Travel Snob’s Best Hotels in Mauritius

As you know, I travel as much as I possibly can – usually I go “under cover’ with no mention of being a Travel Agent until I check out – I want to see how my guests will be treated.  Its quite funny to watch a Hotel General Managers face when I tell them I am a Travel Agent.

Towards the end of last year, I was lucky enough to be invited on a F.A.M (Familiarisation Trip) with my Favourite Supplier – Travel2 and the Mauritius Tourist Board.   The trip involved staying in 7 different Hotels, Lunch in another 6 and visits to another 6.  Its trips like this that enable me to really recommend the right hotel for each client.  Every client is different when it comes to personal choices, wants and needs and these trips are invaluable so I get to see the rooms, the facilities, the restaurants, the locations etc of each and every hotel.

Famous for its breathtaking white, sandy beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, sugar cane plains, truly amazing people, and of course – wonderful weather. It’s easy to see why Mauritius is one of the most popular destinations among couples and families.

With both British Airways (from Gatwick) and Air Mauritius (from Heathrow) operating direct flights, and a host of other carriers flying from regional UK airports offering convenient connecting times, or enabling you to make a few days stop over (in Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Dubai) then you can tailor make a holiday around your own preferences.

Why Go?

The tropical island of Mauritius are a chance to explore Indian temples, colonial houses, botanical gardens and opportunities to spot rare birds among the soaring ebony tress, walk with majestic lions and freely swim dolphins.  Amazing crystal clear waters, palm fringed white sandy beaches and incredible sunsets – make this piece of paradise accessible to many people.

Plentiful water-sports, incredible diving sites, snorkelling, world class spas, top-flight golf courses and gourmet cuisine make it hard to the leave the variety of luxury hotels in Mauritius, but Mauritius has plenty to see and do – from the tradition French colonial houses and imaginative animal parks to nature walks, quad biking, zip-lining and horse riding – even the chance to go for a leisurely stroll – with a LION!

Mauritius can be its own wonderful singer destination, or you can soon make an amazing twin Centre Holiday, such as Mauritius and Dubai or Abu Dhabi, even do a Safari in Kenya or Tanzania then top off an amazing trip with a few days on the beach in Mauritius.  Even South Africa with its vast array of activities, then fly to Mauritius for a few days of rest before you head home.

When to Go

Mauritius has a subtropical climate which brings sunshine, blue skies and warmth for the majority of the year.  Perfect beach weather all year round.  Temperatures tend to be hotter towards the end of the year, (October through to December).  The Mountain Range in the south can get rain at any time of the year – which provide it with its lush green tropical feel, the rest of the year can see prolonged rain in January and February – but lest face it – its always going to be better weather in Mauritius than it ever will be at the same time of the year in the UK.

Where to Go

Mauritius has many amazing place to go, with hotels and amazing beaches on all its coastal lines. From opulent 5 star properties, to the more rustic 3 star properties.  Wherever you go you will find amazing beaches, clear sea and incredible hospitality from the warmest of people – who want to ensure you have the best holiday ever!

Below you will find some of my favourites from the best hotels we stayed in and visited.

Heritage Resort

The Heritage is made up of three properties; Tel fair, Awali and Heritage Villas. 

Tel fair Looking over the water, nestled in the beautiful tropical landscape of Domaine de Bel Ombre, Heritage Le Telfair is a luxurious resort right by the coast. With timeless plantation-style villas, suitable for couples and families alike, a high-class spa, 18-hole golf course, a diverse choice of restaurants, a private beach and access to a nature reserve. This resort offers guests some of the best experiences in Mauritius.  This was where I experienced the best breakfast on the Island along with the most incredible Sushi!

Traditional, colonial architecture with elegant modern touches perfectly blend together to create a relaxed atmosphere, with family-friendly and adult-only facilities and activities to keep you (and the kids) entertained!

Awali, is much more low key and less formal resort with an amazing indian Restaurant. Both the properties share the same beach, and at the far end of the beach is an incredibly cool beach club, certainly with a cool vibe about it, with cool tunes and chill out spaces to watch the sunset and just hang out.  Awali tends to be more of an all inclusive resort, where as Telfair is for people on half or full board.

Villas – perched on the hillside overlooking the spectacular Golf Course, with the pean in the distance, you are spoiled rotten here.  Each villas having its own Gold Cart to get to and from the beach or the restaurants, and of course to the Spa, The Beach Club and more importantly the gold course itself. These villas are incredible like nothing I have ever seen.   Ideal for a couple of family, or group of friends traveling out.  A family reunion is just the most perfect of settings.  With 2 – 4 bed villas all with their own pools – this could surely be a peaceful tropical sanctuary you have always dealt of.

St Regis Mauritius Resort

On the South-Western side of the Island, white coral-sand beach and the stunning backdrop of Le Morne Mountain comfort the stunning 5* St Regis Resort. Dedicated to relaxation, the serene resort creates the perfect magical setting with most suites looking out into the turquoise lagoon. At the St Regis you will feel completely at home (except on a beautiful tropical island in 30.C+ weather) with a friendly butler on standby for your every need.

While at the resort you can enjoy pampering in the world-class spa, as well as watching your favourite movies in the private cinema, or taking a morning yoga class to start the day off right.

The St Regis probably had the largest stretch of beach that we saw when we were there.

The rooms are stunning all with amazing balconies or terraces, some you just step out onto the beach.

The St Regis Brand is world renowned and each one has a story to tell.  You will leave here being able to tell plenty of a wonderful time had by all at the St Regis.

Lux* Belle Mare

Set amid tropical gardens on the eastern coast the Lux* Belle Mare is a welcome resort with an array of restaurants, stunning beaches and the most incredible spa.   I loved the casual beach dining with the food trucks by the beach.  Their Ice Cream Parlour(almost a signature thing with Lux*) with regular favours along with some incredibly exotic flavours that you are bound to want to try.  I had one of the very best curries I have had before at the Amari by Vineet. This is a great resort for foodies, with other restaurants including The Duck Laundry – and a big hands up to the Beach Rouge Cafe with its cool vibe to grab a cocktail, watch the sun set and stay for the evening.

The Raveanela by Attitude

The huge lobby with vies over the pool welcome you as you arrive into this oasis.  Huge Rooms with sizeable terraces or balconies – again plenty of places to eat and drink, with its own night club open until 7 am in the morning. This is a family friendly howe however it has an area specifically for adults only, right on the shore line with dramatic ocean views and a Sushi restaurant just for you.

The pool area is huge if you are not a beach lover,

Paradise Cove

Perched up on the north coast The Paradise Cove is a couples / adults only hotel.  The minute you enter there is an air of sophistication of this small boutique hotel.  With lots of gorgeous chill out ares all with amazing views of the Indian Ocean.  All rooms are romantic with 4-poster beds and white washed walls.  Smaller than other properties, but all with that ocean boutique style.

The water surrounding the resort is crystal clear, there is a very small cove with a beach, the beach service is exquisite, if you are more find of smaller resorts that offer a person service this would well be the one for you.

Emeraude Beach by Attitude

If you are on a tighter budget or don’t enjoy 5 star luxury, then there are plenty of other options for you.  Emeraude by attitude, whilst it does not have its own beach, it is on the most spectacular stretch of palm fringed beach.  With just one restaurant you are close enough to the town to wander in and sample more local cuisines. The staff here are just as charming as in other hotel in Mauritius.

Overall much more laid back and chilled that other 5 star resorts, with smaller (nicely finished) rooms around a smaller pool – but full of charm and local culture.

Call 07990 018018 TO FIND OUT MORE about the best hotels in Mauritius.