MAURITIUS – a dazzling jewel in the Indian Ocean – lies some 2,000 kilometres off Africa’s southeast coast, east of Madagascar. With a population of just 1.3 million, this island nation, part of the Mascarene archipelago alongside Réunion and Rodrigues, impresses with its stability, prosperity and seamless blend of African, Indian, Chinese, and European influences. That rich cultural tapestry infuses every aspect of life here, from its cuisine and festivals to its architecture and art.
Aerial view of St Regis Le Morne
On the island’s far western corner, where the Indian Ocean shimmers in endless shades of blue, rises the majestic Le Morne Brabant. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this dramatic peak stands like a sentinel above The St. Regis Le Morne Resort, casting a shadow over a world of understated elegance.
This colonial-inspired sanctuary becomes our sun-drenched retreat for the next few days – a place where old-world charm harmonises with unspoiled natural beauty. From the moment we arrive and check in at the Mansion House, the heart of the property, we’re captivated by the staff’s genuine warmth. Each greeting is marked by a simple hand-to-heart gesture – an emblem of Mauritian hospitality that feels both graceful and heartfelt.
Water sports at St Regis Le Morne
A golf buggy, the resort’s mode of transport, whisks us to our suite, gliding past gardens fragrant with frangipani. Most of the 172 accommodations are located along the beachfront, offering either tropical garden or sweeping sea views. Our spacious suite furnished in natural tones, opens onto a balcony overlooking a three-kilometre stretch of talc-white sand fringed with palms. Beneath thatched umbrellas, turquoise towels await on perfectly placed loungers, each with a service button.
St Regis Le Morne
There are two swimming pools; the sizable pool adjacent to the Mansion House, and the smaller, beachfront pool, where we spend most of our time gazing at the dramatic shoreline or engrossed in a book. When we do tear ourselves away, it’s for the serenity of the resort’s stand-alone double-storey fragrant Pure Spa, where skilled therapists deliver massages using oils infused with local ingredients, that melt away every trace of tension. My reflexology treatment was one of the best I have ever had and I fell asleep for the duration.
Days unfold in true paradisiacal rhythm – yoga on the beach, followed by a leisurely breakfast at Le Manoir, the elegant poolside restaurant, of platters of tropical fruit, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, delicate pastries and a four-station egg bar. Le Manoir transforms into a refined French-Mauritian dining experience by night.
St Regis Le Morne
Dining at St. Regis is exquisite, with immaculate service to complement. Floating Market offers a dimly lit exploration of Pan-Asian flavours, while Indya reimagines classic Indian dishes with refined flair. Atsuko celebrates Japanese artistry with a lively teppanyaki counter, and The Boathouse, the casual beachfront grill, serves Mediterranean-inspired fare featuring the island’s freshest catches.
It’s also the ultimate setting for the resort’s legendary sunsets where we head each evening, barefoot on the sand, with a St. Regis Le Morne signature Bloody Mary cocktail in hand, watching the sky ignite in gold and tangerine before fading into twilight. Our final evening was crowned with a spectacular sabrage – a sparkling moment of celebration worthy of any Instagram feed.
St Regis Le Morne
One morning, we set off with our local guide to climb the majestic Le Morne Brabant. A short drive leads us to the trailhead, where a winding path disappears into a lush forest alive with the hum of birdsong. As we ascend, the air grows warmer, and each step feels like a gentle rhythm in harmony with nature. When we finally emerge at the viewing platform, the world opens before us – an endless panorama of turquoise lagoons shimmering in the sunlight. Far below, kite surfers glide across the waves like tiny bursts of colour against the boundless blue, a scene so exhilarating that it feels almost dreamlike.
Later, we travel inland to Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths – a unique geological site which the Mauritians are very proud of – where rippling dunes swirl in natural shades of ochre, violet, and crimson. Nearby, we gaze at the Chamarel Waterfall plunging 100m over a basalt cliff into a tropical pool – accompanied by the remarkable singing of the village weaver birds (found throughout sub-Saharan Africa).
Garden pool
This corner of Mauritius is far more than a destination – it’s wild yet refined, spiritual yet sensual. Here, luxury transcends five-star trappings. It lives in the rhythm of the ocean, the warmth of its people, and the timeless beauty of nature itself.
by Amanda Bernstein
Rates for a Junior Suite King start from £585 on a bed and breakfast basis (minimum stay 2 nights)
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