Luxury, elegance and faultless service are hallmarks of the Mauritian hotel experience. From cosy family accommodation to six-star resorts, visitors can tailor-make their perfect vacation, writes Julia Bound.

The French have known it forever, the Brits for almost as long. The neighbouring South Africans can’t get enough and the Germans are huge fans. If the Mauritian Tourism Promotion Authority has its way, Australians too will soon be let in on the secret: Mauritius, a sparkling gem in the Indian Ocean, has all the ingredients for a seamless, faultless, unforgettable holiday experience.

Hotel operators will argue over which side of the coast has the best location – is west the best or does the east have the advantage? They each have their distinct advantages and one thing is true over all: as writer Mark Twain said, “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; heaven being copied after Mauritius”.

Beachcomber

As the longest established hotel group in Mauritius, Beachcomber Hotels claims to have snapped up all the best locations for its eight signature properties. Royal Palm is the epitome of peerless luxury, while the 172-suite Dinarobin houses a standout spa by Clarins and world-class dining. The neighbouring Paradis Hotel & Golf Club nestles in the shadow of the stunning Le Morne Peninsula, boasting the most spectacular golf course on the island.

The Shandrani resort has become the first five-star inclusive hotel on the island with the launch of its Serenity Plus package last November. The package includes delicious à la carte dining, snacks, French champagne, scuba diving for certified divers and a complimentary massage in the stunning La Source Spa by Decleor.

Le Canonnier and Le Mauricia are popular four-star choices, both offering great value with their all-inclusive packages. Le Victoria is four-star-plus and one of the most popular resorts for Australians in Mauritius, often enjoying 100 per cent occupancy.

Le Touessrok

The Euro-glam Le Touessrok has been described as “the playground of life and love”. With a moniker like that, who are we to argue? Recently renovated to the highest standards, this east coast property attracts the high flyers and fashionable sorts from around Europe and South Africa. Built in the style of a Mediterranean village, it exudes tropical charm. If guests tire of the French cuisine and pampering spa treatments, they can always hop across the water to the private Ilot Mangenie, a Robinson Crusoe-style retreat for the exclusive use of Le Touessrok guests.

Le Saint Géran

At One&Only Le Saint Géran, “indulgence awaits your arrival”. Originally opened in 1975 and completely remodeled in 1999, the resort’s classic style is legendary among travellers. A uniformed doorman heralds the arrival of guests with the striking of an enormous drum, then welcomes them into a wonderland of Alain Ducasse cuisine and a Gary Player-designed golf course.

Constance Hotels

You’ll be in good company at Constance Hotels’ two properties in Mauritius, Le Prince Maurice and Belle Mare Plage. Consistently voted best golf resort in the world, Belle Mare Plage’s two 18-hole courses are lavishly spread out over 1150 hectares. The Shiseido Pavilion will satisfy the fussiest spa devotee, while the selection of international cuisine at the nightly buffet exceeds all culinary expectations.

Le Prince Maurice is similarly impressive: an oasis of luxury built around a calm lagoon on a tranquil peninsula ensures the utmost privacy and solitude. A favourite of honeymooners, the resort was built for romance.

Naiade Resorts

The second-largest hotel group in Mauritius with a portfolio that includes five-star Beau Rivage, Legends (the only feng shui hotel in the Indian Ocean), Les Pavilions and the cosmopolitan Merville Beach, Naiade Resorts offers contemporary, stylish and fun surrounds. With plans to further expand around the island, Naiade is upgrading all of its current properties to raised star standards (currently three and three-and-a-half stars) and even better facilities.

The newest resort in the group, the four-star Tamassa, blends contemporary colours with traditional Mauritian architecture in an appealing resort at Bel Ombre on the southwest coast.

Veranda Resorts

There are five hotels in Veranda Resorts’ Mauritius portfolio, and it’s not uncommon for them all to experience 100 per cent occupancy. Very popular with French visitors, they are dotted around the island in prime locations including Grand Baie and Pointe aux Biches. The hotels are generally three-star standard, with a relaxed ambience and affordable dining options.

Taj Exotica

Taj Hotels has made its name throughout South Asia with unique and fabulous properties (visitors to India would be familiar with Taj’s restored palaces including the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower). The all-villa Taj Exotica Resort & Spa presents a similarly luxurious experience with faultless service and an ambience of utter serenity (there is no soundtrack of humming waterskis). Each of the spacious 65 villas has a private pool with outdoor shower and open-air living area; many enjoy views across the peaceful Tamarin Bay, a spectacular sight at sunset.

Club Med

The appeal of a Club Med vacation is the all-inclusiveness of packages on offer. At La Plantation d’Albion, the brand-new ‘village’ on the west coast of Mauritius, you won’t put your hand in your pocket after you arrive as all meals, snacks, wine, beer and soft drinks are included, as well as sports activities and group entertainment. The Cinq Mondes Spa can take care of your beauty and body needs at extra cost, though the steam room and hammam are free for guests to use.

The attractive staff members from around the world are full of the sort of energy and enthusiasm that can only be mustered from living in paradise. Guests mingle with the staff at communal dining tables each evening to enjoy delicious seasonal produce and catch up about the day’s activities.

Sofitel

Sofitel resorts always offer the best of French elegance and five-star amenities including the so-comfortable-you’ll-melt Sofitel MyBed. Sofitel Imperial Mauritius is spread over nine hectares of waterfront tropical gardens on the west coast, just minutes from the trendy restaurants of Flic en Flac. The rooms have recently been renovated in classic natural fibres and colours. The luxury garden suites are spacious enough for families, while the deluxe suites afford wonderful water views.

Hilton

You won’t be disappointed by the 5-star offering at Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa. Located about an hour from the international airport on absolute beachfront at Wolmar, the hotel’s well-appointed rooms and guest suites are decorated in colonial style. The romance of airy canopy beds and marble bathrooms sits side-by-side with the convenience of wireless internet access. As you would expect of a Hilton property there are extensive leisure facilities, including floodlit tennis courts, water sports, kids’ club and spa and fitness centre. A conference centre is popular with stressed-out city types keen to combine a little business with Indian Ocean pleasure.

Möevenpick Resort & Spa

You’ll feel like you’re stepping into another world when you visit Möevenpick Resort & Spa on the southwest coast of Mauritius. Nestled in a cocoon of sugar cane fields and lush vegetation, the resort resembles the grandeur of a traditional 17th century plantation. The mod cons available are all about now though: floodlit tennis courts, PADI scuba facilities, the 1000-square-metre tropical pool and beachfront kids’ club. A range of delicious cuisine options and spa facilities will satisfy every visitor.

The Residence

Whereas other five-star hotels in Mauritius exude a sophisticated and glam vibe, The Residence is a beacon of colonial elegance with the service standards of a bygone era. Private butler service in each of the sea-facing 135 rooms and 28 suites is a welcome touch, adding to the sense that one is a special friend of the family, rather than an anonymous hotel guest.

Shanti Ananda

Any luxury hotel worth its salt scrub houses a spa these days but, for some properties, the spa facilities are a destination in their own right. Shanti Ananda, in the south of Mauritius, was launched in December 2006 to cater for an increasing number of world travellers who can’t get enough of indulgent body treatments. Each of the 55 spacious beachfront suites and villas overlook the sea.

Preskil Beach Resort

Just 15 minutes from the airport, this family-friendly four-star resort can be found on a private peninsula along the south east coast near the fishing village of Mahébourg. The resort borders a peaceful lagoon, with access to popular ‘green’ island, Ile aux Aigrettes.
Rooms are located in colonial-style cottages with spectacular views over the lagoon and up to the surrounding mountains. Indoor and outdoor dining options satisfy every palate with relaxed beachside fare or fine Creole dining. •

Travel Facts:

getting there

• Air Mauritius flies regularly to Mauritius from Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Phone 1300 658 572 or visit www.airmauritius.com
• Wildlife Safari can arrange Mauritius packages. Phone 1800 998 558 or visit www.wildlifesafari.com.au

Where to stay

• Beachcomber Hotels (Royal Palm, Dinarobin, Paradis, Trou aux Biches, Shandrani, Le Victoria, Le Canonnier, Le Mauricia) – phone 1800 624 268 or visit www.beachcomber.com.au
• One&Only Le Saint Géran, phone 1800 222 033 or visit www.oneandonlysaintgeran.com
• Le Touessrok, phone +230 402 7400 or 1800 222 033 or visit www.letouessrok.com or www.lhw.com
• Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, phone +230 403 1500 or visit www.tajhotels.com
• Club Med La Plantation d’Albion, phone 1300 855 052 or visit www.clubmed.com.au
• Constance Le Prince Maurice, phone +230 402 2935 or visit www.constancehotels.com
• Constance Belle Mare Plage, phone +230 402 2935 or visit www.constancehotels.com
• Sofitel Imperial Mauritius, phone +230 453 8700 or visit www.sofitel.com
• Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa, phone +230 403 1000 or visit ww.hiltonworldresorts.com
• Möevenpick Resort & Spa Mauritius, phone +230 623 5000 or visit www.moevenpick-hotels.com
• The Residence Mauritius, phone +230 401 8888 or visit www.theresidence.com
• Shanti Ananda, phone +91111 2656 8888 or visit www.shantiananda.com
• Preskil Beach Resort Mauritius, phone +230 604 1000 or visit www.lepreskil.com
• Veranda Resorts, phone +230 266 9700 or visit www.veranda-resorts.com
• Naiade Resorts, phone +08 9444 8386 or visit www.naiade.com
• Sugar Beach Villas, phone +230 401 1000 or visit www.sugarbeach.com

Further information

• Visit the Mauritius Tourist Promotion Authority (MTPA) website at www.tourism-mauritius.mu or phone TWP Marketing Communications (who represent the MTPA in Australia) on 03 9685 2680.