Where to stay put in Mauritius

Mauritius features regularly on the holiday wish list for honeymooners, families and empty nesters alike. A mere 2,000km from the east coast of Africa, the island is hemmed by 330km of immaculate white beaches. It is fringed with palm trees and ring-fenced by one of the largest unbroken barrier reefs in the world. Of course, there are also those 800-metre-high mountains at the island’s heart. Along with lush forests, this is home to some of the world’s rarest animals. But among this paradise, you may wonder where to stay. Our guest blogger, Adam Jacot de Boinod, gives us the lowdown on four unique resorts he’s recently visited on the island.

Mauritius is a very much an unspoilt island and I highly recommend it whether for a honeymoon, young family or in retirement. Hotels are excellent, service is wonderful, rooms thoroughly thought through. And the food is local, fresh and delicious.

My first resting spot, the glamorous Four Seasons Resort, lies on the east coast at Anahita. Open since 2008, the resort comprises purely of villas. It’s classy. It’s all bridges, bicycles and buggies. Perfect for kids and adults alike, the attentive staff quite literally cannot do enough for you.

The hotel’s own golf course was designed by former World No.1 Ernie Els, while the one opposite on the Île aux Cerfs was by Bernhard Langer. Unfortunately the hotel’s beach is not remarkable in any way, as the water is too shallow to swim with any degree of confidence. But the lack of a beach is more than compensated for by the hourly option of a boat shuttle to the Île aux Cerfs.

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!

At my next hotel, Lux Le Morne, there is lots of decking, wood and white with no need for 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.

There is the relief of islands in the middle of creatively shaped swimming pools from which parents can watch over their kids’ safety from all angles. Perfect for a young family.

Then, I was off to experience my next hotel – The Residence. The rooms have beautiful white shutters and outside there are gazebos for quiet contemplation. There are two perfect dining locations; the beachfront Plantation, a lovely airy outdoor hall with a gourmet menu to match the scenery; and The Verandah, which offers the right variety as a high-class buffet for those who typically stay more than a week.

My final stop in Mauritius was the Hideaways Stargazer. Members of The Hideaways Club Classic Collection have access to properties all over the world. It’s perfect for someone who doesn’t want to be restricted to one location.

The master bedroom is the only upstairs room and being the only distinguishing feature from the other Hideaways property on the island called Hibiscus. From the deep bath of its en suite bathroom I saw the whole length of the southern coast with the waves crashing in from a distance. Stargazer was built in 2011 as part of Heritage Villas. A stay here includes free access to the Golf Course, Hotels Awani and Telfair and to the C Beach Club.

All very spoiling on a very unspoilt island!