Words by Leanne Kelsall
The southern and western regions of Mauritius are go-to destinations for honeymooners seeking luxury, but travel further north and you’ll find a five-star hotel serving up a whole lotta love. Surrounded with nature, the adults-only Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel is made for couples and honeymooners looking for a loved-up getaway in the north of Mauritius. LLM contributor Leanne Kelsall checked in to find out more.
Hotel
This intimate, adults-only escape offers the ultimate backdrop for a proper romantic getaway. It’s set on an exclusive site spanning a rocky peninsula, with a private sandy cove, sparkling turquoise lagoon and vast ocean views. Designed with partners and honeymooners in mind, you’ll find numerous thatched love nests to relax in, hidden from prying eyes and ‘You and Me’ activities for loved-up couples to reconnect and do something really special together.
Paradise Cove underwent a complete renovation in September 2019, though it’s surprisingly undiscovered still as Mauritius closed its borders to tourists during the pandemic. It’s a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World and has already started filling its trophy cabinet with awards since reopening.
The tranquillity and romance of the hotel is obvious from the minute you step foot through its gated entrance. Swaying palms, sweet-smelling Bougainvillaea and sparkling lagoon views awaken your senses. With birdsong from the resident white-tailed tropicbirds as your soundtrack, any tension immediately melts away. Paradise Cove is perfectly sized so it never feels overcrowded, with plenty of private nooks for you and your beloved to relax in.
Room
There are 75 sea-facing rooms and suites kitted out with dreamy four poster beds, twin rainforest showers, standalone bathtubs and balconies or terraces with views of the cove.
The décor takes a playful approach to luxury. Think light wood floors and crisp white walls with jungle-patterned wallpaper and trendy rattan furniture. If you’re looking for pure, unadulterated luxury, the prestige junior suites – complete with lounge areas and verandas – are the ones to book.
Food and drink
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to cuisines on offer at Paradise Cove. There are four restaurants and the quality is universally high so it’s just a case of figuring out what you fancy. The Dining Room is the hotel’s main restaurant for breakfast and dinner, and offers traditional Mauritian recipes with a heavy Indian influence. Some nights it’s buffet-style and on other nights you can expect to dine à la carte, which keeps things varied for guests.
Japanese restaurant, XO, serves up sushi and tempura in a thatched dining pavilion next to the main pool, and is a sophisticated and cosy space. Peninsula Restaurant, next to the infinity pool, serves Mediterranean cuisine – think pizzas, tapas, salads and other bits to share. It’s popular with guests, offering the chance to fill their lungs with fresh ocean air while gazing at the northern islands. Watching the sun set here whilst enjoying a drink from the restaurant’s extensive menu is an experience not to be missed.
There’s also The Cove which we opted for during our stay. It’s the only restaurant that isn’t included in half board or all-inclusive packages, but it’s well worth booking. This fine dining eatery offers an incredible dining experience that you need to try at least once during your stay. We enjoyed the five-course vegan tasting menu designed by multi-award-winning French chef and London restaurateur Alexis Gauthier.
Highlights from the creative menu included slow-cooked white miso pasta, charcoal caramelised daikon and a pineapple and longan crunchy dome. You’ll dine in an intimate hatched structure floating on the lagoon. Spending an evening here was undoubtedly the highlight of our stay.
When it’s time for a tipple the Rum Gallery has you covered with some of the best rums in the world. There’s also a cellar filled with a selection of sophisticated southern hemisphere wines.
To do
You can be as adventurous or as laid back as you like at Paradise Cove, from leisurely afternoons in secluded love nests to exploring the area by glass bottom boat, kayak or bike. There are three pools with plenty of palm-tree-shaded sun loungers and a lagoon to laze by. The infinity pool overlooks the northern islands and turquoise sea waters, but you’ll need to be up at 9am to bag a spot there.
We didn’t feel the need to leave Paradise Cove during our stay, though there’s plenty to see and do in nearby Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux. The hotel can also organise ‘You and Me’ experiences, like climbing on board a catamaran at sunset or stargazing with your own astronomer. It’s a guaranteed way to up the romance factor.
Spa and wellness
We definitely recommend a visit to the hotel’s Cinq Mondes spa. The treatment rooms sit within a tropical garden with towering trees and exotic plants, providing a gorgeous setting to indulge in a facial or massage among nature.
In a nutshell
If you’re keen to avoid some of the larger luxury resorts in Mauritius, Paradise Cove is an excellent choice. It provides the perfect balance of romance and luxury with the entire hotel being designed for couples. The fact that it’s laid out across a private peninsula sets it apart from the other boutique luxury hotels on the island.
Factbox
Double deluxe premium rooms at Paradise Cove in Mauritius start from £600 per night in the high season. This is based on two people sharing on a half board basis. You can upgrade to all-inclusive from £69 per person, per night.
Address: Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, Royal Road, Anse La Raie, Ile Maurice
Phone: +230 204 3820
Email: info@pcove.mu
Website: paradisecovehotel.com
Photography courtesy of Paradise Cove.
