After two long years without being able to travel, what a joy to pack my bag and embark once again—a flight to Mauritius from Paris, please! For this trip to the tropical isle, my mother and I experienced three different Mauritius hotels with three different moods.
PEACE AT PRINCE MAURICE
I was looking for disconnection and Constance Prince Maurice is the perfect hotel for this. Arriving at this peaceful place took an hour from the airport, with a coastal view from the car along the way. Here, everything is luxury, calm and voluptuousness. Located on the east coast, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hotels on the island. An oasis of calm and refinement, the resort is nestled between the beach and the mangrove, on a 60-hectare private peninsula. With its wooden pavilions, lagoon and gardens, this hotel is one of the most popular addresses in Mauritius and I definitely fell in love with this place.
Breakfast is a buffet each morning at Archipel with a breathtaking view of the lagoon. There were so many choices: pastries, breads, cakes, homemade yogurts, charcuterie, exotic fruits, fresh juices, pancakes and waffles. Plus, eggs cooked according to your wishes. My every morning pleasure was pancakes and fruit, the perfect combo between gourmandise and healthy.
I also discovered the hotel’s three restaurants. Archipel offers a menu with Mauritian flavors. Expect some heat because Mauritius loves spices. Le Barachois was definitely my coup de cœur because of its exceptional setting—I had the chance to dine in the middle of the mangroves. Dinner guests have the opportunity to spot a two-meter shark who comes around. Their Asian restaurant serves up a delicious fusion of Asian and Mauritian cuisine. I recommend it, even if it was a little bit spicy for me. The hotel also has a wine cellar of thousands of bottles and it’s possible to do tastings with the sommelier.
When it comes time to relax, there are two magnificent swimming pools and a beach worthy of a postcard. What a pleasure to just relax and enjoy the sound of the waves. Both the beach and the pool felt like they were just for me. I never had the sensation of being surrounded by too many people. I also had the chance to kick back with a pedicure service at the spa offered by Brice Nicham, a leading podiatrist—I didn’t know that existed!
I crossed paths with golfers—the hotel has its own course—but since I’m not a sporty person, I mostly worked hard on my tan and enjoying the magnificent beach and pools thinking of nothing.
BELLE MARE INDEED
Speaking of golfers, my next stop is another dream location for links lovers. Near the bustling village of Flacq, Constance Belle Mare Plage is located on the most picturesque beach on the island, in the heart of a 15-hectare tropical garden. It is an idyllic place of relaxation for couples, families, young and old alike.
I had the chance to stay in a Master Villa with a private swimming pool with two people on-hand to answer any requests we had—it was truly magical and the service was A+++. The villa was definitely too big for just my mom and I, but what an experience! I enjoyed every minute here.
The hotel has no less than seven restaurants to satisfy all appetites. The Blue Penny Cellar was my favorite both for the beauty of the place and for the dishes served. As a starter, I indulged in cheese and wine for that feeling of being in France without being in France.
The beach is 2 kilometers long, so I enjoyed a mix of sitting on the beach and taking beautiful walks—a ritual I partook in every morning and end of the day with no talking, just enjoying the moment. A simple yet spectacular pleasure.
Beyond the beach, I played a little beginner’s mini golf and had a one-hour massage at the spa which was pure bliss. I felt so relaxed after that. It was even more of that deliciously slow life.
A GRAND BAIE FINALE
My Mauritius journey ends with three peaceful days at LUX* Grand Baie, an avant-garde hotel located on one of the most coveted beaches on the island. What I liked in this boutique property is that everything is concentrated around the lobby—the rooms, restaurants, swimming pools, beach and spa are all nearby. The hotel has four swimming pools in all. There’s one facing the rooms where kids love to play with their families, one linked to the Beach Rouge restaurant which has more of a club mood, one in the spa which is super calm, and, finally, an exceptional one with a breathtaking view at Bisou on the rooftop which was my personal favorite. It really is something.
Down at the beach, there is plenty to do. Of course, my favorite activity was farniente or idleness, but it was pleasing to see people paddling with their kids or dog, and so refreshing to go in the turquoise water. My days were, delightfully, almost identical. Switching between beach and pools throughout the day, a dream life.
Here, there are three restaurants: Le Beach Rouge, Akisu and Le Bisou. Breakfast is served at Beach Rouge every morning and it’s one of the best I’ve had on the island. Pastry Chef Marie Meunier clearly has the power to transport us to France with her viennoiseries—they’re as good as they are there, if not better! It was a real treat to start the day like this. I also tried lunch and dinner here. The menu is really varied and a few of their signature dishes are must-try, including the garnished burrata. Ai KISU serves Asian inspirations—sushi lovers, take note. I choose a classic, California Maki.
At Bisou, I liked being able to dine with a breathtaking view. Insider tip: you can request to have breakfast here and it’s incredibly peaceful. Its adjacent swimming pool isn’t busy in the morning so take advantage of having it all to yourself alongside an exceptional breakfast.
For sunset lovers like me, the big plus of this hotel is definitely its western orientation. As seen from the balcony of my room or anywhere else in the hotel, the incredible sunsets are not to be missed. Make sure to take it in from the Bisou rooftop and its 50-shades-of-blue view with changing colors reflected in the pool and ocean.
While the winter season weather in Mauritius is fabulous, summer has its advantages too—more tranquility and still-sunny weather with just occasional short, refreshing rains. Which begs the question, which Mauritius hotel would you choose for your next vacation?
