The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius

The Oberoi Beach Resort in Mauritius remains a timeless luxury icon on the island's northwest coast. For over a decade this well-established resort has held its premium standing, offering guests a serene tropical retreat with breathtaking sunset vistas over the Indian Ocean.

Spread across 20 acres of immaculate landscaping, the property features mature tropical gardens and elegant water features. The arrival pavilion makes an immediate impression with its aqueduct and waterfall, establishing a mood of natural beauty and calm. While the resort carries 'Beach' in its name, much of the shoreline is rocky and inaccessible. However, a secluded sandy stretch near the water sports hut at the northern end offers a lovely spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Accommodation ranges from entry-level Pavilions to detached Luxury Villas. Interior styling is consistent across the categories, but the Villas add the benefit of private walled gardens, some with their own pools. The rooms are flooded with natural light, creating airy and inviting spaces that are kept in excellent condition. The annual renewal of marble surfaces reflects the resort's dedication to maintenance.

That said, some elements betray the resort's age. Bathrooms have single sinks and no separate toilet areas, and the limited power points without USB ports may frustrate modern travellers. Kettles, coffee machines and mini-bars feel squeezed into their alcoves. Those wanting more space can choose the two-bedroom villa, the Presidential Villa or the expansive Royal Villa.

Dining is one of the resort's strengths, with several restaurants offering varied choices. The Restaurant, beneath a soaring thatched roof, serves Creole, Indian and international dishes. On The Rocks is a standout for grilled seafood, salads and pasta in a spectacular waterside setting. The Gunpowder Room hosts themed evenings including Japanese cuisine inside an atmospheric 18th-century colonial building. The Herb Trail offers communal al fresco dining around a fire pit and smoke house within the herb garden.

Despite its relatively compact footprint, The Oberoi packs in impressive facilities. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, a fitness centre, tennis and an on-site boutique. The resort has a kids' club for families and a dedicated adults-only pool and bar area at the southern end. A full programme of complimentary daily activities keeps everyone entertained.

The Oberoi Beach Resort suits travellers seeking attentive service, peace and relaxation in a beautiful tropical setting. The rooms show some signs of wear in places, but the superb location, excellent dining and comprehensive facilities make it a compelling choice for a luxurious Mauritian escape.

The Oberoi Mauritius sits on the northwest coast at Turtle Bay, surrounded by twenty acres of lush sub-tropical gardens and six hundred metres of ocean frontage. The resort is sheltered by a turquoise lagoon with a backdrop of green mountain views.

The property occupies a west-facing headland, a flat plateau rising around 100 metres above sea level. During construction, enormous naturally-worn boulders were uncovered beneath the soil and were repurposed to shape the garden contours. The swimming pools sit right beside the beach, screened from the guest rooms. Arriving guests pass a 12-metre aqueduct that channels water into a natural freshwater pond, its edges softened by yellow Allamanda blooms.

Guest rooms and public buildings are finished in a rust hue that echoes the volcanic boulders, with roofs clad in thick sugar cane thatch. Stacked boulder walls complete the rustic landscape palette, and every room is integrated into the grounds so the resort feels more like a spacious garden than a hotel.