6 Best Hotels in Mauritius

One of the island’s most prestigious resorts, the Beachcomber Royal Palm is a place where you can expect near-perfection from start to finish. Overlooking the village of Grand Baie, Beachcomber combines Mauritian hospitality with international standards of luxury. It's a favorite honeymoon paradise for newlyweds looking to enjoy a private beach, a luxury spa by Clarins, refined suites, and three heated pools. First-class treatment begins with your airport transfer, which is via helicopter or a Rolls Royce Phantom. The staff is highly trained and proves itself discreet and helpful. There are three terrific restaurants, and La Goèlette is a must for epicureans.

Plantation D'Albion, on the island's western coast about 10 km (6 miles) south of Port Louis, is a stylish departure from the previous Club Med property on the island. Low-set and blending in with the lush tropical surroundings and adjoining sugarcane fields, the main resort is contained in two-story buildings in the garden or on the beachfront. Rooms closest to the ocean have outdoor showers, huge square bathtubs, and king-sized bedrooms that open out onto a balcony or terrace. The adults-only "Zen" pool is cantilevered over boulders by the sea, and a restaurant serves three meals daily. While the club's free activities are a hit with families (there are three kids clubs for different ages, plus a nursery for babies), the resort has private villas (complete with butler service) that feel a world away from family action.

Overall the Four Seasons is one of the best resorts on Mauritius. Accommodations are spread over the mainland and an adjoining private island called Ile aux Chats (Island of Cats). Some 50 beach and oceanfront villas and a two-bedroom presidential villa are scattered over the island; the mainland has 40 villas either by the mangrove coastline or near the pool. There are also 43 residences, ranging from two- to six-bedroom units, either by the lagoon or near the Ernie Els-designed golf course, each with the charm of a beautiful private home. All guests have free use of the championship golf course. The dramatic spa is comprised of 12 over-water bungalows, eight solely for couples, and offers a full menu of blissful treatments. Kids are not forgotten with programs for 4- to 12-year-olds and a teens' young adult center. With three beaches, a lagoon, four pools, two tennis courts, and four restaurants, there's plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Facing the Indian Ocean, the Hilton offers guests both a serene sanctuary and invigorating getaway. There are three restaurants, two beach bars, and a spa that offers a full range of face and body treatments as well as a hydrotherapy bath, sauna, steam room, fitness room, and yoga and tai chi classes. Families in particular appreciate the free watersports: sailing, kayaking, stand up paddle, and windsurfing are all available for a few hours either side of high tide. The hotel's design is a pleasing blend of Asian and Mauritian motifs.

There's something spectacular about Le Morne, the huge hulk of volcanic rock at the southwest tip of Mauritius. It can be seen from many vantage points along the island's west coast, so to stay right at its base, at a luxury resort—beside some of the island's best beaches—is an awesome experience. The villas—made up of rooms, honeymoon suites with spa tubs, and a variety of junior suites—are set by the water, scattered among the gardens, or set out around the three pools. This region enjoys the best weather in Mauritius, including amazing sunsets, and for some magical reason is a magnet for dolphins. Packages that allow guests to swim with or view dolphins are available. Service is top-notch, with staff on hand to clean guests' sunglasses as they laze by one of the pools or mix a cocktail at the bar adjoining Kitchen Restaurant, one of the resort's three dining options.

The One&Only Le Saint Geran has welcomed guests, including celebrities and royalty, to the sun-drenched peninsula of Belle Mare, on the east coast, for a generation. Named after the country's most romantic of legends—that of the shipwrecked St Geran and the two lovers Paul and Virginie who perished trying to swim to each other—the resort has 162 suites and a villa set on 24 acres of superb tropical gardens and coconut groves. The colonial-style suites have a private terrace or balcony facing either the ocean or the bay and the services of a personal butler. They feature either a king bed or two queens, furnished with crisp Egyptian cotton sheets and soft goose-down duvets, spacious bathrooms with dual vanities, roomy showers, large bathtubs, and dressing rooms. The four ocean-view suites are perfect for couples and have separate lounges and dining rooms, and two secluded terraces off the master bedroom. Michelin-star chef Vineet Bhatia looks after the resort's Rasoi by Vineet restaurant, presenting superb Indian cuisine, while the PRIME Steakhouse features top-quality Australian wagu. The complimentary kids club (ages 3 to 11), has a shipwreck theme and its own pool, and there's a dedicated place for teens to make new friends and plan activities with the assistance of sports staff.

The resort has introduced an array of half-board deals (not available at Christmas or Easter periods)—check the latest offerings before booking.