Join Callum Topazio as he shares his tropical musings on a triad of venues fringing the paradisiacal isle of Mauritius…
The first thing that springs to mind about my time in Mauritius has to be the people. Always with a smile on their face and their hand over their heart, it was the most heartfelt greeting we had ever encountered. Coupled with the sensual nirvana of the velvet soft sand, lustrous Indian Ocean and verdant greenery, visitors feel as though they have discovered the promised land, welcoming them with an enchantment and allure that only an island nation can offer for a sacred honeymoon.
Le Méridien Ile Maurice
As our flight approached the fringes of Mauritius’ coastline, I switched on the birds-eye view camera showing a live feed from the bottom of the plane. We glided over cerulean sea, sugary sands and a patchwork of sugar cane fields, watching the landscape of the island come together before our eyes. The first of the three five-star Marriott properties during our trip was Le Méridien Ile Maurice, a vibrant and lively hotel located in the Northwest that oozes modernity and luxury, whilst also teasing that effortless appeal of island life. Much like the rest of my experience of Mauritius, the welcome to the resort was unmatched. An open-air reception offered a refreshing breeze to our post-flight faces as we sank into comfy seating by the panoramic balcony and sipped on a zesty mocktail to revive our tastebuds. We started to get an introduction to our new home as we gazed out onto the panorama of the resort, inviting pools stood hand-in-hand with jiving beach bars, elegant restaurants among thriving palm trees and the edge of the ivory sands dotted with beach beds joining us to our ocean view. We took a deep breath as we joined the rhythm of island life.
As we swept up the kilometre long stretch of coast on a nifty buggy, we caught snippets of the 261 rooms spread throughout this resort nestled between thickets of greenery and sleek architecture, but we were destined for the peaceful Nirvana zone of the resort. The romantic heart of Le Méridien Ile Maurice, this adults-only destination is fated for honeymooners with 51 private guest rooms and suites in an exclusive wing to ensure you have the privacy you crave on your trip. We checked into the aptly-named Romantic Allure Suite, a sight for tired eyes with a cushiony king bed, marble bathroom and separate bathtub and shower, decorated in a modern take on the coastal style with raffia details and glass pendant lighting. The peak of this room has to be the ocean view balcony with a vista that presents the sparkling ocean in all it’s glory, a sight to put all your worries into perspective as you slow to the pace of the lulling waves. Our view also encompassed the private Nirvana pool, swim-up bar offering complimentary soft drinks and a free sundowner cocktail at sunset, infinity pool, sun loungers galore, individual jacuzzi seats and of course, that all-important coastal fringe. I have to say, the Nirvana pool area was a game-changer due to the private nature that always offered a peaceful haven to unwind in.
Thanks to the beach resort set-up of Le Méridien Ile Maurice, there are loads of activities and experiences to blend into your honeymoon itinerary. From hiring complimentary pedal boats and kayaks on the waves to fishing and boat excursions to nearby islands, we certainly made the most of being in the warmest ocean on Earth. I would highly recommend the snorkelling trip in which you jet off on a glass-bottom boat to a nearby coral reef and immerse yourself under the sea as fluorescent unicorn and butterfly fish zip between the pillars of their coral reef home. For a romantic twist ideal for a wedding weekend or honeymoon, toast a glass of bubbles to a magical sunset cruise on the velvet waters as glowing orange and pink hues meld with the deep blues of the sea to make a memory that lives forever. Take some time to clock out of the day-to-day worries and check into the Explore Spa which boasts saunas, steam rooms, Mauritius’ only snow room, and invigorating treatments to recharge the batteries of your soul in line with the ancient teachings of Ayurveda.
All complemented by gorgeous oceanside views and friendly faces, the dining options at the resort celebrate the melting pot nature of Mauritius in the best way. The elegant Indian restaurant Kumin is ideal for a candlelit dinner with exciting flavours beside the pool; Jade takes you East with a Pan-Asian offering filled with sushi and teppanyaki treats; Nomad delights with an open kitchen cooking up local Mauritian dishes for breakfast and dinner and you can also celebrate the Mauritian shores at WAVES with seafood and Creole cuisine in a boho setting. Every venue oozes effortless romance with tastes you will savour again and again. If you get the chance, speak to the Head Sommelier to get the perfect pairing to complement your meals; the Mauritian lychee wine is ideal for an after-dinner drink.
You can trust the Marriott Certified Wedding Planners to make all your big day dreams come true. The team can help suggest the perfect space for your plans, whether that is exchanging your vows with your toes in the sand, holding your ceremony on the beach pavilion or dancing the night away in the glamorous Chamarel Ballroom. Your wedding celebrations can include romantic private dinners on the jetty or beach BBQ’s with all your loved ones, just choose whatever speaks to your heart and the team will make it happen. Plus, wedding packages include all the amenities like sparkling wines, a wedding cake for two and a bouquet of flowers, meaning you don’t have to worry about the details. My favourite element when it comes to weddings at Le Méridien Ile Maurice? It has to be the personalised wedding buggy taking inspiration from a classic car, it’s a fun island twist that honours that sense of tradition, a value on full display at this resort.
Le Méridien Ile Maurice made a distinct impression on us during our stay, they have mastered the balance of a vibrant beach trip with the island downtime essential to a honeymoon getaway. With colourful artwork creating picture-perfect backdrops throughout the resort and a team that truly feels like a family, the hotel feels alive and soulful, leaving guests rejuvenated and inspired to take a slice of the heartfelt Mauritian vibe with them.
For more information visit: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mrumd-le-meridien-ile-maurice
The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa
After a ten minute transfer through the local towns to Balaclava, we arrived at The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, our second venue on the itinerary. Your welcome to the resort consists of a huge banyan tree forming a natural roundabout at the entrance to the hotel, signifying how every element of the venue revolves around the natural world. The décor and style of the hotel complemented the more modern Le Méridien Ile Maurice, offering a natural and rural feel with wooden walkways, Asian hip-and-gable roofs and koi ponds, immediately placing the guest in a serene and calm state. We floated into The Retreat Bar, a seaview space opening out onto a patio with rattan chairs and rippled marble tables, perfect for a sun-soaked cocktail or sexy late night drink.
Our room continued the calming state of mind set by our arrival as we checked into the Wellbeing Suite, a 124 square metre space equipped to be your own little haven when you need to recharge your social batteries. The room is thoughtfully divided, with a king bed, sofa, writing desk and TV in the main area, which backs onto the bathroom with double vanities, generous bathtub, walk-in shower and all the cosy essentials like slippers and robes. This room really shines when it comes to the private terrace, furnished with a cushty corner sofa, table and loungers, it is a versatile space that beckons sun worshippers and post-dinner chats as you watch the sun set over the crystal waters of the protected Turtle Bay Marine Park. The rest of the resort’s 190 hotel suites offer a range of spaces in 15 island villas, with dedicated whisper zones in the second hotel pool for adults-only bliss. The five-star Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa gives guests a taste of effortless island life, with winding walkways and tropical greenery shielding each intimate room. Quiet stretches of coast join each zone of the resort, with hammocks and swing seats providing a picture-perfect backdrop for your honeymoon snaps, intertwining golden sands with fragrant frangipani blooms around you, the resort is an oasis of serenity and tropical escape.
Offering a range of Mauritian fusion dishes at their eateries, the talented chefs of The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa crafted delectable dishes for us at every opportunity. Whether we stopped off for a long lunch in between dips in the infinity pool to fuel up on salty seafood or attended the spontaneous lantern-lit barbecues of an evening, the Beach Grill was the perfect spot to sink into a slower pace of life. Dinners at the resort were always sleek and elegant, championing intimacy for a romantic date night every single time. Fusion offers Japanese cuisines and live Teppanyaki stations; Kangan embraces the Indian menu with reinvented classics all in a charming tropical setting with swinging benches and carved pillars by the pool and Seasonal Tastes is both a breakfast and dinner setting with rotating island-style cooking stations for guests to enjoy a bit of everything. For honeymooners, I think Mystique Bar & Lounge is a real highlight. Based around a beach lounge concept, the contemporary stone bar is the hub of the Asian restaurant, with sleek stool seating and a fairy-light lit pergola area creating a touch of beach chic. Peruse the cocktail menu for signature tropical tastes and spill out onto the beach for toes in the sand dining and special ‘Art Of…’ classes from the team to learn more about Mauritian delicacies like the humble coconut and rich coffee.
As well as evening dining in the restaurants, the Westin team can organise a selection of special occasion dinners ideal for your wedding weekend or honeymoon celebrations. Just outside Mystique, the team can set up an intimate table on the sand for candlelit dining by the ocean. The lapping of the waves and the stars twinkling above made the perfect combination for one of the most romantic nights I’ve ever had. Surrounded by a heart of candles, your personal waiter will bring the finest of bubbles to your table as you feast on the specially curated menu thoughtfully brought together by the chef, and all lovingly written on a banana leaf for a Mauritian touch. The spice of Thom Yum Soup mixes with hearty curries and then delight in fruity and creamy desserts to finish, it is a delight from start to end. Also, if you’d like to experience something totally unique, book your table at the Ocean Vista, a charming overwater hut at the end of a private boardwalk. It has all the ingredients needed for an intimate occasion, with delicious courses of food, chilled champagne and local musicians to amp up the romance. The team went above and beyond to make the experience special, even running us a candlelit bubble bath in our room ready and waiting for our return after dinner, set with rose petals and charming towel sculptures. It’s that extra mile you can indulge in on your honeymoon as you reminisce on the big day and plan the next chapter of your love story together in five-star surroundings.
The finishing touch to our time at the resort was pampering in the wellness facilities on offer at the Heavenly Spa by Westin, a central cog to the resort experience with a sustainable focus. We opted for the ultra romantic Couples Massage, beginning with our therapist asking us to choose a stone with a value to focus on – gratitude, love or hope. I picked gratitude, my partner chose love, and this then shaped the calming and spiritual treatment that helped to balance both the inner and outer self as the scent of white tea and almond oils incensed the room. Practically floating on air after the experience, we were guided to an outside relaxation area with draped canopy beds and hot tea. The chitter of tropical birds joined the rustle of the wind between fronds to create a soundtrack of ultimate peace. The Westin spa area also boasts a whirlpool, sauna, steam room and a range of luxurious treatments ideal for enjoying with your wedding party to soothe yourselves into the perfect mood for your big day.
The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa is a magical place to tie the knot, with romantic backdrops such as the Westin Lawn and Banyan Ballroom ideal to host your beachside ceremony and reception. The resort offers elite areas such as the Ocean Vista and the huge festoon-lit banyan tree to create amazing opportunities to level up your wedding photography, forming unforgettable memories in a stylish and welcoming space.
To book your stay, visit: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mrutb-the-westin-turtle-bay-resort-and-spa-mauritius
JW Marriott Mauritius Resort
Our final stop on our Mauritian journey was to JW Marriott Mauritius Resort in the Southwest of the island, also known as the ‘Wild South’ and famed for being the most naturally preserved area with majestic cliffs and magnificent beaches. The five-star resort itself is set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne Brabant Mountain, grounding our stay in an extraordinary setting that truly makes guests feel at one with nature.
The initial impression of JW Marriott Mauritius Resort has to be just how natural and native the resort felt, banyan trees line the entrance and colonial style villas spill out onto the sands, bridging the gap between nature and luxury in an effortless way. The resort benefits from a unique coastal position with stretches of sugary sand as far as the eye can see, the dream image when it comes to Mauritian getaways and the perfect natural complement to the more modern Le Méridien Ile Maurice and wellness-focused Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa.
The calming vibes continue into the accommodation on offer within the resort, with 169 guest suites that pay tribute to the beautiful country of Mauritius. Offering views of either the glittering ocean or the lush vegetation, guests feel immersed in island life with their very own safe space to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. Each suite has been designed in an elegant and coastal style with soothing colour palettes and all the luxury amenities, plus furnishings that celebrate the traditional craftsmanship of the island through the installation of timbered ceilings, wooden fixtures and raffia textures. As the largest villa in the Indian Ocean, the Grand Beachfront Villa is the elite in accommodations ideal for families or couple-moons, an entirely private space that sleeps sixteen with decks, plunge pools and a range of dining options to treat loved ones. The Kite Flyers Club is also designed to nurture and entertain young minds whilst the adults unwind with a nurturing treatment at Pure Spa or in the comfort of their very own Manor House Spa Suite. For romantic honeymoon bookings, the Peninsula and Le Morne Beach Access suites offer a slower pace of life, with a boho style and modern details like a cosy king bed, tub with spray jets and colonial style tiles, it is a match made in heaven for your relaxing getaway.
JW Marriott Mauritius Resort dining provides a plethora of options for guests, with everything from culinary masterpieces to casual meals. Always with a touch of Mauritian heritage, they honour the traditions of the past while blending each recipe with a reimagined twist. Most days you will encounter Le Manoir Dining Room, the place for everyday breakfast buffet and dinner in a comforting stately home-style space with checkerboard flooring and characterful furniture. The Floating Market offers a range of Asian cuisines in a romantic waterside setting with Thai, Malay, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Singaporean flavours coming together to tingle your tastebuds, plus Atsuko specialise in Japanese cuisine with an exciting live Teppanyaki station for a memorable evening. Tasty dishes like Thai wai wai crispy noodles and coriander pesto Paneer Tikka grace the menu of the exquisite Simply India, and for more casual beach dining head to The Boathouse Bar & Grill for a barefoot vibe. Finish off your day with a signature cocktail at The Beach Lounge with live entertainment and poolside views for a touch of main character energy.
Weddings are a thing of beauty at the resort thanks to the breathtaking beachfront location, offering the enchanting backdrop of Le Morne Peninsula for your big day. Outdoor settings like the pristine beaches and verdant tropical gardens immerse you into island life, whilst the well-equipped indoor venues such as the Colonial Ballroom provide a space to put your own personal stamp. The Marriott Certified Wedding Planners use a mix of training and intuition to bring your dreams to life, whether that includes helping with the budget, linking you up with suppliers or making your wishes for a beachside wedding under a romantic arch of florals come true, they will hold your hand every step of the way. An occasion at JW Marriott Mauritius Resort has all the elements for a unique island escape that puts your personal story at the centre of all this natural beauty.
I think this resort really shines when it comes to the added extras and facilities that make a wedding weekend memorable. The Manor House is bursting with hidden treasures, such as the Drawing Room with board games, ping pong and table football or the La Palme d’Or Private Cinema, ideal for kids… as well as the young at heart! Cooking workshops, gardening and painting classes are all on offer for wedding parties, a chance to bond before the big day. Make the most of the clear skies with a stargazing session with an astronomer or embark on a beach and mountain picnic. Finish off your trip at the Sunset Rosé Lounge and sip on rosé inspired cocktails as the glowing sun sets on your romantic celebrations, with a thousand new memories to cherish.
All three venues I visited in the gorgeous isle of Mauritius boast their own specialities, from beachfront locations to delightful cuisines, it really is a spectacle of elite service and show-stopping facilities. The one thing that unites them all? It has to be that welcoming spirit, a warm spectacle of friendly faces and enchanting scenery, the perfect recipe for a wedding or honeymoon in paradise.
Visit their website to book your romantic stay now: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mrujw-jw-marriott-mauritius-resort
