The Residence Mauritius

Hotel description

Though a modern hotel, this Mauritius resort is something of a throwback, a reconstruction of the plantation houses at the turn of the last century, and featuring a standard of service that it’s easy to imagine doesn’t exist anywhere anymore. The Residence is rather true to its name, feeling quite a bit more like a stay with an impossibly wealthy friend than like a typical luxury resort, not least due to the personal attentions of some five hundred staff members—servicing fewer than two hundred guest rooms.

All the top Mauritius resorts are something to behold, but you haven’t lived until you’ve been greeted by name by a dozen or so of those five hundred staffers, palms clasped together, and had your luggage meticulously unpacked by one of the army of white-gloved butlers. And don’t think it stops at unpacking—there are few requests that will fluster this bunch.

Colonial is the theme of the interior design as well, with four-poster beds, mahogany furnishings and gently revolving ceiling fans in lieu of the stark white boredom that’s become the norm at more contemporary-styled hotels. The restaurants are equally traditional in style, either in the dining room, by the pool, or outdoors overlooking the “plantation” grounds. No cheeky fusion here, just French-inflected fare, fresh seafoods, and an unexpected Creole influence.

Like all the best resorts in Mauritius, the Residence has seen its share of bold-face names. Unlike some of the flashier spots, however, the Residence’s subdued historical charm means fewer tabloid-ready faces and a more discreet atmosphere, always a good thing, in our book.

How to get there:

The Residence Mauritius is approximately a 50 minute drive from Mauritius-Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.