Mauritius
Shanti Maurice, Mauritius
Spanning thirty-six acres of gorgeous Mauritian coastline, the Shanti Maurice resort and spa is nestled between sugar fields and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Pockets of activity are dotted throughout the zen hideaway, including three mouth-watering restaurants, not to mention a private chef available to create enviable picnic spreads or take you on a tour of the fragrant herb garden. Feeling active? There are a variety of water sports on offer, but there will be no zooming engines interrupting your daydreams because only non-motorised activities can be done at the resort. Adrenalin seekers don’t despair, short excursions can be arranged to please everyone from jet-ski junkies to deep sea fishers. Or, you can always just do yoga on the beach.
Location
The resort boasts one of the best beaches on the island of Mauritius, which can be viewed from all the suites and villas. So, you are always just mere seconds from beach side nirvana. Coral reefs circle the sand and clusters of black volcanic rock create pools as the tide goes out. Those wanting to appreciate the stunning landscape can take a forty minute scenic drive from the airport. Otherwise arrange for a limousine or helicopter to pick you up from the airport and take you straight to paradise.
Your Room
The resort is home to an exquisite collection of private villas, each with a private pool, garden, terrace and courtyard – and we’ve already told you about the amazing views. If pure indulgence is what you are after then the Shanti Villa is the ultimate blissful retreat. Covering 800 square meters, the villa is veiled by lush landscaped gardens that add some privacy to the outdoor oasis complete with built-in Jacuzzi, dining pavilions and rain shower. The interior living room is light filled and magnificently furnished, as are the two bedrooms, butler’s room and three bathrooms.
Why we like it
To be honest they had us at the views of the beach. But, there is a lot more to Shanti Maurice than meets the eye. Of course we are drooling over their world-class spa treatments like the Sega Ritual – a cleansing massage that is performed on the beach beside bonfires and completed with a waterside cocktail made from local rum. But, the real trump card of this resort is its unique bond with the local community – rum aside. Ask nicely and you can even dine at a staff member’s grandmother’s house and leave after a delightful dinner party with a belly full of the best local cuisine and a mini cookbook of Grandma’s own handwritten recipes.