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7 Places To Experience Modern Luxury in Mauritius
Mauritius is no stranger to the term luxury, the Indian ocean island nation off the south east coast of Africa, is consistently ranked as one of the best beach destinations in the world. Choose any of the top-ranked hotels and you will be wishing you could book a vacay for life. Even against the stunning backdrops of the island — evergreen mountains, pristine beaches, the “underwater waterfall” — all experiences are not created equal. Some of the islands resorts could use a touch up and others are a bit Club Med-ish. If you want to do Mauritius without feeling like you’re in the middle of a long snooze button — here are 7 place with the best cosmopolitan vibe, luxe touches, and of course beautiful guests.
1. Long Beach Hotel (pictured above) — Fairly new to the scene, the Long Beach Hotel has become widely popular among the #teamnosleep crowd. Appointed with all the necessary elements of a visit to Mauritius, the architecturally driven resort is an urban sophisticate’s dream. From floating beds to a rock climbing wall, the all-inclusive has something for even the most difficult person to please. With 8 restaurants and an equal amount of “music moods”, the Long Beach definitely errs on the side of being a lifestyle brand and not just a play to lay your head. From live bands, to international DJ’s, to local traditional dancers, this place has it all. Long Beach Hotel // Coastal Road // Belle Mare // Tel:+230 401 1919
2. Lux Le Morne — If you’ve seen no other photos of Mauritius, you know the stunning visuals of the “underwater” waterfall. Turns out it’s a visual mind f#*! created by coastal silt falling into the ocean in a successive motion — breathtaking nonetheless. LUX actually has three resorts in Mauritius but the Le Morne is where the action is literally. From kitesurfing to windsurfing to swimming with dolphins, there is plenty to do in the emerald green waters surrounding the resort. Feeling like a fish out of water? The onsite, fully licensed kitesurfing school, PRYDE, let’s beginners gain experience on the picturesque lagoon. There is more to the property than adventure, from ice cream carts to al fresco film screenings and pop-up bars the LUX team has left no stone uncovered in bringing eco-chic to the island. Lux Le Morne // Coastal Road // Le Morne // +230 401 4000
3. Hotel 20°Sud, — If a huge resort is not your thing and you’d like to do something more input, 20 Degrees Sud is the place to go. Not lacking in luxury and packed with tons of character the boutique hotel is one of only a handful of smaller luxury properties on the island. Hidden within a coconut grove right on the water, walking through the heavy wooden doors feels like you have gotten the secret code to a members only club. Each of the rooms and suites are carefully appointed with soft linens, light airy woods, and soft cottons which have an air of elegance without being ostentatious. The shining star of the experience just might be dinner on Lady Lisbeth, a restored 1920’s vintage boat that has been turned into a floating gastronomic experience. Available each night for 8 passengers only, the boat sets sail around the bay and docks at Grand Caie where you can sit under the stars and savor some special moments with your fellow passengers. The hotel even has it’s own private island with seating for just a few guests taking the intimacy and seclusion just a bit further. Hotel 20°Sud // Coastal Road, Pointe Malartic // Grand Baie // Tel: +230 263 5000
4. Shanti Maurice — The Shanti Maurice is thatched roof sexy if there ever was a term. The resort blends the thatched roof, ocean side cottages known to many an island resort and ups the ante with contemporary design and jaw-dropping experiences. The Shanti Villa, the hotels private offering, is half-hidden amidst lush landscaped gardens, and comes with a private swimming pool with built-in Jacuzzi, dining pavilions and an outdoor rain shower in an enclosed courtyard. You can step into an outdoor pool overlooking the bay from any of the suites or have dinner on your pavilion and watch the sunset. Complementing the beautiful rooms are restaurant and dining options like the Fish and Rhum Shack, an in-house shop that puts on beach-side, lantern-lit barbecues in the evenings. Shanti Maurice is located 40 minutes from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). A taxi between the airport and hotel costs $85, one-way. Shanti Maurice // B10 Chemin Grenier Road // St Felix // Tel. +230 603 7200
6. Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge — Another boutique option but off the beaten path, the Lake Chamarel Lodge is geared towards the true eco-tourist and is surrounded by the Black Gorges National Park. A conservationist will appreciate that in the environment, three species have been brought back from extinction including the green parrots you see gracefully flying around the resort during your stay. Unlike some of the beach destinations, the Lakaz feels decidedly Mauritian. Each of the 20 suites represents a different part of Mauritian cultural traditions showcasing the diversity of the island. The Seaview Suites are spectacular sitting high up on the Mauritius mountainside you are treated with an outdoor rain shower and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Be sure to spend some time exploring the village of Chamaral and it’s pink sands, there is a labyrinth nearby and a waterfall you can get to just by walking through the village. Lakaz Chamarel Lodge // Piton Canot, Chamarel // Ile Maurice // Tel: +230 483 4240 // Email: info@lakazchamarel.com
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