Mauritius may be a small island nation, but it is anything but lacking in luxury escapes. For years, I associated it with scorching sunshine, hair-puffing humidity and towering coconut palms, but its true appeal lies far beyond these clichés.
In recent years, the island has quietly evolved into a destination for holistic wellness and world-class gastronomy. Think sunrise Pilates overlooking the sea, restorative spa rituals, unhurried boat trips along the coast, and a culinary scene shaped by Indian, Creole, Chinese and European influences.
A new generation of thoughtfully designed resorts has emerged along its coastline, offering travellers an impressive choice of places to stay. To explore how varied Mauritian luxury can be, I spent time at LUX* Belle Mare, LUX* Grand Baie, SALT of Palmar and LUX* Grand Gaube - four hotels that capture very different sides of the island.
LUX* Grand Baie
Best for couples
For travellers seeking a stay that combines glamour with contemporary design, LUX* Grand Baie delivers in style. Nestled on the island's lively northern coast, the property makes a striking first impression. The expansive, open-plan entrance combines dark wood flooring, exposed beams and white linen sofas softened with pale grey cushions. Lush greenery climbs the walls, while a sculptural spiral staircase leads up to the rooms. Stepping inside, my eyes were immediately drawn to the view of the ocean horizon directly ahead. It truly feels like you’ve stepped straight into paradise.
For couples planning a romantic escape, this is my top choice. The pool has the feel of a chic beach club, with red-and-white striped loungers and views of the crystal-clear waters, while a fantastic playlist brings energy without ever becoming intrusive. The beach itself was my favourite of the trip - a pristine stretch of powder-soft sand that invites long afternoons basking in the sun.
The rooms
In my Junior Suite, terrazzo floors and a calming neutral palette exuded understated luxury. Against the island’s lush tropical backdrop, the minimalist aesthetic was refreshing without ever feeling sterile or cold.
The high-tech features and smart room controls were especially impressive. With the tap of a button I could blackout the room entirely and gently wake up to soft lighting. My ground-floor terrace was another highlight, offering direct access to the pool, making the space feel seamlessly connected.
The food
LUX* Grand Baie offers a generous breakfast spread, with both an extensive buffet and a small à la carte menu available at Beach Rouge. Expect soft pastries, fresh tropical fruit, and made-to-order pancakes. The restaurant also makes an excellent lunch stop between swims, and the tuna tataki is truly mouthwatering.
The hotel’s real culinary masterpiece, however, is Ai KISU, its Asian restaurant. It's an immersive experience, with dark marble round tables and striking Asian artwork set against black brick walls. The roasted duck with plum sauce is an absolute must, and the caviar illusion dessert is not to be missed – the dramatic plume of sultry smoke is really quite something.
Elsewhere, the rooftop restaurant Walima by Bisou serves vibrant Lebanese and Moroccan sharing plates alongside sweeping infinity pool views. The rooftop itself is one of the hotel’s standout features, calm and relaxing with towering palms below, making it the perfect setting for romantic sunset cocktails.
The wellness offerings
The spa is set within a dimly lit, tiered structure. Tucked away within the hotel, it feels like a true sanctuary, removed from the outside world. An entire floor is dedicated to a hydrothermal journey, inviting guests to fully escape as you move from the heat of the sauna to the invigorating cold plunge.
The subterranean setting proved unexpectedly soothing, allowing for a fully immersive spa ritual. Those who prefer something more open-air can retreat to private pools set among the gardens, accompanied by shaded loungers.
The gym facilities here were the strongest of the hotels, featuring a 30-metre rooftop running track, and a Pilates studio, centred around a glowing moon-like installation set into the floor.
How to book
During peak season rooms start from £303 to £908 per person per night for a Junior Suite. Half board, full board and all inclusive packages are available. To book, visit booking.com
LUX* Belle Mare
Best for families
LUX* Belle Mare is set on the island's east coast and feels effortlessly in harmony with its tropical surroundings, despite its grandeur. Much of that comes down to its minimalist aesthetic. It's the sort of place where the pace slows the moment you arrive.
Guests approach along a pathway lined with lush greenery and sheer linen, which leads to the Aperitivo bar. Here, a reclaimed-sand counter softly tinted pink sets the tone, alongside a refreshing welcome drink. A palette of sand white, coral and soft green is paired with hand-glazed tiled arches, wooden beams and bamboo-roofed rooms, creating a serene tropical oasis.
There’s an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere throughout, helped by the open-plan pool that flows directly onto the beach and the well-appointed kids’ clubs. Yet the resort never feels overwhelming or rowdy. An adults-only section of the pool offers a quieter retreat, while alternative breakfast and lunch options are available for those who prefer to avoid the bustle of the main buffet.
The rooms
My Junior Suite was bathed in the same calming palette of white sand tones with coral and citrus accents. The simplicity felt refreshing, while the beach-hut-inspired architecture captured the spirit of a tropical island. As someone who doesn’t travel light, the walk-in wardrobe was a welcome touch, and the spacious bathroom – with his-and-hers sinks – made the perfect space to glam up for the evenings.
The food
Food is one of my favourite parts of travelling somewhere new, and dining is one of the resort’s highlights. For a casual lunch or dinner, I recommend Beach Rouge, which serves fresh and flavourful Mediterranean cuisine, while for something a little more indulgent in the evening, Duck Laundry offers an initmate dining experience with plush blue velvet sofas, striking red accents, and low lighting. Their dim sum is perfect for sharing, whether with family or a partner.
The wellness offerings
The spa is inspired by the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space – with treatments tailored to guests following a short consultation. I indulged in their signature massage, influenced by water – a sweet nod to my star sign. But the true hidden gem was the secluded aqua area hidden among the trees, complete with a cold-water pool, sauna, hot tub, and sun loungers, where you can recline and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. And don’t miss the matcha mini cookies, they're absolutely delicious.
The hotel has an impressive gym, but as someone who isn't much for treadmills or heavy weights, the standout for me was the Reformer Pilates studio. I enjoyed a morning session with a trainer during my stay – an unexpectedly special addition to the usual hotel fitness offerings.
How to book
During peak season rooms start from £126 to £706 per person per night for a Junior Suite. Half board, full board and all inclusive packages are available. To book, visit booking.com
SALT of Palmar
Best for solo travellers
For a more playful take on Mauritian luxury, SALT of Palmar offers something different. The adults-only boutique hotel feels more intimate than the island’s larger resorts, with an emphasis on wellness and community. For solo travellers in particular, the atmosphere makes it easy to settle in and make friends with fellow guests.
The design is bold and distinctive with black-and-white striped walls offset with terracotta, lilac, and yellow accents, creating a palette that feels unexpectedly harmonious. Throughout the property, small wall niches frame views of white sand and swaying palms, often with a hammock perfectly positioned between them.
The rooms
Rooms are deliberately understated and simple, designed more as a place to rest your head than as the focal point of the stay, encouraging guests to fully immerse themselves in everything the hotel has to offer. Instead, the emphasis is on thoughtful sensory details like cinnamon-infused flip-flops, towels created using coffee beans and other small touches that subtly connect guests to the island.
The food
One of the most memorable dining experiences was the interactive six-course dinner at Tek Tek, where guests can watch the chef prepare each course. It’s an engaging format that encourages experimentation, and I tried dishes I wouldn’t usually reach for, like slow-cooked blue-barred fish. The dining space itself is cleverly conceived, enclosed in glass to shelter guests from tropical showers while still allowing uninterrupted views of your surroundings.
The wellness offerings
Wellness is woven throughout the experience at SALT. The spa draws inspiration from the restorative properties of salt, with treatments and spaces designed to energise and detoxify. The foot ritual was deeply relaxing, while the salt room offered a tranquil space to recline in a warm, crystal-like cocoon as pink Himalayan salt vapour filled the air.
The sunset yoga session with Yoga Master Sudesh on the beach lawn was one of the highlights of my visit. Overlooking the ocean, it offered a gentle, grounding moment to slow down, breathe, and fully immerse myself in the landscape.
How to book
During peak season rooms start from £71 to £303 per person per night per night for a Garden-View Room. Half board, full board and all inclusive packages are available. To book, visit booking.com
LUX* Grand Gaube
Best for friends
For an active getaway with plenty to do, choose LUX* Grand Gaube. The island’s largest and liveliest LUX resort, it caters perfectly to groups seeking both social energy and a variety of experiences. The interiors are bathed in crisp white tones, complemented by bamboo roof tiling, creating a breezy, chic but playful vibe.
Set on a peninsula between two coves, the hotel feels self-contained, offering everything from lush jungle paths to tennis courts and even an indoor cinema. You certainly won’t get bored here, there’s always something to occupy the day beyond lounging by the sea.
The room
My favourite of all of the rooms, a colour palette of navy, mustard, and soft salmon pinks in the bathroom perfectly captured a relaxed, barefoot-on-the-sand aesthetic. The suites also feature a furnished outdoor balcony with sweeping views of the ocean. The design balances comfort with contemporary style, encouraging both socialising and quiet retreat.
The food
Culinary experiences at LUX* Grand Gaube are varied and memorable. The Hug Me Honey offering, with on-site hives and the Bee Honest Bar, pairs honey with a seasonal lunch outdoors. It feels as if you've stepped straight into a peaceful woodland, and highlights include the delicious tasting selection of honeys and the infused iced tea.
Even for those less familiar with rum, the tasting at the Rum Tree House is an unmissable experience. Fun and immersive, the space itself is intimate, with soft lighting, natural textures, and a central table framed by bottles lining the walls.
Dinner at INTI, the Peruvian restaurant, is a must for anyone seeking the finest seafood and steak. The space feels elegant and modern, with marble tables, neon accents, and shelves displaying colourful vases. The stainless steel open-plan kitchen adds a modern touch and invites guests to watch the preparation first-hand.
The wellness offerings
For those who enjoy hands-on activities, the hotel has its own pottery studio. At GAIA, guests can try a guided pottery session and it's perfect for a fun date or a great way to keep children entertained. The spa and gym provide more traditional luxury offerings, with highlights including sound-bath therapy and the mindfulness maze, for a unique and rejuvenating experience.
How to book
During peak season rooms start from £117.00 to £454.00 per person per night for a Superior Room. Half board, full board and all inclusive packages are available. To book, visit booking.com
