Mauritian magic: three hotels for sunsets, families and romance

Words: Sarah Jappy

“But why would I go to Mauritius?” (Said nobody ever.) Once home to the dodo and still home to some of the world’s most outrageously beautiful beaches, this Indian Ocean crowd-pleaser basically sells itself. Putting that aside, here are three hotel-shaped cues to book that flight. Whether you’re chasing rose-gold horizons, family thrills or unabashed romance, we have the hotel to match. Did we mention pink pigeons in the skies, playful dolphins in the waters and Hindu temples and natural wonders on land?

1. For sunset seekers: LUX* Le Morne 

We defy you to dream up a more legendary setting than LUX* Le Morne’s perfect peninsula perch on the island’s scenic southwest. Backdropped by the Unesco-listed Le Morne mountain, the landscape’s startling clash of blues and greens shifts gear at golden hour, as the sky glows peach, pink and purple. In fact, incandescent moments abound here. Picture days spent lingering over breakfast in a breezy treehouse, swimming in warm waters and enjoying Negronis during aperitivo hour at Maison LUX*. At night, up the ante with the hotel’s Extraordinary Travel Experiences: a beachfront 500 Candles Dinner for two, perhaps, or Cinema Paradiso in the treehouse, with the menu to match. As if you weren’t already feeling totally Zen, the LUX* ME Spa brings added chill via house-made spa products, personal coaching, yoga, meditation and a fitness centre. Keep your eyes peeled for the resort’s Tree of Wishes, whose branches ‘bloom’ with guests’ handwritten messages. Take a piece of paper or a ribbon from near the tree, write down your heart’s desire (another holiday here, perhaps) and tie it around a branch. Hope springs eternal.

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2. For family fun: LUX* Belle Mare

Over on the east coast, LUX* Belle Mare earns its name with one of the island’s most bonkers-beautiful beaches. The requisite cerulean waters, coral reefs and sugar-white sands are present and correct. Tropical architecture and design, courtesy of Jean-Marc Tang, is the ice cream on the cake. Speaking of ice cream, explorers of all ages will appreciate the poolside ICI bar. (Expect your most taxing decision here to be between freshly churned gelato, ice-cream, sorbet or granita.) Culinary thrills continue at the resort’s constellation of drinking and dining options, whose highlights include elegant Indian cuisine at Amari by Vineet, Milanese-style coffees and light bites at Maison LUX*, all-day dining at Beach Rouge, and Chinese gastronomy at Duck Laundry. This hotel has a soft spot for families, welcoming younger guests as ‘Little Travellers’, and offering the activities programme of junior dreams. PLAY Kids Club revolves around five thoughtful pillars: Eat Well, Move, Care, Feel and Create, while Studio 17 woos teens with water sports, outdoor adventures, vintage arcade games and PS5 gaming stations. Game face: activated.

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3. For adults only: SALT of Palmar

For an irresponsibly romantic stay, seasoned generously with style, meet SALT of Palmar. With papaya-pink interiors, pops of teal and covetable soft furnishings adorned with zigzag prints and patterns – courtesy of artist Camille Walala – it’s no surprise that this adults-only retreat is a member of Design Hotels. Bonus points for the winsome east coast location, revealing milk-white sands lapped by calm, warm waters. The Black River region provides much of the eponymous mineral for SALT Equilibrium, the salt-centric spa with a salt stir bar and an entire room made from salt. Linger here for the pink Himalayan salt vapour, which can boost the respiratory system, skin, immunity and energy levels. Wellness is a focus throughout, from the in-room yoga mats and Carpe Diem beds developed with physios, to the fresh, happy, healthy flavours championed by the Good Kitchen and beachside Tek Tek restaurant. Curated adventures connect guests with the local community: hike Le Morne mountain while you learn about its myths and legends, venture south on the ultimate island road trip or visit local sugarcane fields and meet local planters. Sweet.

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All British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, include a generous checked baggage allowance and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your holiday at LUX* Le Morne, LUX* Belle Mare and SALT of Palmar with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due seven weeks before departure for long-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.