Pros

  • Luxury beachfront hotel along Balaclava Bay
  • Elegant, spacious rooms all have ocean-view terraces
  • Deep stone tubs and separate walk-in rainfall showers come standard
  • Variety of meal plans, including a comprehensive all-inclusive
  • Two heated infinity pools; main pool has a separate kids’ pool attached to it
  • International buffet restaurant, plus Asian, Mediterranean and Indian eateries
  • Restaurants uses produce from on-site organic garden and locally sourced fish
  • Elegant spa offering variety of treatments, sauna, steam room, and spa
  • Kids’ club for ages 4 to 12, with activities like crafts and lessons
  • Free land and water sports, as well as entertainment like dance performances
  • Excursions and tours such as dolphin swimming and catamaran cruises
  • Fast, free Wi-Fi is available across the hotel
See More Pros

Cons

  • Beach isn’t great for swimming
  • All-inclusive rates don’t cover minibars
  • Some complaints of unpleasant smells and maintenance issues
  • Can be difficult to get same-day reservations at a la carte restaurants
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The 210-room InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort is a family-friendly luxury property located right on the beach of Balaclava Bay, on the northwest coast of the island. Tons of features cater to guests of all ages, with two heated infinity pools, land and water sports, an activity-packed kids’ club, and entertainment such as dance performances. Multiple beach areas are lovely and lined with loungers, but the coastline is rocky and not great for swimming. Four excellent restaurants offer buffet and a la carte dining, and an all-inclusive package is available for meals and drinks. Attractive and spacious rooms have swish amenities such as stone bathtubs and separate showers, flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, and furnished balconies or terraces with ocean views. However, some past guests have complained of maintenance issues and unpleasant odors in rooms. Travelers wanting a resort with a better beach should consider LUX* Belle Mare, which has similar offerings.

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort

What Are the Design and Scene Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

This luxury beachfront resort offers a modern design, and amenities for both kids and adults.

The InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort is surrounded by acres of gardens highlighting local flora and backgrounded by mountains, creating a secluded, intimate feel for guests seeking an escape. A long beach stretches out before it, although post-cyclone, it’s currently more rocky than sandy, though loungers and a bar still provide opportunities to relax. The hotel building itself is expansive and sweeping, with an emphasis on contemporary, versus traditional island, decor – expect a swish modern style that may feel a bit generic to some. While the property’s array of kid- and adult-friendly features are excellent, the occasional maintenance issue and lack of an impressive beach are notable downsides. On the plus side, all-inclusive packages add value to this luxury resort.

See More What Are the Design and Scene Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

Where Is the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort Located?

It's situated along the peaceful beach by Balaclava Bay, an hour's drive from the airport.

The InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort is located along the beach fronting Balaclava Bay, a secluded area looking out toward the Indian Ocean on the northwest coast of Mauritius. It’s located an hour’s drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, and a 20-minute drive from the capital of Port Louis, Mauritius’ capital. Like Port Louis, Grand Baie (about a 25-minute drive away) offers markets, restaurants, clubs, beaches, bars, and cafes scattered along the sand. However, most who come tend to stay put on the resort: The hotel isn’t on a bus route, and taxis to get around can quickly add up.

See More Where Is the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort Located?

What Are Rooms Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

Modern, albeit generic, rooms have ocean-view terraces, stone bathtubs, and separate showers.

The hotel’s 210 rooms come in a variety of configurations and views, but all are ocean-facing and have a private furnished balcony or terrace. All have a similar sophisticated design that’s modern, if a bit generic. Rooms come with dark-wood furniture, beige tiling, and a mix of textiles and accents in soft earth tones. Island-inspired artwork hangs on the walls, but overall, there’s little in terms of unique decor. Standard amenities consist of laptop-sized safes, flat-screen TVs with international satellite channels, bathrobes and slippers, minibars, and ironing equipment. The spa-like bathrooms all feature separate (and huge) stone bathtubs and walk-in rain showers. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

The 100 entry-level Deluxe Ocean Facing Rooms have some ground-floor units that open directly to the gardens. Forty family-style rooms are available, which sleep two adults and two kids in separate bedrooms, as well as 40 Prestige Ocean View Rooms, which have a direct view over the ocean and Nespresso machines (four capsules per day are included). The 20 honeymoon rooms come with an outdoor bathtub on the private terrace, and 10 two-story, 3,229-square-foot Presidential Suites feature two private terraces (one with a whirlpool bath), kitchen, two 53-inch TVs.

See More What Are Rooms Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What's Covered by the All-Inclusive Package at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

All-inclusive packages cover food and drinks at specific restaurants.

The InterContinental’s all-inclusive package is the most comprehensive out of the resort’s meal plan offerings, which also includes a half-board option. The all-inclusive package is often the best value for money if you plan to stay on the property (restaurants are very pricey otherwise). It includes breakfast at Senso or Segala (two- or three-course menus at the latter); lunch at Senso, Sugar Cane, or Segala; dinner at Senso or three-course meals at Noble House, Veda, or Segala. Drinks, including South African wines, cocktails with local spirits, mineral water, and soft drinks, are also available; however, it doesn’t include stocked minibars in the rooms. The package begins at dinner day of arrival and ends at lunchtime on departure day.

See More What's Covered by the All-Inclusive Package at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What Restaurants and Bars Are at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

An international buffet restaurant, and a la carte Mediterranean, Indian, and Asian eateries are on-site.

The InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort has a few restaurants on-site, and the hotel is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint by using locally grown produce (including some from the hotel’s own organic garden), as well as fresh-caught seafood sourced from local fishermen. The resort also plans to be plastic-free by the second half of 2020.

In general, food is excellent at the resort across the board. Guests can choose from three-course menus at the beachfront Thai-Vietnamese Noble House or the contemporary Indian fine-dining restaurant Veda, which boasts eight chefs, each with a different specialty. There’s also the Mediterranean restaurant Segala, which features Italian-, Spanish-, Greek-, and Turkish-inspired dishes. Segala serves food for all three meals, while Veda and Noble House are only open for dinner.

Senso, the resort’s international buffet with breakfast and daily themed dinners, features a wide range of breakfast options; the evening buffet has live cooking stations with changing cuisine themes. Room service, as well as private dining on one’s terrace or on Sugar Island, is also available.

Reservations are highly recommended for all restaurants except Senso.

Sugar Cane is the hotel’s open-air poolside beach bar with views of the ocean; it serves light meals and snacks.

See More What Restaurants and Bars Are at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What's the Beach Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

The beach is pretty and lined with loungers, but rocky and not great for swimming.

The hotel’s private Ville Valio beach on Balaclava Bay is a little rocky -- after a recent cyclone, there’s not much sand left -- making it difficult to play and swim in. There’s also coral, which makes it dangerous for children and sometimes not swimmable. However, there are plenty of comfortable loungers across the beach for guests to use, and a nearby beach bar. Guests can also borrow kayaking, sailing, surfing, and snorkeling equipment, or make use of the beach volleyball and soccer areas.

See More What's the Beach Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What Are Pools Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

There are two heated infinity pools, one with a kids' section.

The hotel has two large heated infinity pools, each with panoramic views of the bay and surrounded by loungers. Both are heated during the winter. The main pool is the centerpiece of the resort, and it has a smaller kids’ pool and the Sugar Cane Bar right next to it. The southern pool, which is a little more serene, is next to Segala, with views going out to Port Louis.

See More What Are Pools Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What Features Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

Tons of activities and entertainment are available for guests, as is a swish spa.

In addition to the beach and pools, the hotel offers a range of activities for children and adults. For activity-minded guests, options include tennis, kayaks, snorkeling, diving, water skiing, sailing tours, deep-sea fishing, hiking, and excursions that bring guests through the national marine park that surrounds the resort. Fishing (from jigging to big-game), glass-bottom boat adventures, and dolphin cruise tours are all available to guests. Catamaran cruises, ranging from sunset cruises and full-day tours to two-day, one-night adventures, are also available.

Unusually, this resort also has Sugar Island, its own private island. Guests can arrange to have a private dinner there.

Evening entertainment is generally well-regarded, consisting of traditional dance performances and live music.

The hotel spa’s sauna, steam room, and hot tub are free for guests to use; treatments may be booked separately in one of eight treatment rooms. A modern fitness center is on-site, with treadmills that face the ocean, as well as a jogging track in the garden. Fitness classes like aqua gym are also available.

There are four meeting rooms, as well as the ballroom, available for business travelers and groups.

Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the hotel.

See More What Features Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What Wedding Services Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

Wedding services can be arranged here, and there are perks for honeymooners.

The hotel can arrange for weddings to be performed on-site, though it’s up to guests to do the research. The InterContinental can help guests choose a bespoke wedding package, including ceremonies on the beach, find a wedding planner, and provide hairstyling. Up to 500 banquet-style guests can be accommodated in the hotel’s large Hibiscus Ballroom, the biggest on the island, and smaller numbers in the hotel’s other venues. There’s other wedding-specific activities for couples, too, like a wedding cruise on the catamaran.

Although there’s no formal InterContinental Mauritius honeymoon package, there are perks available to couples spending at least four nights of their post-nuptial break at the resort: Those who can provide a copy of their wedding certificate get a free four-course dinner on the beach, couples’ massage (and a discount on other spa treatments), turndown service with a cake, flowers, fruit basket, and bottle of sparkling wine.

See More What Wedding Services Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What Family-Friendly Amenities Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

The kids' club has a daily lineup of free activities.

Kids ages 4 to 12 have free access to the resort’s Planet Trekkers Kids Club, which is split into two groups: those ages 4 to 7 and kids ages 8 to 12. Crafts, games, excursions, beach activities, and ways to learn about island culture are all part of the schedule, with activities like traditional dancing, sandcastle-building, sea life education, garden treasure hunts, and Creole classes. Unstructured time is also available, with indoor and outdoor play spaces. Babysitting is also available for a separate charge.

Family rooms are available here for up to two adults and two kids, and baby cribs are free; an extra bed per room is available for an additional fee.

See More What Family-Friendly Amenities Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

Things You Should Know About InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort

Also Known As

  • InterContinental Resort Mauritius

Address

Costal Road, Mauritius

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort

What Are the Design and Scene Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

This luxury beachfront resort offers a modern design, and amenities for both kids and adults.

The InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort is surrounded by acres of gardens highlighting local flora and backgrounded by mountains, creating a secluded, intimate feel for guests seeking an escape. A long beach stretches out before it, although post-cyclone, it’s currently more rocky than sandy, though loungers and a bar still provide opportunities to relax. The hotel building itself is expansive and sweeping, with an emphasis on contemporary, versus traditional island, decor – expect a swish modern style that may feel a bit generic to some. While the property’s array of kid- and adult-friendly features are excellent, the occasional maintenance issue and lack of an impressive beach are notable downsides. On the plus side, all-inclusive packages add value to this luxury resort.

See More What Are the Design and Scene Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

Where Is the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort Located?

It's situated along the peaceful beach by Balaclava Bay, an hour's drive from the airport.

The InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort is located along the beach fronting Balaclava Bay, a secluded area looking out toward the Indian Ocean on the northwest coast of Mauritius. It’s located an hour’s drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, and a 20-minute drive from the capital of Port Louis, Mauritius’ capital. Like Port Louis, Grand Baie (about a 25-minute drive away) offers markets, restaurants, clubs, beaches, bars, and cafes scattered along the sand. However, most who come tend to stay put on the resort: The hotel isn’t on a bus route, and taxis to get around can quickly add up.

See More Where Is the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort Located?

What Are Rooms Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

Modern, albeit generic, rooms have ocean-view terraces, stone bathtubs, and separate showers.

The hotel’s 210 rooms come in a variety of configurations and views, but all are ocean-facing and have a private furnished balcony or terrace. All have a similar sophisticated design that’s modern, if a bit generic. Rooms come with dark-wood furniture, beige tiling, and a mix of textiles and accents in soft earth tones. Island-inspired artwork hangs on the walls, but overall, there’s little in terms of unique decor. Standard amenities consist of laptop-sized safes, flat-screen TVs with international satellite channels, bathrobes and slippers, minibars, and ironing equipment. The spa-like bathrooms all feature separate (and huge) stone bathtubs and walk-in rain showers. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

The 100 entry-level Deluxe Ocean Facing Rooms have some ground-floor units that open directly to the gardens. Forty family-style rooms are available, which sleep two adults and two kids in separate bedrooms, as well as 40 Prestige Ocean View Rooms, which have a direct view over the ocean and Nespresso machines (four capsules per day are included). The 20 honeymoon rooms come with an outdoor bathtub on the private terrace, and 10 two-story, 3,229-square-foot Presidential Suites feature two private terraces (one with a whirlpool bath), kitchen, two 53-inch TVs.

See More What Are Rooms Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What's Covered by the All-Inclusive Package at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

All-inclusive packages cover food and drinks at specific restaurants.

The InterContinental’s all-inclusive package is the most comprehensive out of the resort’s meal plan offerings, which also includes a half-board option. The all-inclusive package is often the best value for money if you plan to stay on the property (restaurants are very pricey otherwise). It includes breakfast at Senso or Segala (two- or three-course menus at the latter); lunch at Senso, Sugar Cane, or Segala; dinner at Senso or three-course meals at Noble House, Veda, or Segala. Drinks, including South African wines, cocktails with local spirits, mineral water, and soft drinks, are also available; however, it doesn’t include stocked minibars in the rooms. The package begins at dinner day of arrival and ends at lunchtime on departure day.

See More What's Covered by the All-Inclusive Package at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What Restaurants and Bars Are at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

An international buffet restaurant, and a la carte Mediterranean, Indian, and Asian eateries are on-site.

The InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort has a few restaurants on-site, and the hotel is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint by using locally grown produce (including some from the hotel’s own organic garden), as well as fresh-caught seafood sourced from local fishermen. The resort also plans to be plastic-free by the second half of 2020.

In general, food is excellent at the resort across the board. Guests can choose from three-course menus at the beachfront Thai-Vietnamese Noble House or the contemporary Indian fine-dining restaurant Veda, which boasts eight chefs, each with a different specialty. There’s also the Mediterranean restaurant Segala, which features Italian-, Spanish-, Greek-, and Turkish-inspired dishes. Segala serves food for all three meals, while Veda and Noble House are only open for dinner.

Senso, the resort’s international buffet with breakfast and daily themed dinners, features a wide range of breakfast options; the evening buffet has live cooking stations with changing cuisine themes. Room service, as well as private dining on one’s terrace or on Sugar Island, is also available.

Reservations are highly recommended for all restaurants except Senso.

Sugar Cane is the hotel’s open-air poolside beach bar with views of the ocean; it serves light meals and snacks.

See More What Restaurants and Bars Are at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What's the Beach Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

The beach is pretty and lined with loungers, but rocky and not great for swimming.

The hotel’s private Ville Valio beach on Balaclava Bay is a little rocky -- after a recent cyclone, there’s not much sand left -- making it difficult to play and swim in. There’s also coral, which makes it dangerous for children and sometimes not swimmable. However, there are plenty of comfortable loungers across the beach for guests to use, and a nearby beach bar. Guests can also borrow kayaking, sailing, surfing, and snorkeling equipment, or make use of the beach volleyball and soccer areas.

See More What's the Beach Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What Are Pools Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

There are two heated infinity pools, one with a kids' section.

The hotel has two large heated infinity pools, each with panoramic views of the bay and surrounded by loungers. Both are heated during the winter. The main pool is the centerpiece of the resort, and it has a smaller kids’ pool and the Sugar Cane Bar right next to it. The southern pool, which is a little more serene, is next to Segala, with views going out to Port Louis.

See More What Are Pools Like at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What Features Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

Tons of activities and entertainment are available for guests, as is a swish spa.

In addition to the beach and pools, the hotel offers a range of activities for children and adults. For activity-minded guests, options include tennis, kayaks, snorkeling, diving, water skiing, sailing tours, deep-sea fishing, hiking, and excursions that bring guests through the national marine park that surrounds the resort. Fishing (from jigging to big-game), glass-bottom boat adventures, and dolphin cruise tours are all available to guests. Catamaran cruises, ranging from sunset cruises and full-day tours to two-day, one-night adventures, are also available.

Unusually, this resort also has Sugar Island, its own private island. Guests can arrange to have a private dinner there.

Evening entertainment is generally well-regarded, consisting of traditional dance performances and live music.

The hotel spa’s sauna, steam room, and hot tub are free for guests to use; treatments may be booked separately in one of eight treatment rooms. A modern fitness center is on-site, with treadmills that face the ocean, as well as a jogging track in the garden. Fitness classes like aqua gym are also available.

There are four meeting rooms, as well as the ballroom, available for business travelers and groups.

Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the hotel.

See More What Features Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What Wedding Services Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

Wedding services can be arranged here, and there are perks for honeymooners.

The hotel can arrange for weddings to be performed on-site, though it’s up to guests to do the research. The InterContinental can help guests choose a bespoke wedding package, including ceremonies on the beach, find a wedding planner, and provide hairstyling. Up to 500 banquet-style guests can be accommodated in the hotel’s large Hibiscus Ballroom, the biggest on the island, and smaller numbers in the hotel’s other venues. There’s other wedding-specific activities for couples, too, like a wedding cruise on the catamaran.

Although there’s no formal InterContinental Mauritius honeymoon package, there are perks available to couples spending at least four nights of their post-nuptial break at the resort: Those who can provide a copy of their wedding certificate get a free four-course dinner on the beach, couples’ massage (and a discount on other spa treatments), turndown service with a cake, flowers, fruit basket, and bottle of sparkling wine.

See More What Wedding Services Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

What Family-Friendly Amenities Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

The kids' club has a daily lineup of free activities.

Kids ages 4 to 12 have free access to the resort’s Planet Trekkers Kids Club, which is split into two groups: those ages 4 to 7 and kids ages 8 to 12. Crafts, games, excursions, beach activities, and ways to learn about island culture are all part of the schedule, with activities like traditional dancing, sandcastle-building, sea life education, garden treasure hunts, and Creole classes. Unstructured time is also available, with indoor and outdoor play spaces. Babysitting is also available for a separate charge.

Family rooms are available here for up to two adults and two kids, and baby cribs are free; an extra bed per room is available for an additional fee.

See More What Family-Friendly Amenities Are Available at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort?

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.