*News Flash* we’ve found paradise and it’s located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, some 1,200 miles off the southeast coast of Africa. It has one of the largest coral barrier reefs in the world and it’s palm-lined coast gives way to a vast, rugged interior of mountains, sugar plantations, rainforests and waterfalls. Mauritius is a world entirely of its own, unlike any of its Indian Ocean island neighbours. From arrival into the surprisingly large international airport to the meandering drive to your hotel, Mauritius is everything you’d expect it to be and then some.
With a diverse colonial history which defines its vibrant modern culture – the capital, the market of Port Louis is worth a visit for the sheer energy it brings to the island – Mauritius has visually strong British and French influences complemented by a rich African heritage and largely Indian population. It’s an Indian Ocean melting pot of culture, storytelling and exquisite adventure. Outside of the hustle of Port Louis, the zen-like Four Seasons Resort at Anahita is the most southerly of the international five-star hotels on the island’s glamorous east coast and although the furthest from some of Mauritius’ key tourist attractions (Chamarel Coloured Earths and Black River Gorges National Park), it’s close proximity to the airport (45 minutes) and it’s stunning location make it easy to see why this resort is consistently voted one of the very best in the world.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is unlike any other hotel on the island and this is what makes it so appealing to the discerning traveller. In Mauritius, white sand beaches are a plenty whereas here, you’ll be staying against a backdrop of the statuesque Bambou mountain on 64 acres of resort, featuring an 11-acre private island on an extensive lagoon. With white sand beaches of course. Boasting its own stretch of coastline, privacy here is of utmost importance. If you’re looking to get away from it all, either on honeymoon or as a family, discretion is this resort’s forte.
The resort is vast. You’ll need a club car (simply a call to reception away) or bike to get around – each guest gets a bicycle, giving the resort a quaint, villagey feel. Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is an all-suite resort and 136 spacious thatched pool villas each with their very own plunge pool, secretly dotted around the landscaped gardens, completely hidden by swaying palms.
Décor is stylish, neutral and inspired by local elements. Unique features such private walled gardens of palms, ferns, hibiscus and frangipani, and a welcoming al fresco shower ensure you’re home away from home.
For utmost privacy, we recommend the two-bedroom Garden Villa number 504 which comes with its own private jetty, perfect for a day spent at sea. And you’ll want to spend a day at sea trust us. There are also larger, four-bedroom villas which make ideal multi-generational family retreats.
There are two private, sandy beaches directly at the resort, however, it’s worth noting that Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita actually sits on a beautifully picturesque emerald green lagoon. The private beaches on the resort are bijou and can be a little windy at certain times of the year. A 10-minute speedboat shuttle away is the jewel in the resort’s crown: a private stretch of powder-white sand and the bluest see you will ever see on Ile aux Cerfs.
The famous Ile aux Cerfs is one of the great attractions of Mauritius but for guests at the exclusive Four Seasons, you’ll get to bask in its beauty entirely away from the masses on a fully-private beach; when we visited, we were the only people there for the whole day, our very own little slice of Paradise. Just don’t forget your camera, you will need it. Here, you will find a rustic-style beach bar & (shoes not necessary) and endless views out towards the sparkling Indian Ocean. Laze away the day sipping rum cocktails on rope swing seats with the easterly-breeze in your hair. Bliss.
If swimming is more your thing, four pools back at the resort do not disappoint. Adjacent to the Asian-inspired Bambou restaurant, the infinity-edge pool opens seamlessly onto the lagoon.
There’s also a 25m lap pool in the Fitness Centre for those that like to stay fit on their holiday. If you are of the active kind, you won’t be disappointed. Largely because Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita sits directly on an Ernie Els 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course. With large fairways and six oceanfront holes, Four Seasons Golf Club Mauritius at Anahita offers complimentary and unlimited play to all Resort guests. If you’re a non-golfer but keen to give it a try, a 60-minute complimentary initiation is even offered daily at the driving range.
In addition, there’s a modern, fully-equipped fitness centre, tennis courts and watersports galore. For the less adventurous, the award-winning spa is a special sanctuary of relaxed zen. Set on wooden pillars directly above the Indian ocean lagoon and surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation, you’ll be quite literally floating on air here. We highly recommend the Let it Go 8 Handed Massage or Mauritian Fusion treatments for the ultimate treat.
If you haven’t been wowed enough already, dining at the resort really is exceptional. Four restaurants offer entirely different culinary experiences. From the magical floating Aquapazza where Sicilian cuisine reigns supreme (the linguine ai ricci di mare is magnificent) to the Chef’s table at French-inspired bistro Beau Champ, you’re spoilt for choice.
There’s also a range of signature dining experiences should you want something a little special, tailormade for couples and families to fulfil every taste and occasion. Learn local Creole recipes and family-old culinary secrets or opt for a tantalizing wine cellar experience where you’ll savour a six-course menu with wine pairings from the sommelier’s personal recommendations.
Mauritius is so much more than an exotic beach destination. It has culture, tropical sunshine, mouth-watering cuisine, it has some of the most truly breath-taking scenery anywhere in the world, but most of all it has character in abundance and you’re set to fall in love all over again.
Coastal Road, Beau Champ, Mauritius.
The Insider UAE 