Best Luxury Hotels in Mauritius: Where to Stay
“When you get into a hotel room, you lock the door, and you know there is secrecy, there is luxury, there is fantasy. There is comfort. There is reassurance.”
Looking for the best luxury hotels in Mauritius? I've stayed at four of the island's most well-known resorts, including One&Only, Four Seasons, Shangri-La, and Anantara. And while some absolutely lived up to my expectations, others left me wondering whether they were really worth the money.
Usually, when I travel somewhere like the Seychelles or the Maldives, I pick one hotel and stay there for the entire trip. I love exploring the destination, but I also want plenty of time to enjoy the hotel itself. After all, if I'm spending that much money on a luxury resort, I want to make the most of it.
Mauritius, however, presented a bit of a problem. There were so many hotels that caught my attention, and no matter how many reviews I read or photos I looked through, I just couldn't decide where to stay.
So I did what any (un)reasonable person would do: I booked all four and turned my vacation into a little hotel road trip. And I'm glad I did, because staying at four different resorts made me realize just how much the luxury hotel experience can vary, even on the same island.
Some resorts had multiple swimming pools, plenty of restaurants, and enough to keep you entertained without ever leaving the property. Others felt much smaller than I'd expected, or were showing their age and could really use a refurbishment. I also noticed considerable differences in the food and, perhaps most surprisingly, the level of service and staff training.
And then there were the beaches. Some had exactly the kind of sandy beach you'd expect from a Mauritius vacation brochure. Others? Well, let's just say the reality didn't quite match the pictures.
In the end, two of the hotels were places I'd happily return to, while the other two are properties I wouldn't book again. So if you're currently trying to decide where to stay in Mauritius, I'll walk you through what each resort was actually like, what impressed me, and what I'd want to know before spending my money on another stay.
My Hotel Picks in Mauritius
What to Know Before Choosing a Hotel in Mauritius
Before we get into the individual hotels, there's something I wish I'd paid a little more attention to when planning my trip: where on the island you actually want to stay.
Mauritius isn't a particularly large island, but that doesn't mean everything is right around the corner. And depending on whether you're planning to spend most of your vacation at the resort or want to get out and explore, the location of your hotel can make quite a difference.
East Coast vs. Northwest: Where Should You Stay?
Many of Mauritius's best-known luxury resorts are located on the east coast, which is also where you'll find some of the island's most beautiful white-sand beaches. But something worth knowing before you book is that not all beaches in Mauritius are the same.
And I'm not just talking about the color of the sand. As locals will tell you, the waves and swimming conditions can be quite different depending on where you are on the island. The east coast has sheltered lagoons where the water is generally calmer, while some beaches on the west coast are rockier and have stronger waves. That's something worth keeping in mind when choosing your hotel. Just because a property is beachfront doesn't automatically mean it has a nice beach or that you'll be able to swim in the ocean.
The biggest downside of staying on the east coast, however, is the location. While you'll have plenty to do at the luxury resorts themselves, you're quite far from some of the island's main attractions, Port Louis, and the livelier areas in the northwest. Depending on where you're going, you could easily spend an hour to an hour and a half in the car, which is worth keeping in mind if you're planning to explore the island regularly.
Looking back, I actually wish we'd spent at least a couple of nights in the northwest, particularly around Grand Baie.
We really liked Grand Baie when we explored the area. There were plenty of restaurants, bars, and places to go, and it had a completely different atmosphere from the more secluded resorts we'd been staying at. The beaches weren't quite the same as those we'd seen on the east coast, but I loved that there was more happening outside the hotels.
One hotel that really caught my attention while we were walking around Grand Baie was LUX* Grand Baie. I remember seeing it and immediately thinking, Why didn't I come across this when I was researching hotels? I genuinely wished I'd booked a couple of nights there, especially after seeing how much I liked the area. I haven't stayed at the hotel itself, so I can't tell you what the experience is like, but it's definitely somewhere I'd consider staying if I returned to Mauritius.
If I were planning the trip again, I'd probably split my stay between the east coast and Grand Baie. That way, I'd still have time to enjoy the beaches and resorts, but I'd also get to spend a few days somewhere with more restaurants and bars within easy reach.
Renting a Car vs. Hiring a Guide
Another thing worth considering is how you're going to get around Mauritius.
We decided to explore the island with a private guide rather than renting a car. We'd visited the Seychelles before, where some of the roads were incredibly narrow and steep, and that experience made me a little nervous about driving somewhere unfamiliar again.
As it turned out, Mauritius was quite different.
From what we saw, the roads looked much more manageable than I'd expected, and looking back, I probably would have been comfortable renting a car and exploring independently.
Having a guide was convenient, especially because we didn't have to worry about navigating or planning our routes. But it also meant arranging our days around someone else's schedule, and of course, it was an additional expense.
If I were to visit Mauritius again, I'd seriously consider renting a car. It would give us more flexibility to stop wherever we wanted, spend longer in places we enjoyed, and potentially save some money along the way.
Of course, if you're planning to spend most of your time at your resort and only take one or two excursions, hiring a driver or booking a guided tour might make more sense.
My biggest takeaway? Decide how much of Mauritius you actually want to explore before booking your hotel. A secluded east-coast resort might be exactly what you're looking for, but if you want restaurants, bars, and more freedom to explore, I'd definitely consider splitting your stay between different parts of the island.
Now, let's get into the four luxury hotels I actually stayed at in Mauritius, including the two I'd book again and the two I'd personally skip:
Recommend: Shangri-La Le Touessrok
I'd stayed at a Shangri-La property in Dubai before and also visited their restaurant at The Shard in London, so I was already familiar with the brand. And while I'd really enjoyed both experiences, I'd always associated Shangri-La more with luxury city hotels that have a slightly business-like atmosphere than with beach resorts. So I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from Shangri-La Le Touessrok in Mauritius.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised.
Originally one of Mauritius's most iconic resorts, the property reopened under Shangri-La in 2015. It has 203 rooms and suites, most facing the ocean, and stretches along several small beaches. We had a room with our own little beach patio, which was such a nice feature. You're literally right by the ocean, so you wake up hearing the waves and can have your morning coffee outside with the sound of the ocean in the background. Not a bad way to start the day.
But what really impressed me was the staff. Even now, I'd say Shangri-La Le Touessrok had some of the best service I've experienced at a hotel. Everyone was incredibly friendly and approachable, but what stood out just as much was how well everything was organized. It felt like a well-oiled machine. Everyone knew what they were doing, things ran smoothly, and you never got the impression that anyone was scrambling to figure something out.
For example, we were told that the hotel had a doctor available on call 24/7. Not that we needed one, thankfully, but it wasn't even something that would have crossed my mind to ask about. It was reassuring to know that things like that had already been considered.
Another thing I liked was how much there was to do at the resort. There are three swimming pools, including an adults-only pool, several restaurants serving different cuisines, and plenty of water activities, including paddleboarding and snorkeling in the lagoon.
You also get access to Îlot Mangénie, the hotel's private island, which I thought was a really fun addition. You take a boat over, and there's a restaurant where you can have lunch or grab a drink. The beach itself wasn't anything particularly special, but I loved the fact that you're on this little island with only a handful of other hotel guests. It feels quite exclusive, and it's something a little different from spending another afternoon at the resort.
Upon arrival, we received a schedule of activities for the coming days, with different options for both adults and children. So whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, there's plenty to keep you busy without having to leave the property. And I have to mention the breakfast, because it was easily the best of the four hotels I stayed at in Mauritius.
With room rates ranging from approximately $400 to $800 per night, depending on the season and room category, Shangri-La Le Touessrok also offered the best value for money out of the four resorts I visited. Particularly considering the facilities, service, and variety of things to do.
Let's Talk Pros
Breakfast was the best out of all four hotels I stayed at in Mauritius.
The staff was incredibly friendly, approachable, and helpful. Professional without being too formal.
Three swimming pools, including an adults-only pool, and several beaches.
A daily schedule of resort activities for both adults and children.
Several restaurants offering different cuisines.
Spacious rooms, including options with private beach patios.
Plenty of water activities to choose from.
Let's Talk Cons
It's quite a drive from the airport and Port Louis, so you'll need a car or taxi if you want to explore.
The restaurants are expensive.
You'll need to make restaurant reservations, so it's worth planning where you want to eat shortly after arriving.
Who Would I Recommend Shangri-La Le Touessrok For?
I'd say Shangri-La Le Touessrok is a particularly good choice for families or groups traveling together. There's so much to do, both for adults and children, that I feel it's one of those hotels where you could easily spend a week without getting bored. But don't get me wrong, it's also a great option for couples. We went as a couple ourselves and really enjoyed it.
Recommend: One&Only Le Saint Géran
One&Only Le Saint Géran
With room rates ranging from approximately $850 to $1,400 per night, One&Only Le Saint Géran is certainly one of the more expensive hotels in Mauritius. I'd stayed at a One&Only property before, in Montenegro, but that hotel had only been open for a couple of months when I visited. Everything was still brand-new, so I wasn't sure it would be a particularly fair comparison. That said, One&Only has quite a reputation when it comes to luxury hotels, so I definitely had high expectations for Le Saint Géran.
And I have to say, the arrival was a pretty good start. We were welcomed with a glass of champagne, which you can never go wrong with in my book, and introduced to our personal host. Throughout our stay, we could contact them by phone or WhatsApp whenever we needed something, whether that was arranging an activity, making a reservation, or asking a question.
But I think the biggest reason to book One&Only Le Saint Géran is the beach.
The hotel sits on a private peninsula on the east coast of Mauritius and is known for having one of the best beaches on the island. And after staying at four different resorts, I can definitely understand why. The sand is incredibly white, the water is clear, and it's exactly the kind of beach you imagine when you're looking at photos of Mauritius.
I really liked the overall aesthetic, too. Everything was white and bright, and the entire property was well maintained, which isn't always a given for a beachfront resort. I have no idea how they kept the grass so green, but it looked like the lawns you'd find on Wisteria Lane. Together with the white buildings and pearly-white beach, it gave the resort that luxurious feel.
The resort has rooms and suites overlooking either the ocean or the lagoon, as well as swimming pools, including a quieter one by the spa. The beach beds were also in excellent condition, and you could order food and drinks directly to your spot on the beach.
Compared to Shangri-La, One&Only had a more traditional luxury hotel atmosphere. Everything felt a little more formal, and while I liked the aesthetic, I did miss the extra space we'd had at Shangri-La. The rooms felt closer together, and there wasn't quite as much privacy. We also noticed other guests walking past our terrace rather than using the interior corridors, which wasn't ideal.
There's plenty to do at the hotel, but you can also arrange activities and excursions through the resort. We ended up doing that ourselves because, as much as I enjoy spending time at a luxury hotel, I also want to explore the destination.
I really liked the sushi restaurant, but I can't say the same about the buffet. At around $100 per person, excluding drinks, I found it disappointing for the price. Especially if you're not someone who eats a lot at a buffet.
Let's Talk Pros
The staff was friendly and helpful
A personal host you can contact by phone or WhatsApp throughout your stay.
The white-sand beach.
A well-maintained resort with a bright, luxurious aesthetic.
Food and drinks served directly on the beach.
An excellent sushi restaurant.
A quieter pool by the spa.
Let's Talk Cons
The rooms felt closer together than at Shangri-La, with less privacy around the terraces.
Food and drinks at the resort are expensive.
There were quite a few vendors walking along the beach selling sarongs and other items. They were friendly, but it wasn't something I'd expected at a hotel like this.
Who Would I Recommend One&Only Le Saint Géran For?
I'd recommend One&Only Le Saint Géran for couples or honeymooners who enjoy a more traditional luxury hotel experience. It's a quieter resort where the beach, service, and overall atmosphere are the main reasons to stay.
Wouldn’t Book Again: Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas
Before staying at Anantara Iko Mauritius, I'd already visited several Anantara properties around the world, including Anantara Qasr Al Sarab in Abu Dhabi, Al Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman, Anantara Maia in the Seychelles, and Anantara The Palm in Dubai. I'd always had good experiences with the brand, so when I booked Anantara Iko, I was looking forward to another stay that would feel a little like coming home.
Well, I couldn't have been more wrong.
I actually checked multiple times during our stay whether this was really a five-star hotel. Not because I expected everything to be perfect, but because the difference between this property and the other Anantara hotels I'd stayed at was so noticeable.
For starters, the hotel was undergoing renovations during our stay, which hadn't been mentioned to us beforehand. And while I understand that hotels need renovating from time to time, the construction was very noticeable. For example, I'd booked a massage at the spa, but because the spa was being renovated, I was escorted to one of the villas instead. The massage itself was great, so that wasn't really the issue.
The problem came afterward, when the staff insisted I hadn't paid for the massage, even though I'd prepaid and had the payment confirmation right there. Rather than checking what had happened, they started arguing with me, insisting that I hadn't paid. And unfortunately, that pretty much sums up the communication problems we experienced throughout our stay.
The property itself also didn't feel particularly luxurious. The exterior of the accommodation buildings reminded me more of a college dorm than a five-star resort, and the rooms were noisy. There were some things I liked, including the swim-up pool, the comfortable beds, and the cocktail bar, but the overall condition and atmosphere weren't what I'd come to expect from the brand.
And then there was the service.
I don't expect hotel staff to remember my name or recognize me every time I walk through reception. But I do expect a certain level of professionalism, especially at a hotel charging around $700 per night.
At one point, I went back to reception and spoke to the same woman who'd checked us in about ten minutes earlier. I don't expect hotel staff to remember every guest, but there's quite a difference between asking someone for their room number and making them feel like they're bothering you. Something similar happened when we were checking out. The card reader wasn't working, and rather than politely asking whether we could try another card, the response was simply, "Give me another card." Individually, these might sound like small things, but they kept happening throughout our stay.
Another example was when we wanted to arrange some activities. We'd asked the concierge about booking a helicopter excursion, but availability hadn't been confirmed yet. I suggested reserving another activity as a backup in case the helicopter didn't work out. We were told that wouldn't be necessary. Well, the helicopter excursion fell through, and when we asked about the alternative, that was no longer available either.
In the end, we contacted the tour guide we'd previously used while staying at One&Only Le Saint Géran to see whether he could take us somewhere instead. Luckily, he was available, but it was frustrating that we'd had to arrange everything ourselves after specifically asking the hotel to organize a backup.
There were also problems with communication between departments. I'm lactose intolerant, and despite being asked about dietary requirements several times, I was repeatedly served coffee with cow milk at breakfast after requesting lactose-free milk.
Of course, mistakes happen. But when a hotel asks about allergies and intolerances during booking, at check-in, and again at the restaurant, you'd expect that information to actually make its way to the people preparing your food.
One other thing that bothered me was the number of stray cats and dogs around the property. Mauritius has a large stray animal population, and we'd seen animals at other hotels too. But at Anantara Iko, there were dogs and cats regularly walking around the pool, and some of them looked visibly unwell.
I understand that the hotel can't solve the island's stray animal problem, and I certainly wouldn't expect that. But seeing sick animals wandering around while nobody appeared to be helping them was upsetting, and it added to the feeling that things weren't being managed particularly well.
I did eventually speak to the manager on duty about our overall experience, which was actually the first time I'd ever complained directly to a hotel manager. I was quite proud of myself for doing it, too. They gave us a $100 discount, which I appreciated, but it didn't really change how I felt about the stay.
If this had been a three-star hotel charging around $300 per night, I probably would have considered it an okay experience. But at approximately $700 per night, with a five-star rating and the Anantara name attached to it, I expected considerably more.
Let's Talk Pros
Convenient location near the airport.
A nice swim-up pool, although the water was quite cold.
Good cocktails and bites at the cocktail bar.
Comfortable beds.
Let's Talk Cons
Communication with reception and the concierge was frustrating, from arranging activities to sorting out billing issues.
The accommodation buildings felt more like a college dorm than a luxury resort, and the rooms were noisy.
Construction work was taking place during our stay, including renovations to the spa.
The food was disappointing and lacked flavor.
The waves at the beach were too strong for us to swim in or do any water activities.
Who Would I Recommend Anantara Iko Mauritius For?
This is a difficult one, because I wouldn't personally stay here again.
If you're planning to spend most of your vacation exploring Mauritius and only need somewhere to sleep, you might be less bothered by some of the things that disappointed me. The location near the airport is convenient, and there were a few things I liked about the hotel.
But for the price we paid, I feel Mauritius has much better luxury hotels to offer. And having stayed at several other Anantara properties, I know the brand is capable of much better than what we experienced here.
Wouldn’t Book Again: Four Seasons Resort Mauritius
Before we get into this review, I want to mention that Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita underwent an extensive renovation after our stay, during which the hotel was closed for approximately a year. So, while I'm sharing my experience as it was at the time, some of the things I've mentioned below may have improved since then.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita was one of the hotels I was most looking forward to. Unlike the white-sand beach setting at One&Only Le Saint Géran, Four Seasons had a completely different atmosphere, with tropical gardens, plenty of greenery, and a setting that almost reminded me of a rainforest.
And I really liked that about it. The resort itself was beautiful, and with private villas, several restaurants, and plenty of water activities, there was certainly a lot to look forward to. Unfortunately, the actual experience didn't quite live up to my expectations.
The biggest problem was the condition of the property. While the grounds were beautiful, the interiors and facilities felt very outdated. From the furniture in the restaurants to the beach loungers and the rooms themselves, so many things looked worn or damaged.
Our villa was also surprisingly basic. There was a bed, a desk, and a fridge, but very little else in terms of decoration. No artwork on the walls, no carpet, and hardly anything that made the room feel particularly inviting. It's not something I'd normally pay much attention to, but here, the lack of detail was noticeable.
And then there was the mattress. It had such a noticeable dent that I genuinely couldn't sleep comfortably. I tried putting up with it for two nights before eventually calling reception to ask whether they could do something about it or perhaps move us to another room. Their suggestion? "Just flip the mattress."
Now, of course I can flip a mattress myself. That's not really the point. But when you're paying this much to stay at a five-star hotel, I don't feel you should have to deal with something as basic as an uncomfortable, worn-out mattress in the first place.
This was actually my first time staying at a Four Seasons property, and I have to say, it wasn't a particularly good introduction to the brand. To this day, I haven't stayed at another Four Seasons hotel. I don't know whether our experience was specific to this property, but it certainly didn't convince me that the brand was worth the price.
There were other maintenance issues, too. The Wi-Fi didn’t work most of the time, and the bicycles provided for getting around the resort weren't exactly in great condition either. Mine didn't work at all, while my partner's bike had faulty brakes that were partially broken off. And considering how large the resort is, you'd expect the bicycles to at least be in proper working condition.
I also found the service disappointing at times. Whenever we asked about arranging activities, we were frequently told to check online rather than being offered much assistance. Now, I do want to say that the service was better than what we'd experienced at Anantara Iko, but there was one incident that made me particularly uncomfortable.
I was standing by the pool in my bikini, waiting to order a drink, when I overheard four members of staff talking about my appearance in French. They'd been speaking to me in English, so I assume they didn't expect me to understand what they were saying.
Well, apparently those four years of French in high school came in handy after all. Although I really wish they hadn't in this particular situation. They weren't saying anything particularly nasty, but that wasn't really the point. I was standing right there, and having four men discuss my body while I was alone in my bikini was uncomfortable. I didn't say anything at the time, partly because there were four of them and I was by myself. But it's something that stayed with me, and certainly not an experience I'd expect at a luxury hotel.
But I do want to give Four Seasons credit where it's due, because the property itself was beautiful, and there were definitely things I really liked about our stay.
For example, we went on a boat excursion where we got to see dolphins and feed monkeys, which was a great experience. The resort also had a really nice main pool, a lovely beach, and plenty of water activities to choose from. I liked the atmosphere around the pool and beach area, too, especially with the music and drinks. There was also a nice spot for watching the sunset.
And of course, having our own private pool at the villa was a plus, although we didn't end up using it very much. The water was cold, and because of the location of our Island Room Garden Villa, it was often quite windy outside.
That's what made the whole experience a little frustrating. The resort had so much going for it, and I could absolutely see its potential. But the condition of the rooms and the service just didn't match the setting or the price. With room rates ranging from approximately $600 to $1,200 per night, I found Four Seasons difficult to recommend based on our experience. The setting was beautiful, but the rooms, maintenance, and service didn't match what I'd expect at that price.
That said, I'm glad the hotel has since undergone a major renovation. The property certainly had the potential to be a fantastic luxury resort, and I hope the refurbishment has addressed some of the issues we experienced.
Let's Talk Pros
A beautiful setting with tropical gardens and plenty of greenery.
A great boat excursion where we saw dolphins and fed monkeys.
Lots of water activities to choose from.
Several restaurants around the resort.
Private villas with their own small swimming pools.
A fun atmosphere around the main pool and beach area, with music and drinks.
A lovely spot for watching the sunset.
Let's Talk Cons
The rooms felt surprisingly basic for a luxury resort.
Our mattress was badly dented, and reception wasn't particularly helpful when we raised the issue.
Staff weren't particularly helpful when we wanted to arrange activities.
The private pool was cold, and our villa's outdoor area was often too windy to enjoy.
The resort is very spread out, so getting between the villas, restaurants, and main facilities takes time.
Who Would I Recommend Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita For?
Based on the layout of the resort, I'd say Four Seasons could be a good option for families or larger groups traveling together, especially if you're looking for a multi-bedroom villa with your own private pool. There's plenty of space, several restaurants, and a good selection of water activities, so you wouldn't necessarily need to leave the resort every day.
Would I personally book it again? Based on our stay, probably not. But considering the extensive renovation that took place afterward, I also wouldn't rule out the possibility that the experience is quite different today. I'd certainly want to see what has changed before making that decision.
I hope this comparison helps you decide where to stay in Mauritius.
Keep in mind, everything I've shared here is based on my personal experience. If you have any questions about the hotels or anything else from our trip, feel free to reach out to me here or on Instagram. I'm always happy to help.
Happy Travels!
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