Exploring Mauritius: Luxury Wellness Hotels and Insiders tips

March 29, 2024

After visiting Mauritius, the American author Mark Twain famously remarked that the island was crafted before heaven, and that heaven itself was modeled after Mauritius. Renowned for its stunning pearl-white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious five-star resorts, Mauritius ranks among the world's top island paradises alongside destinations like the Seychelles and the Maldives. However, what many aren't aware of is Mauritius's diverse landscape, which includes mountainous terrain, exquisite culinary offerings, and lush tropical wilderness. This rich variety makes Mauritius an ideal destination for Wellbeing holidays. We travelled to Mauritius to uncover some of the best kept secrets, allowing you to experience Mauritius beyond spa treatments, and discover its hidden treasures off the beaten path. We invite you to explore our selection of serene, luxury wellbeing resorts that dot the island's coastline, along with the wide offer of activities and excursions for a tranquil yet adventurous escape.

Luxury Wellbeing hotels Mauritius

Anantara Iko Mauritius

Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas is the ultimate destination for a luxurious spa retreat, with Anantara's renowned quality and luxury. Anantara offers a wide range of daily holistic and sport activities. Explore the island with complimentary bikes, relax by the blue bay, take a dip in the vast infinity outdoor pool, or work out in the fitness center. Indulge in fine dining at the five restaurants and two bars, showcasing the island's Indian, French, Dutch, Creole, and Chinese flavors and dishes.

Discount: 10% for stays between April - October 2024 - book in April 2024

Shanti Maurice

With numerous awards and commendations, this resort has earned its good reputation. Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa is a luxurious and comfortable 5* hotel where you can enjoy sun, sea and great food, as well as guaranteed mental and physical relaxation at the spa. The surroundings and the resort itself offer a comprehensive array of activities, making a trip to this destination a complete experience.

Discount: 10% for stays between April - September 2024 - book in April 2024

Le Jadis Beach Resort & Wellness

Luxury, luxury and more luxury. And all that luxury in a stunning, secluded bay. From your suite, walk bare foot directly onto a white sand beach. The writer Mark Twain said of Mauritius: “Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius”. Here at Le Jadis, you can very well see where he was coming from. And the angels of the Le Jadis team will go out of their way to give you the holiday of a lifetime.

Discount: 25% for stays between June - August 2024

Discounts in June, July and August

Book now for stays in April and May 2024 to enjoy discounts, subject to the terms and conditions of each hotel.

Our Insiders tips to visit when visiting Mauritius

1. Visit the 400-year-old forest Vallée de Ferney

Embark on a private stroll through a 400-year-old forest at the secluded Vallée de Ferney nature reserve. Situated two kilometers south of Vieux Grand Port (Mauritius' oldest settlement), access to the reserve is by appointed guided tours only. You will explore three kilometers of indigenous tree species and discover fascinating birdlife, including the endangered Mauritian kestrel. Amidst the tranquil surroundings, you can find Aldabra giant tortoise, known to live up to three hundred years.

2. Nature paradise: Île aux Aigrettes

Nature enthusiasts will love the uninhabited Île aux Aigrettes. This two-hectare reserve, managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, safeguards giant tortoises, wild orchids, geckos, bats, and rare bird species, such as the endangered pink pigeon. Accessible solely through guided tours from Pointe Jérome. The island once faced a significant environmental disaster due to an oil spill from a Japanese bulk carrier in the Indian Ocean. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of the local community, no visible traces of the catastrophe remain. They worked day and night to prevent oil spread and rescue the wildlife. Great to combine this tour with nature reserve Vallée de Ferney.

3. Tamarin Bay - swim with wild dolphins

Our local guide, Eric Villars, leads sunrise expeditions into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where we search for wild dolphins. An early start is crucial: "Only the locals know when dolphins are hunting for food and are most active," explains Eric, a native of Mauritius. His boat transports us to Tamarin Bay, a breathtaking bay on the west coast, where we eagerly scan the water for tails and fins. Instead of just one or two, we spot dozens of dolphins mere meters away. We silently plunge into the water to be closer to them. They are not fearful, but they're certainly not domesticated. These magnificent creatures roam freely, under the watchful eye of the locals who ensure their freedom. It's one of the few places in the world where you can swim with wild dolphins.

4. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Located just a stone's throw away from the capital, Port Louis, is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere: the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. Originally established as a vegetable garden for the nearby Mon Plaisir castle in 1735, it has since flourished into a sprawling botanical sanctuary spanning 37 hectares. You can leisurely wander amidst a rich tapestry of 650 plant species, including medicinal herbs, 85 varieties of palms, and indigenous fruit trees. Among the garden's prized attractions is the majestic Victoria Amazonica water lily, boasting leaves measuring up to two meters in diameter, which blooms splendidly from December to March. To fully appreciate the park's beauty, it's advisable to set aside around three hours. Tip: bring your own picnic supplies as the park does not offer food and drink facilities.

5. Le Morne Brabant

The coastline near the iconic Le Morne Brabant mountain is truly exceptional. From above, an intriguing sight greets us: what appears to be an 'underwater waterfall' in the lagoon. However, it's not water but sand and mud cascading into a four-thousand-meter deep abyss. Aboard a seaplane, we marvel at this unique natural wonder. The view of Le Morne's coastline is breathtaking, but unfortunately, our glimpse of the underwater waterfall is brief, obscured by passing rain clouds. "You need good weather," our pilot says. Yet, our disappointment fades as a rainbow emerges in all its glory.

6. Île aux Cerfs

The picturesque island Île aux Cerfs, off the east coast of Mauritius, boasts plenty of pristine white beaches and just a few restaurants, watersports activities, and beach bars. And that's precisely the point. Here, you come to indulge in tranquility as you will have the island (almost) to yourself. I count ten people, including staff, as we gather for a barbecue in the afternoon. A beach all to ourselves. The last boat picks us up at four in the afternoon to return to the main island.

7. Enjoy the variety of Mauritius cuisine

Mauritius' cuisine is a vibrant blend of Indian, Chinese, Creole, and European cultures, reflected in its diverse meals. This unique culinary heritage offers a delightful mix of sweet and spicy flavors. Traditional dishes like stewed bananas, eggplant curry, and tangy tamarind fruit highlight the island's gastronomic richness. Local street food vendors offer a diverse array of delights, including fresh coconut and lychee. A hidden gem is Dallas Snack, a small eatery in Port Louis renowned for its mouthwatering dhal puri—a flat pancake filled with seasoned yellow split peas and curry.

View all our Mauritius resorts here

Marleen

This blog is written by Marleen, the founder of PureandCure.com in 2005. She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her know-how, experiences and observations through her blogs.