Stay Here: Royal Palm Hotel, MauritiusBy Angelica Malin

If you’re looking for ultimate luxury, the top level room is the Royal Suite. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, the suite is decked out in wood and leather, with lush rugs and Indian-influenced design, for an opulent, luxe feel. The suite boasts a private infinity pool, indoor living area, high ceilings and private gazebo, simply made for a personal candle lit dinner. The infinity pool has views over the Indian Ocean and beach, with its own whirlpool feature, and the suite plays host to its own hammam, as well as private terrace, valet, and beautiful master bedroom. Pure luxury.

Royal Palm Mauritius: The Food

If you’re a foodie, you’ll totally fall in love with Mauritius. The sunshine-filled island is full of beautiful natural produce, simply bursting with flavour and freshness. From juicy mangos to freshly cut palm of hearts, the pure, healthy goodness of this island is what attracts holiday makers here, year on year.

Royal Palm Mauritius is, simply put, a foodie’s dream. They have three sensational restaurants – all overseen by French Chef Michel de Matteis, who has been at Royal Palm over 12 years. This chef is no stranger to the kitchen; with 30 years of experience in fine dining, he won the coveted title of ‘Best Craftsman in France’ in 1991, and has worked at Michelin star kitchens around the world, bringing his experience to sunny Mauritius.

The restaurants has something for everyone. The breakfast buffet is one of the finest things I’ve ever experienced, with delicious papaya, made-to-order omelettes, seasonal juices, stewed fruits, and divine crepes, slathered with local banana jam and flaked almonds. For casual dining, I loved the beach-side restaurant Le Bar Plage. Located moments from the lapping waves, the food at this unassuming restaurant is so fresh and delicious. It’s truly romantic, in a quiet, understated way – set on wooden decks, with a unique charm, underneath an age-old badamier tree.

The food is divine; from the palm of heart salad with fresh crab and avocado and spicy tuna tartar, to giant grilled prawns, served with traditional Mauritian colourful rice, huge lobster with buttery sauce and catch of the day, simply grilled with fresh lemon and olive oil. Simple food, done so, so well.

The resort’s main restaurant is La Goélette, which is a more classy, formal affair. The setting here is simply stunning – overlooking the sea, with ocean views day and night. There’s also a walk-in wine cellar, so you can choose the perfect bottle to compliment your meal. Expect modern gastronomy with a twist – their tasting menu features perfectly pink lamb with basil oil, local fish with cauliflower puree and possibly the best bread basket in Mauritius. Foccacia of dreams.

If you love pasta, you’ll die for La Brezza – the resort’s third restaurant, the place for an Italian extravaganza. La Brezza, run by Alessandro Morino, has two terraces just a few yards from the lagoon – named after the late afternoon breeze in Mauritius. The restaurant uses ingredients imported from Italy, and uses the local seafood for something truly wonderful – get the seafood tagliatelle, you won’t regret it. There’s fantastic antipasti on offer, including local squid, chargrilled vegetables, tuna salad, fried artichokes and the best cheese croquettes in town. Heaven.

Royal Palm Mauritius: The Spa

This island resort is simply made for rest and relaxation. The lavish 1,000 m2 Clarins spa is exactly what you need after a busy day on the beach, with a majestic entrance leading to a haven of stillness within. The spa is home to 18 massage and treatment rooms, with a wide range of Clarins treatments, as well as reflexology, yoga, meditation, Reiki, beauty salons, hairdressers, Ayurvedic treatments and a bar, for that all-important post-massage fresh juice. The modern, sleek double treatment rooms themselves are a feast for the senses; set amongst natural beauty of Mauritius, with large bay windows, bathed in natural light and private patios for relaxing.

This stunning spa is the place to come for a whole new level of serenity, peace and tranquility – with beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, featuring cascading pools, sun decks and outdoor beds, you’ll experience calm like never before. For a total zen out, opt for a full day of spa-ing, trying out the various treatments on offer. There’s everything from Swedish massages to Ayurvedic facials, each with a unique Mauritian twist.