Mauritius is an Indian Ocean destination of spectacular beaches, mountains and things to do. It’s a great destination for winter sun.
The combination of beach leisure time and adventure suits families and couples.
Some of the best Mauritius resorts have recently completed much-needed renovations. It feels like a refreshed destination.
Unlike the Maldives and Seychelles archipelagos, trips to Mauritius centre on one main island. The country’s best resorts vary in terms of style, location, facilities and exclusivity.
They are very different from each other, so the number one Mauritius resort is a lot about personal preference.
In this article we explain the pros and cons of eight properties based on our own inspections, feedback from clients and updates from our partners in Mauritius.
One&Only Le Saint Geran
An off-season upgrade has completely refurbished the spa, updated the rooms and added more luxury villas for 2024-2025. The resort reopens this month.
This follows on from a huge renovation in 2017, when One&Only took over what was the first luxury resort on the island.
One&Only Le Saint Geran is an island icon with a superb location, on a private peninsula on the beautiful and sheltered east coast, which isn’t hit by strong winds like the west coast.
We like the light and elegant design, fun and youthful atmosphere, plus the outstanding dining. Feedback from our travel designers and clients is that the service is really top class.
Facilities are superb too. They include a teens club and kids club, plus their Le Saint Geran ClubOne, some of the best resort sports facilities we’ve experienced anywhere in the world.
The downside used to be the lack of private villas. There was only one, called Villa One.
Now there are 52 luxury villas of differing sizes in a new area of the resort, built on an old golf course and surrounded by tropical gardens.
The resort has three other sections. The lagoon section is the quietest but only has rooms, not suites. For higher category suites we recommend the beachfront section over the ocean section.
For many of our clients, One&Only Le Saint Geran is the best resort in Mauritius, but note we are yet to inspect the new villas and the resort’s chic, happening style won’t be for everyone.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
The Four Seasons is the only all-villa resort in Mauritius. The entry-level room category is a private villa with a pool, which is the resort’s key advantage.
Villas are cool and spacious, the best option on the island for anybody who demands privacy and more personal space.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius is a great choice for spending most of your holidays in and around your villa, rather than at the beach or out exploring.
It’s also a good choice for golfers as the resort borders two amazing championship courses. The championship course at Anahita Golf Club has holes along the ocean and lagoon, while the more approachable Ile Aux Cerfs snakes up and down a nearby island.
The biggest downside to Four Seasons Resort Mauritius is the beach, or lack of. There are only two tiny beaches on the property, usually very busy with guests. Both lack privacy and cleanliness.
Dining is very good, with seven different restaurants. We highly recommend taking a speedboat to nearby island Ile aux Cerfs, for a long lunch with toes in the sand at La Plaz Beach Grill.
From personal experience we know the service is excellent, although the relatively heavy design style won’t be for everyone.
Some villas have been renovated in the last few years, others are still in need of renovation. We will advise you personally, based on our personal inspections
Shangri-La Le Touessrok
After a major and necessary renovation, Shangri-La Le Touessrok will reopen next week.
Most of the rooms and suites have been renovated. The Indian and Japanese restaurants have been redesigned and two new Mauritian restaurants will open.
Shangri-La Le Touessrok has a beautiful setting with very nice beaches, in a lovely and sheltered location on the east coast, between the One&Only and Four Seasons.
The resort is split into two sections. Hibiscus section is better for families, as it’s where the kids club is situated, the beach is longer and the sea is shallower.
The Frangipani Island area is only for guests aged over 12 and only has suites, which are a good standard for couples.
The resort is also a good choice for golfers, who have easy access to Anahita Golf Club and Ile Aux Cerfs.
The downside of this resort is the lack of villas. There is only one three-bedroom villa category, for six adults and two children.
While there are many interconnecting room options for families, we’d like to see a greater variety of villas for our clients. Simply put, there are better accommodations at other resorts.
Shangri-La Le Touessrok is a large resort that offers some fantastic facilities, especially for children and families. However, many clients will prefer a villa stay, or a smaller, more exclusive resort.
Zannier Private Estates Le Campement
This three-bedroom private villa is the most exclusive place to stay in Mauritius.
Zannier Private Estates Le Campement has a stunning cliffside location on the south coast, surrounded by lush gardens, with a waterfall plus a small and secluded beach on property.
There’s a sublime infinity pool, big outdoor dining area with ocean views, cosy living areas and much more, like a private chef on site for each stay.
Although we haven’t personally inspected this exclusive-use property, we have consistently had amazing experiences and feedback from other Zannier properties.
At Le Campement you enjoy the Zannier design and details, with the complete privacy and tranquillity of your own estate.
JW Marriott Mauritius
This resort used to be the St Regis and the biggest advantage is its location.
JW Marriott Mauritius sprawls around the biggest stretch of resort beach in Mauritius. It’s in Le Morne, set against the spectacular backdrop of Le Morne Mountain.
This was voted one of the best three kitesurfing locations in the world, so expect it to be windy. It’s a good place to learn kitesurfing and kids classes are available – a great idea for active children aged eight and over.
Active travellers will like this location, as it provides close and convenient access to many of the best things to do on the island.
The property originates from the private residence of a sugar baron and the old-world colonial style continues to this day. It’s very tastefully done and well maintained, although this style isn’t to everybody’s preference.
Accommodations are a level below those at the One&Only and Four Seasons. There’s only one villa at the resort and we don’t recommend most of the room categories as they lack privacy.
The best choices tend to be a Heritage Beach Suite or Manor House Spa Suite. We can advise families personally about the best interconnecting suite options.
If you plan to spend most of your time at your accommodation then look elsewhere. But the location, butler service, dining and – most importantly – the beach, mean JW Marriott Mauritius is an option for some.
Lux* Grand Baie
In general, the Lux* properties in Mauritius are one step below the resorts we’ve detailed above, but each has a distinct appeal and will be worth consideration for some clients.
Lux* Grand Baie is the brand’s flagship property, opened in December 2021. It’s a very lively resort in a busy location, in Grand Baie on the northwestern coast. This is not a tranquil holiday destination.
It’s very grand and there isn’t quite enough space and facilities for the number of guests. For example, you need to book a sunbed and make dinner reservations in advance.
So don’t come here if you want to unwind. But if you want a lively resort and a place to party, with events and nightlife, Lux* Grand Baie is the place to be in Mauritius.
Lux* Belle Mare
Lux* Belle Mare was heavily damaged by a major fire in 2022. We’re happy to report that the resort has reopened after a huge renovation. It’s now a much better prospect than before the fire.
This can be a good choice for families, with some good facilities and an amazing white-sand beach on the quieter east of the island.
Overall, it’s not the best of the best in Mauritius and this is reflected in the lower price tag.
Paradis Beachcomber
Paradis Beachcomber used to be one of the best Mauritius resorts for families.
Children loved the vast array of experiences, although parents grumbled about a resort that was desperately in need of renovation.
Much of the resort has now been renovated and Paradis Beachcomber does offer a beautiful beach and the best villas in the Le Morne area.
It’s a good all round option for families, with amazing sunsets and a beach that most families will love.
However, not everywhere has been renovated and the resort still feels dated in places. Most families will now find better options elsewhere on the island.
Private Villas in Mauritius
Mauritius lacks private villa accommodations, especially in contrast to the Maldives and Seychelles.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is typically the best villa option, now complemented with the new villas at One&Only Mauritius.
Maradiva Villas is an all-villa resort on the east coast. It’s good for villas although the beach and sea isn’t as good as the One&Only.
We also help clients book private villas in more remote locations around the island.
Zannier Private Estates Le Campement is definitely our favourite, due to the design, serene location and service. But we know other good options for large family groups, or those who want to be in the north or west of the island.
Your Winter Holiday in Mauritius?
Emirates has two daily flights between Dubai and Mauritius on A380s. From December 1st, this combines with the return of the Airbus A380 on route EK139 between Prague and Dubai.
Austrian Airlines flies direct between Vienna and Mauritius, four days per week.
Arrive in Mauritius and you could have a very active itinerary. An iconic first-time experience is the scenic helicopter flight, to see the famous “fake” sea waterfall. There’s now a new helipad in Chamarel, meaning you can do this experience without taking off from the airport.
You could also arrive in Mauritius and do little but hang around the beach and your villa.
We can also make recommendations for a two-stop holiday in Mauritius. The resorts are so different that it can really make sense to try two, especially to combine different locations.
For example, have an active few days around Le Morne. Then stay at a more tranquil and exclusive resort on the east.
Whatever your preference and whatever your interests, we’ll plan an itinerary with the best Mauritius resort for your needs. We’ll talk you through these resorts in more depth and help you pick the best suite or villa for the trip.
