Legend Hill Residences & Spa, Mauritius

Legend Hill occupies one of the best vantage points on Mauritius' west coast. Set on the Marguery Black River plantation, it looks down over the bay and out across the Indian Ocean, a view that stays with you long after you leave. The look is contemporary and polished, softened by the rusticity of a South African lodge: natural materials, open sightlines and a genuine sense of indoor-outdoor living. Two infinity pools and a complimentary buggy service knit the property together.

With only 46 accommodations, the resort never feels crowded, though the larger categories are where it really comes into its own. Premium Suites, Penthouses and Villas run up to 455 sqm, opening onto wide ocean-facing terraces, and several add a private pool. Many include fully equipped kitchens, which is a genuine advantage for families or for anyone staying a while, and the biggest options work well for groups travelling together.

The cooking is the headline. Menus are designed by chef Glenn Viel, who holds three Michelin stars and a Green star at L'Oustau de Baumaniere, and the fine dining restaurant anchors the evening. By day the bistro, overlooking the ocean, serves gourmet all-day dining in an easy beach club atmosphere. The bar adds Veuve Clicquot, inventive mixology, tapas and DJ sets at sunset.

Worth knowing is that the sea is not at your feet here: the beach is reached by the complimentary buggy. Given the view, the space and the standard of the food, we think that is a trade well made.

Legend Hill Residences & Spa stands on the high ground of Mauritius' west coast, within the Marguery Black River plantation, looking out across the bay to the Indian Ocean. Part of the Phoenix Hotel Collection, it draws on both contemporary elegance and South African lodge rusticity, with natural materials and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. Guests have two infinity pools to choose from and a complimentary buggy service linking the different parts of the property.

The 46 accommodations step up considerably in size and scope. At the entry point are the 44 sqm Luxury Rooms with Ocean View and a private terrace, then the 136 sqm Legend Suites with their own kitchen and living room, and on to three and four-bedroom Premium Suites, Penthouses and Villas reaching 455 sqm. The largest categories look out over the ocean from expansive terraces, several include private pools, and many have fully equipped kitchens.

Menus across the resort have been designed by chef Glenn Viel, who holds three Michelin stars and a Green star at L'Oustau de Baumaniere. Le 1812 is the gastronomic restaurant and serves fine dining in the evenings, while BView, the bistro, faces the ocean and offers gourmet all-day dining in a relaxed beach club atmosphere. A bar serving Veuve Clicquot, creative mixology and tapas, with DJ sessions at sunset, rounds off the dining side.

The Legend Spa, signed by Cinq Mondes, extends over 225 sqm and includes three single cabins, a double cabin and a hammam, with massages, facials, body treatments, reflexology and manicures and pedicures on offer. A 125 sqm fitness centre provides cardio and weights equipment, and personal training can be arranged through the concierge. Guests have complimentary access to both the hammam and the fitness centre.