Perched on the edge of an idyllic natural lagoon, filled with dramatic views at every turn, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius is exactly what I’d imagined paradise to be, writes Codelia Mantsebo.
Mark Twain once wrote that ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and heaven was copied after Mauritius’. And with this, I went to Mauritius with high expectations — but nothing could have prepared me for the breathtaking beauty of the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.
I had been in Mauritius for a week already before checking into FS Mauritius. I’d been wowed by the country’s white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. I’d embraced the passion and warmth of the Mauritian people, and I’d stayed in some seriously impressive hotels, and yet, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius immediately swept me off my feet (I literally gasped when I walked into the lobby).
The resort is as stunning and picturesque as the pictures show. But what the pictures don’t get across is the surreal feeling of tranquillity and awe that strikes you the moment you walk through the hotel’s lobby — which opens out to the view of the turquoise blue lagoon and the sea beyond, perfectly framed by lush greenery.
Entranced by the waters spreading across the horizon, I faintly heard a gentleman softly call my name, “Miss Mantsebo…Miss Mantsebo…welcome” — this was perhaps his third or fourth attempt to get my attention. Our personal host, Ravi, introduced himself and led us to an open-air sitting room to check-in.
He handed us fresh passionfruit and kaffir lime welcome drinks, and cold towels to freshen up. Ravi then explained our villa wasn’t ready yet, we had to wait at least an hour or two. At this point, it was impossible to be annoyed, I was sitting in what might possibly be the best hotel lobby I’d ever seen.
After waiting in the lounge-bar (with yet more stunning views overlooking the lagoon), Ravi approached with keys to a golf buggy and we were driven to our villa.
The main part of the resort is located on the mainland and connected by a bridge to the resort’s private island, where our villa is (getting around is easy with buggies on call and complimentary bikes available).
Our secluded Beach Pool Villa was a delight. The king size bed was dressed in silky soft, white linens and the rest of the room was decorated in neutral colours; whites with very subtle pastel tones, mixed with dark wood and tiles.
Although the decor isn’t intrinsically Mauritian, I hardly noticed — natural materials; polished wood and volcanic stone brought the flavour of Mauritius indoors. The daylight entering through the doors and windows seamlessly blended the indoors with the outdoors, giving the villa an understated but elegant overall appearance.
Sliding doors from the bedroom led to the bathroom where a deep soak bathtub takes centre stage. His and hers sinks face the bathtub — with sliding mirrors that open out to the bedroom and outside to the open-air terrace, garden and the ocean in the distance.
Behind the bathtub, is a rain-shower with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to a rustic waterfall-esque outdoor shower in its own private garden. Next to the bathroom, is a spacious walk-in wardrobe with amenities — I thought the complimentary mosquito spray was a nice touch (which is definitely a necessity in the tropical settings).
Our villa opened out to a spacious terrace, where a private plunge pool and a daybed are directly outside, while a private garden, complete with a sunlounger sits in front. Beyond that, is a secluded beach — we could literally stroll out of the villa, through the private garden and step directly onto the golden shores of the beach. This was island life at its very best.
Stunned by the sheer beauty of our villa, and after bombarding my Instagram (I really couldn’t wait), I explored the resort. There are three private beaches at the resort; the quiet beach recommended for adults only, the main beach with a fully-equipped water sports centre (many of which are complimentary), and the exclusive private island beach on the powder-white sands of Ile aux Cerfs, just a short boat ride away from the resort.
Here, you can expect the same warm FS service, along with barbecue and creole food. Sun chairs and towels are complimentary from the hotel and there’s a great cocktail bar with swing seating (if you still need convincing, think of the Instagram-worthy photo opportunities).
Inland, an impressive Ernie Els-designed 18-hole golf course, where the oceans and the rugged Bambou Mountains provide an outstanding backdrop, is accessible to players of all levels. There is a well-equipped gym with a semi-Olympic lap pool and a games room with video games, a pool table, and a DJ.
The resort has four main outdoor swimming pools, perhaps the most impressive is the infinity-edge pool, lined with majestic Royal Palms and offers sweeping views across the lagoon, ocean and nearby islands. The staff here make an impression, with cold towels and timely refreshments appearing seemingly out of nowhere.
On the other side of the resort, is the over-water spa where twelve thatched, stilted treatment rooms stand above the turquoise waters, blending into the lush green mangroves. Their encircling glass windows offer unobstructed views of the turquoise Indian Ocean and the surrounding lush greenery. Here, there’s a wide range of treatments and ‘rituals’ that showcase local products.
An exceptionally personal service approach rounds off the resort — by day two of our stay, everyone seems to know your name. I certainly appreciated being greeted by name at breakfast (it beats trying to remember my room number while the waitress looks for it on a long printed list).
Breakfast is served at Beau Champ restaurant where there’s a mix of buffet style (such as fresh fruit and pastries) and an a la carte menu. My personal highlight was the juice bar, where fresh juices were made to order. Dinner is served in any of the three waterfront restaurants, with many tables sitting right beside the lagoon, the beach or the pool.
For dinner, Beau Champ serves fine-dining French dishes from its modern, open-plan kitchen. Bambou’s open-air restaurant by the beach and pool serves delicious Pan-Asian and Mauritian specialities under thatched roofs, while Acquapazza, set at the water’s edge, serves handcrafted Italian specialities and freshly caught seafood.
There’s no denying that the Four Seasons brand is impressive — and the stunningly beautiful FS Mauritius resort effortlessly exceeds expectations. Cocooned from the more crowded side of Mauritius on the shores of the east coast, and with its own exclusive private island, this hotel is a destination unto itself.
If the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita doesn’t suit your idea of paradise, I’m pretty sure it comes close.
Address: Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
Phone: +230 402 3100
Website: fourseasons.com/mauritius
