With over 90 recognised hotels scattered across the island, one of the hardest choices, or atleast for us, is WHERE TO STAY? I guess if you have an idea as to what you really want to see or do, this will help dictate where on the island you head, otherwise things might get a little indecisive.
When looking into visiting the island, there is the question as to how long will you be staying as if you give yourself enough time on the island, you may be able to divide your time at along differing regions and therefore giving you the opportunity to enjoy more than one of the impressive hotels.
As curious travellers ourselves who do look to fit in as much as possible in order to really enjoy as much of our journeys as possible, we divided up our time on Mauritius into three. In our minds we also felt it would be an opportunity gone begging if we visited three hotels which offered competitive hospitality providing similar experiences with simply a slightly alternative room, pool and decor. With Mauritius known for its exceptional hotel experiences our aim was to find three completely different types of accommodation to get a feel for what it truly has to offer.
La Pirogue – Flic and Flac
As the only single storey grounded accommodation in Mauritius, La Pirogue will immediately grasp your attention when after that unique memorable Mauritian experience. Unlike many other resorts, La Pirogue does also not simply offer you a room, but rather your own private individual thatched bungalow which opens out onto the dense palm groves and extensive lush lawns which roll out straight onto the sugar white beach front.
Along with the many things there are do around the island, we appreciate that there are also many visitors who are not looking to venture too far from the confines of the resort . For those who are still looking to keep slightly active and keep away from the food and drink, even if it is only for an hour or so, La Pirogue does have an extensive offering for adventures in paradise, from water sports to calming sunrise yoga. With the waters surrounding the island rich in wildlife and vibrant in colour, there is also that opportunity to take the plunge and become a certified diver.
With three restaurants within the resort you are most certainly in for some incredible culinary experiences which are able to cater for even the fussiest of eaters. When in Mauritius though, you must eat like the Mauritians and that is exactly what their very own Coconut Café provides; freshly served unparalleled local delicacies as you enjoy the views of the fine sugar white sand beach lined with coconut trees and the glistening gentle azure blue waters lapping the shore line.
As can be expected when basking in the sun all day, a shady escape and a refreshing cold drink to quench that thirst is likely to be on your agenda on more than one occasion. With three very different bar choices it is likely you will find your little guilty pleasure to sip on your favourite signature cocktail, Mauritian beer, fine wine or even just a refreshing ice cold soft drink. The Le Morne beach bar is the Island life type of relaxed bar to stop off at between your time in the sea and the pools, however there is also the Van Der Stel wine bar which is able to satisfy even the most sophisticated of palettes.
If you still struggle to really find what you after, then there is another option which will almost certainly meet your requirements, and this is the world famous Buddah-Bar in their neighbouring sister resort of Sugar Beach.
This new addition to the resort adds to their excellence, providing “the perfect fusion between different flavours and a journey through musical and gastronomic experiences”. The new Buddha-Bar Beach concept combines the plantation style resort which pays tribute to the surrounding agriculture whilst at the same time encompassing the luxurious sanctuary of which is the signature DNA that all Buddah-Bars are built around. These features are then further enhanced as it is one of the few bars which actually sits on the beach giving you front row seats for a pretty impressive Indian Ocean sunset!
La Mariposa – Black River
Once a simple village inhabited by local fishermen, Black River is today a popular spot for stunning boutique hotels with none more so than La Mariposa! Fairly inconspicuous from the outside but this family owned hotel opens up into a stunning complex, housing 28 elegant rooms spread across the premises and only metres from their own secluded beach.
In contrast to the many larger global chains which dominate the island, La Mariposa offers a much more intimate stay and one that will also be remembered for those added personal touches. With a recent renovation in 2018, the fresh modern rooms reflect the vibe and colours from that of the refreshing Indian Ocean, and a great escape from the hot, humid weather during those summer months. Backed by the Black River Gorges National Park, their immaculate lush green gardens are a gentle continuation of this magnificent backdrop, offering that Mauritian sense of nature whilst sprawled out around the pool.
With their very own Korail Rouge Restaurant and in-house chef, La Mariposa does also offer their very own unique dining experience overlooking La Preneuse Conservational Lagoon. Whether it be for breakfast at sunrise or dinner at sunset, the stunning vistas of Le Morne in the distance do create an unrivalled setting.
Whether the name “La Mariposa” has a meaning or is a form of symbolic status we are not quite sure, however it is very fitting. Reborn from an old AirBnB, it is today a modern but stylish hotel which is graceful in its operation and elegant in its stature, with every detail near to perfection.
Oasis Villas, Evaco Holidays – Grand Baie
Nestled up in the well renowned region of Grand Baie, the Evaco Holiday’s Oasis Villas offer a very unique private getaway. Each with their own private garden and plunge pool, these stunning villas offer the chance for total relaxation and utter tranquillity.
These modern spacious villas which offer spatial fluidity throughout creates a sense of tranquillity and their ornate open plan living areas inspired with state of the art deco offers true elegance and an admirable luxury. Fully equipped and furnished with all your comforts and needs, it provides one with the opportunity to fully submerge yourself in your surroundings and detach from the outside world, even if it is only for a few days. With the option for grocery deliveries and your own in-house chef, you really do not have to leave.
For those who are looking to stretch your legs a little, the complementary shuttle service will be able to take you either across to the waterfront of Grand Baie or even their very own private beach club, La Plage. With a relaxed, laid back vibe this modern, whitewashed chic club offers a welcome alternative to the manicured gardens and pristine nature of the villa. Beach front sun loungers, a bar lounge and a fine restaurant does really compliment an afternoon enjoying the soft lustrous white sand and those warm Mauritian waters.
Note that our stays at these hotels were not paid partnerships and therefore the write ups are that from our own experience and not influenced in any way.