Cocotiers Hotel – Mauritius

Lush, tropical landscaping, a quirky Key West-style bar, and a beautiful ocean-facing pool (but total lack of pretense throughout) all underscore the hotel’s relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere. It’s clear that plenty of thought went into designing each common area, but it lacks the cookie-cutter feel found in some of the island’s larger resorts. The entire social scene is centered around the combined beach, pool, and restaurant/bar which flow seamlessly into one another. Children are welcome at the hotel, but there’s a distinct, adult-centric vibe throughout the property. It’s an ideal spot for budget-minded couples seeking a just-right amount of amenities and a lively vibe with the occasional frozen cocktail in hand.

The quiet oceanfront road through Tombeau Bay is loosely dotted with residences and small boutique hotels, but there’s nothing of interest within walking distance. Guests seeking anything more than relaxed water-centric fun and the single restaurant/bar will need to hire a taxi or make the drive 10 minutes south to the capital city of Port Louis. Pamplemousses Garden and the historical Château de Labourdonnais museum are reachable in 20 minutes by car. Inexpensive public bus service is available from a stop directly outside the hotel, although the routes can be confusing for foreigners. Mauritius’ only international airport, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), is an hour away via mostly modern freeways and roads. The hotel does not provide airport transportation, but taxis and private shuttle service are both cheap and easy to arrange.

The tasteful decor in common areas is notably absent in the rooms, creating a distinct visual disconnect. Room decor is stark, without any wall art and a sterile color palette that’s heavy on gray and white. The two categories of room are identical in layout and decor. They differ only in the view from their furnished, private balconies -- either garden or sea view. Standard amenities include the essentials: mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Fast, free Wi-Fi is also provided, and we found the service to be reliable. Bathrooms are clean, but cramped with little room to maneuver. Generic bar soap, hairdryers, and walk-in shower stalls come standard. 

The hotel’s centerpiece is its intimate white-sand beach with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. A dozen lounge chairs are placed beneath a handful of palapas and a stand of towering palm trees that all provide ample shade. The adjacent boathouse offers a full suite of water sports activities (some free).

The central outdoor terrace features a sparkling pool. The pool deck layout is bookended by the restaurant on one side and a row of rooms on the other. With no separation between the west end of the pool and the beach, the entire space blends into a beautiful, seamless outdoor area facing the ocean. A row of lounge chairs lines is on offer and the hot tub anchors the ocean-facing end of the deck. A full menu of cocktails and snacks is available from the adjacent Le Lizard bar.

The single restaurant, Le Baie, is a spacious open-air dining room with lovely ocean views. There’s a rustic feel to it all, but the adjacency to the beach and pool bolsters an atmosphere that feels classier than it actually is. A free buffet breakfast is served daily, while lunch and dinner are available a la carte. The food is simple, well-reviewed, and varied with both Western-friendly and authentic Mauritian options.

The tiny spa is simple but well-maintained and offers a straightforward menu of massage treatments. However, some guests find the hours to be unpredictable. Wi-Fi is free in every common area. Free street parking is provided near a staffed security station.