mare for the great diving facilities at the hotel. They offer wakeboarding, windsurfing and waterskiing too!
8. Best culture fix
Mauritius it’s all in the food! Where do we start – the Deer Hunter at Belle Mare Plage features Indian-Creole fusion cuisine with spicy undertones, for something different try the new-ish Domaine Anna Restaurant in Flic en Flac where it recreates traditional Chinese dishes and flavours, with local influence. And then there is the creative genius of Cafe des Le Arts set in an old sugar Mill. Or spend hours rummaging the fruit, spice and souvenir shops of the capital Port Louis’ markets. Visit the sleepy town of Mahébourg. Established in 1805 the former bustling port town is now a charming fishing village.
9. Best service
The Constance Le Prince Maurice, The Oberoi and the Four Seasons Resort at Anahita get top marks from happy clients year-round. Nothing is too much trouble for their smiling, highly-trained and amazingly efficient staff.
10. Best revamp
Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok opened its doors in late November 2015 after being bought by the Shangri-La group. It has had a complete refurbishment and it’s looking very sleek indeed with purpose-built eco-friendly rooms in natural tones and textures and it also has a dedicated kiddie-club complete with treasure hunts and film club!
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