Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, Mauritius

Set along the west coast of Mauritius, Maradiva Villas commands a truly beautiful sunset location overlooking Tamarin Bay with the distinctive silhouette of Le Morne mountain on the horizon.

It is fair to say the resort has experienced some inconsistency since its departure from the Taj brand, occasionally not quite meeting the expectations that a Rolls-Royce transfer and an all-villa, butler-serviced property naturally create. However, the post-Covid years have seen substantial investment in both the physical property and the softer elements -- service standards, staffing and food and beverage -- with genuinely impressive results.

The villa accommodation has always been a strength, notably the outdoor lounge areas and private pools. These have been carefully refreshed with a sophisticated palette of earth tones and natural timber, punctuated by tasteful splashes of colour, and are now better than ever. Six villa categories cater to both couples and families. The newer Family Luxury Suite Pool Villa is an inventive design, using a separate second bedroom adjacent to the outdoor lounge, while the Exclusive and Presidential Pool Villas sit at the top end.

The central communal spaces have been entirely redesigned to an exacting standard. Cassine gourmet restaurant, Lantana Bar, a cigar and wine cellar and a boutique all sit within this area, looking out across the gardens towards the Beach Bar and Grill. Cilantro (Indian) and Haiku (Japanese) remain but have been significantly upgraded. Dining, once unpredictable, has been transformed across every outlet.

A sizeable games room, well-appointed departure suites, another boutique and an art gallery sit near reception. The spa was always a highlight and has been elevated further with contemporary treatments and a state-of-the-art beauty salon. The watersports centre, fitness facilities and excellent kids club round out the offering. A particular highlight is the new private access road to Tamarina Golf Club, cutting the transfer to around five minutes and making Maradiva a compelling choice for golfers.

The shift to an eco-friendly electric BMW as an alternative transfer speaks to the thoughtfulness behind the refurbishment. The resort feels fresh, contemporary and -- perhaps for the first time -- genuinely luxurious at every level. It will appeal to discerning couples and families alike, and earns our wholehearted recommendation.

A member of Leading Hotels of the World, Maradiva Villas Resort and Spa sits within 27 acres of lush grounds on the west coast of Mauritius, with 750 metres of pristine beachfront on Tamarin Bay.

Designed in 2003 by celebrated Mauritian architect Maurice Giraud, the resort was comprehensively refurbished in 2023. The 65 villas, each with a private pool, offer a peaceful living and dining area and are served by dedicated butler attention. Their design takes cues from the island's colonial sugar plantation estates, lending a distinctive architectural charm.

The main infinity pool overlooks the calm turquoise waters of Tamarin Bay at Wolmar. A boathouse provides watersports facilities, while a second large infinity pool, an award-winning holistic spa, several dining options and bars, a kids club and a sports and fitness centre complete the offering. The resort remains family-owned and managed, bringing a genuine Mauritian warmth to the service throughout.