Mauritius really is an unspoiled Indian Ocean island, highly recommended as a destination for honeymoons, young families or retirement couples. The resorts are excellent, the service wonderful, the rooms thoroughly thought through, and the food is local,
fresh and delicious.
Four Seasons Resort
My first resting spot, the glamorous Four Seasons Resort, lies on the east coast at Anahita. It opened in 2008 and is comprised of different grades of villa – all thoroughly thought through. It’s classy. It’s all bridges, bicycles and buggies along fresh concrete alleyways. Perfect for kids as well as perfunctory for the demands on the staff. It attracts chiefly a British clientele though Dutch, French, Chinese and Koreans make up most of the rest.
The hotel’s own golf course, it’s original raison d’être, was designed by Ernie Els while the one opposite on the Île aux Cerfs was by Bernhard Langer. The hourly option of a boat shuttle to the Île aux Cerfs is highly recommended. Here I stepped off the quay into a secluded cove only minutes away. A truly idyllic paradise.
The whole stretch of beach to myself. Bliss!
More Info: www.fourseasons.com/mauritius
Lux Le Morne
At my next hotel, Lux Le Morne, the rooms have a neutral décor. Lots of decking, wood, and white with no need mercifully for any embellishment. The foyer is cool and clean. Outside my rooms, the gardeners play ‘hook and catch’ with coconuts using an averruncator (a long stick with shears for cutting high branches). Next to them, there’s even a “Tree of Wishes” on which guests tag notes containing their personal dreams.
And for parents, there is the relief of islands in the middle of creatively shaped swimming pools from which to watch over their kids’ safety from all angles. Perfect for a young family.
More Info: www.luxresorts.com/en/hotel-mauritius/luxlemorne
The Cenizaro Residence
The rooms at The Residence have beautiful white shutters and outside there are gazebos for quiet contemplation. The few lights on the trees at night make the leaves flow like an orchestra as the palm trees flutter. A perfect environment for dining in the choice of two restaurants: The Plantation, the lovely airy outdoor hall of an original planter’s house by the beach which has a menu befitting a gourmet. And The Verandah which offers the right variety as a high-class buffet for those who typically stay more than a week.
All felt invigorating and new, even though The Residence Mauritius has been open for eighteen years. It’s the English who are the main punters who typical stay for two weeks. And now increasingly come the Chinese, typically for only five days and only ever the once. I wish I had had two weeks here.
More Info: www.cenizaro.com/theresidence/mauritius
The Hideaways – Stargazer
So on to my final place to stay – membership of The Hideaways Club Classic Collection portfolio gives one access to properties all over the world. It’s perfect for someone who doesn’t want to be restricted to one location or have the hassle of maintenance. As tennis player Tim Henman says, “With the Hideaways Club I have a wide variety of beautiful properties in stunning locations that I can use year round, plus the potential growth of my investment.”
The master bedroom is the only upstairs room and being the only distinguishing feature from the other Mauritian Hideaways property called Hibiscus. Stargazer was built in 2011 as part of Heritage Villas it gave me free access to the Golf Course, Hotels Awani and Telfair and to the C Beach Club (C for Coast and the “Place to C, the place to B” being the chant)! All very spoiling on a very unspoiled island!
More Info: www.thehideawaysclub.com
About the author: Adam Jacot de Boinod worked for Stephen Fry on the first series of QI, the BBC programme. While researching this article, Adam had support from Priority Pass, Gatwick Express, and the Holiday Place.co.uk.
