LUX* Belle Mare Resort & Villas, Mauritius

Occupying a superb stretch of Belle Mare beach on Mauritius' east coast, LUX* Belle Mare reopened in October 2023 after an extensive rebuild following a significant fire. The result is a resort that feels lighter, fresher, and more contemporary -- minimalist interiors by Jean-Marc Tang are softened with touches of sand white, coral, and green, all set within lush tropical grounds.

The 174 suites are arranged in staggered low-rise blocks among the gardens. Each comes with a terrace or balcony, decorated in restrained tones with selected colour accents, and comfortably sleeps a family of two adults and two children. For additional space and privacy, the 12 pool villas at the northern end of the property are well worth considering. Connecting suites are also available, reinforcing the resort's strong family orientation.

The atmosphere at LUX* Belle Mare is energetic and social. The large swimming pool, flanked by the main restaurant and bar, becomes the daytime focal point -- lively, central, and buzzing. Those after a quieter experience should look to the villa area. Children and teenagers are well looked after by 'Play' (kids' club) and 'Studio 17' (teens' club), offering structured weekly programmes that give parents genuine downtime. The LUX* Me Spa, fitness centre, and a roster of land and water activities fill the remaining daylight.

Dining is one of the resort's strengths. Mondo delivers all-day dining with a contemporary buffet and live stations. Beach Rouge brings a relaxed beachside energy, Duck Laundry offers a more refined dinner experience, and Rolls Street serves Southeast Asian street food -- all hits in our view. Amari by Vineet, the signature option, didn't land as well during our stay; it fell short of the billing. For meal plans, the All-Inclusive option is the sensible choice -- post-refurbishment prices on the island are high and upselling is a recurring theme.

For active families wanting a beach-based Mauritian holiday with diverse dining and plenty to do, LUX* Belle Mare delivers with confidence.

Set on the sweeping Belle Mare beach, one of the longest uninterrupted stretches of sand on the east coast of Mauritius, LUX* Belle Mare enjoys a prime coastal position. The 2023 redesign, led by Mauritian architect Jean-Marc Tang, draws on the island's natural palette -- soft sand whites, coral tones, and vibrant greens -- giving the resort a fresh, contemporary feel.

Accommodation comprises 174 rooms and 12 private villas, spanning intimate wellness-focused suites through to spacious family-friendly options. Each space reflects the same clean, airy aesthetic. The LUX* Me Spa, built around the four elements, and a well-equipped fitness centre add to the leisure offering.

Families are well catered for, with a substantial kids' club, a dedicated tween and teen hangout, a toddler area, babysitting on request, children's menus across every restaurant, and age-specific weekly activity programmes.

A broad range of complimentary non-motorised water sports is available, alongside tennis, yoga, and beach volleyball. Motorised activities, diving, kite surfing, e-bikes, mountain bikes, and speedboat excursions carry a supplementary charge.