I’ve completed plenty of destination training over the years, but nothing compares to experiencing a destination first-hand. Mauritius had always been somewhere I had spokenabout mainly associated with honeymoons, winter sun, indulgence, and postcard beaches but nothing truly prepares you for arriving there in person.

From the moment I landed and my first day, it was easy to understand why this island is considered one of the world’s most unforgettable luxury escapes. Crystal-clear waters, gold sand, breathtaking resorts, incredible hospitality, and experiences that go far beyond just a beach holiday. Mauritius genuinely surprised me in the best possible way.

What stood out most? The island has that rare balance of total relaxation and adventure. I’m someone who usually needs to stay busy while travelling, and I honestly wondered whether I’d get bored after a few days of beach life. Safe to say, that concern disappeared almost instantly. Between Bennington boat trips, hiking Le Morne Brabant, snorkelling with dolphins, beach dinners, spa treatments, local markets, and sunset rituals there was always something memorable happening.

During this trip, the Marriott group invited us to experience three of their incredible properties across Mauritius each completely different from the last, yet all offering the same level of luxury and warm Mauritian hospitality.

First Stop: Le Méridien Ile Maurice

The trip began at Le Méridien, and honestly, it set the tone perfectly for the rest of the week. Arriving to a warm welcome and breakfast at Jade overlooking the ocean instantly made us feel like we’d stepped into island life.

This resort felt modern, stylish, and effortlessly relaxed. The rooms were spacious and elegant; with the kind of sea views you never get tired of waking up to. One thing Marriott does incredibly well here is variety there’s a huge range of room categories, making luxury feel accessible whether you’re booking a special plunge pool hideaway suite or something more affordable for a family holiday.

The food throughout our stay was exceptional. Lunches at Jade and Waves felt fresh and vibrant, while dinner on the beach at Waves was one of those “pinch me” travel moments. Tables set directly on the sand, a warm sea breeze, and sunsets so beautiful they look as if they’d been hand-painted, no iPhone camera could ever truly do them justice.

One of my favourite experiences here was the sunset mixologist workshop hosted at Waves which was great fun and clearly very much enjoyed by other guests too.

And the spa? Exactly what you’d want after a long-haul flight calming, luxurious, and impossible not to fall asleep in halfway through your treatment.

A Taste of Elegance: The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius

Our visit to The Westin Turtle Bay offered a completely different atmosphere. While Le Méridien felt vibrant and contemporary, The Westin felt refined, peaceful and where you would go for a complete reset.

Set around the calm waters of Turtle Bay, this resort had an almost serene energy to it.

The “Art of Wine” experience on Mystique Beach was a real highlight. Sitting with a glass of wine as the sun dipped into the Indian Ocean was one of those simple but unforgettable travel moments. It perfectly captured what Mauritius does so well slowing you down in the best way.

The Westin would be perfect for couples or families wanting a quieter luxury escape. The beachfront setting is stunning, the dining experiences feel intimate, and the resort itself has a very polished elegance throughout.

The teppanyaki evening at Fusion was an unforgettable highlight of the stay. From the moment the cooking began, the atmosphere was vibrant, entertaining, and full of energy, creating an experience that went far beyond dining. The chef’s charisma, humour, and interactive style kept us engaged throughout the evening, making it as memorable as it was delicious. A unique culinary experience I would recommend to clients seeking something truly special.

Beyond the aesthetics, the property is built around a holistic approach to wellbeing through its signature Westin Wellness philosophy a framework designed to restore balance in both body and mind. Guests can take part in curated programmes shaped by the brand’s six wellness pillars: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well, each thoughtfully woven into daily resort life. Together, they create an immersive island retreat centred on relaxation, rejuvenation, and mindful living.

That focus on restoration becomes especially tangible the moment you step into the spa, where the rituals are crafted to ease you into deep, unhurried calm.

Pure Indulgence at The St. Regis Le Morne Resort, Mauritius

If I had to describe St. Regis Le Morne in one word, it would be: breathtaking.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Le Morne Brabant mountain, this resort felt like something straight out of a movie. The location alone is enough to sell it turquoise water, sand and one of the most iconic views in Mauritius.

Our stay here combined adventure with indulgence perfectly.

One morning we hiked Le Morne Brabant challenging, but absolutely worth it for the views across the island. Another day we headed out on a private dolphin and snorkelling trip, which was honestly one of the highlights of the entire week.

Back at the resort, luxury was everywhere you looked. Bento box lunches served directly on the beach, sunset sabrage rituals, incredible breakfasts at Le Manoir and cuisines curated by Michelin star chefs created the kind of moments that stay with you long after you return home.

Dinner at Indya was another standout experience. The restaurant blended incredible flavours with a beautiful setting, and the service throughout the resort was flawless without ever feeling formal.

Mauritius: More Than Just a Beach Holiday

Before visiting, I expected Mauritius to be beautiful, but I didn’t expect it to feel so diverse.

One day we were exploring the busy streets and local markets of Port Louis, the next we were hiking mountains, snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons, or dining barefoot on the beach.

Mauritius has this unique ability to cater to every type of luxury traveller:

• Couples looking for romance
• Families needing space and activities
• Travellers wanting both adventure and relaxation

What also impressed me most was the warmth of the people. Everywhere we went, the hospitality felt genuine. Nothing ever seemed too much trouble, and every resort made us feel truly welcomed.

Top tips:

• Make sure you have plenty of photo storage before you travel; the sunsets in Mauritius are far too beautiful not to capture.
• Pack water shoes for the beach, as some areas can be rocky beneath the crystal-clear waters.
• Don’t over-plan every moment; the best luxury in Mauritius is slowing down

Would I Recommend Mauritius?

Absolutely and without hesitation.

And if you’re considering combining it with a safari in South Africa, even better it creates the perfect twin-centre holiday balancing adventure with total relaxation.

Mauritius isn’t just somewhere you visit.

It’s somewhere you feel.