The St. Regis Mauritius Resort

The St. Regis Mauritius has shingle-roofed colonial bungalows placed throughout and pretty tropical grounds with fountains. Covered pathways lead to an the main Manor House and its striking wooden antique-inspired staircase. A unique area is the library, which has a selection of books surrounded by comfy chairs, and an adjacent glass-ceilinged reading room with patio furniture. This gated property provides a luxurious, mostly quiet vacation, but families with children are common. Guests also commonly complain about service not reaching five-pearl quality, especially during peak season. 

Tucked in Le Morne, this hotel enjoys a quiet location on a beautiful uncrowded stretch of sand. It's a six-minute walk to One Eye, an area packed with kitesurfers. Otherwise, this location feels removed and there's little in walking distance. Nightlife in La Gaulette is 10 minutes away by car. Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is 15 minutes' drive, while the Black River Gorges National Park is about 30 minutes by car. The Rhumerie de Chamarel rum distillery and family-friendly Curious Corner of Chamarel are a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Port Louis, with the Blue Penny Museum (where the collection includes rare stamps) and the 19th-century Jummah Masjid mosque is one hour and 15 minutes by car. Driving to the SSR International Airport takes one hour and 15 minutes. There's free parking for guests who have rental cars.

Private entrances lead to first- and second-floor rooms that feature upscale cottage-style decor. A soothing palette of beige and white is accented with pale mint green. The rattan furniture, framed flower pictures, light wooden ceilings with fans, and woven baskets combine for a luxe yet homey feel. Rooms feel airy with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto patios or balconies facing the garden or ocean. Free butler service and Illy espresso machines (in most rooms) are luxe touches. All rooms include minibars and flat-screen TVs with DVD players, plus wardrobes with safes and ironing facilities. Free basic Wi-Fi is provided, but it can be spotty. 

Standout bathrooms feature big soaking tubs, separate mosaic-tiled showers, and dual stone basins. St. Regis Remede bath products, bathrobes, and hairdryers are provided. Most suites have dressing areas, lounges or separate living rooms, and dining rooms. Luxurious suites are available, including the four-bedroom St. Regis Villa that has pitched wooden ceilings, a lounge with Wii and Playstation consoles, an outdoor bar, three private plunge pools, and a full kitchen.

This beach offers calm waters and lounge chairs, which are unfortunately often reserved early. The hotel offers a lot of free water sports at the beachfront dive center, including kayaks, paddleboats, and windsurfing equipment. For a charge, there are scuba diving trips and kitesurfing lessons. There's an expansive lagoon pool surrounded by cabanas, as well as a plunge pool. Open 24/7, the large gym has ample cardio equipment, free weights, personal trainers, and fitness classes. A 24-hour tennis court with free rental rackets is also available. 

The elegant 12-room spa features men’s and women’s salons, a steam room, hot tub, and sauna. Kids can visit the colorfully decorated Kite Flyers Club, which has cooking classes and games. The La Palme D’Or cinema screens movies each day and has popcorn. Four meeting spaces are available, including a ballroom with terrace, and the Astor Room for up to 80 people. Additionally, two computers are in the library. Basic Wi-Fi is free throughout, but a faster speed can be purchased. 

Le Manoir Dining Room serves international fare -- Mauritian, French, Indian, and Mediterranean -- while Floating Market offers Southeast Asian cuisine overlooking the lagoon ponds. Japanese cuisine is provided in Atsuko restaurant. Private dining is available at Inspiration restaurant for up to 16 people. The 1904 Bar serves cocktails and light meals in the main house, and often has live entertainment. On the beach is the Boathouse Bar & Grill, featuring vintage champagnes and fresh seafood.