If it’s luxury hotels you’re looking for, head to Mauritius to sample what’s new on the accommodation scene. Joanna Booth reports
From plush, five-star celebrity hangouts to friendly three-star properties, travellers who like a bit of luxury in their life will be spoilt for choice in Mauritius.
Here are some of the newest luxury hotels in Mauritius.
Tamassa
This new four-star Naiade resort sits in expansive grounds on the island’s south coast.
Externally, the architecture has a traditional Mauritian look, with pitched roofs internally, the decor is sleek and modern, with bright cushions and fabrics scattered around.
There’s everything you can wish for on site – restaurants, bars, a spa, sports activities, a kids’ club and even a disco.
Hayes and Jarvis regional product and contracting manager Robert Sanday said: “Tamassa appeals to the younger 20 and 30-somethings as well as the established market of Mauritius enthusiasts. It twins contemporary minimalist decor with Mauritian architecture, and the atmosphere is friendly and cheerful.”
The Grand Mauritian
A large, swish new hotel from Luxury Collection, The Grand Mauritian Resort and Spa has 198 rooms and suites overlooking the ocean.
The thatched roofs and lush, green grounds lend a tropical air. Inside, the decor is plush. Even the standard rooms are big, with adjoining en suite bathrooms dominated by plunge pool-sized baths.
As well as all the usual deluxe facilities, there are plenty of extra state-of-the-art touches, such as a room-accessed webcam system allowing you to check out who’s in the bar and restaurant before you head down for the evening.
The hotel is ideal for people who want complete luxury, but it is also well placed for exploring the island with both Grand Baie and Port Louis less than 10 miles away.
Elite Vacations managing director Peter Jackson said: “This is good for independent travellers who want to visit the island’s restaurants as the hotel is available on a bed-and-breakfast basis, which is rare in Mauritius.
Anahita
If it’s total exclusitivity you want, visit Anahita, on the island’s east coast.
The 70 lodges are equipped with every possible home comfort – that is if you spend every day living in a five-star paradise with a personal butler and sea-facing verandah.
Within the 213-hectare complex, there’s a pool, fitness centre, restaurants, bars, boutiques and a boathouse, plus an Ernie Els-designed golf course. You can fish in the lagoon, trek in the forest or kitesurf off the coast.
Kuoni product manager Nicola Denbigh said: “Anahita is perfect for customers who love luxury and want flexibility and space. The residences are open-plan and perfect for families as they offer plenty of space.”
Best of the rest
Le Touessrok
When Travel Weekly dropped by, we just missed bumping into Sir Richard Branson. This is luxury at its best, and with its secluded setting, Le Touessrok is popular with all the A-listers.
Hilton Mauritius
This hotel has a lively atmosphere and great food. The central courtyard bar is the perfect location for a cocktail or two.
Paradise Cove
Perfect for couples, there are love-nest sun gazebos dotted through the grounds, the food is excellent and the service is personal.
Belle Mare Plage
Two 18-hole courses make this a paradise for golf-lovers and their families, who can check out the hotel’s extensive facilities.
Getting to Mauritius
Air Mauritius operates six direct flights a week from Heathrow, British Airways flies direct three times a week. Virgin Atlantic flies twice a week and Emirates flies via Dubai.