How lovely is this tiny spot on the vast Indian Ocean! Mauritius’ south-west coast ranges from well-tended herb gardens to the wild, upland forests of the Black River Gorges. This delicious dialogue creates the setting for Shanti Maurice, one of my favourite proponents of beach lifestyle in the Indian Ocean — a top order.
IN A GARDEN OF LOVELINESS
Shanti Maurice is surrounded by well-tended gardens that fade into the ocean. With a wide selection of suites and villas, restaurants and activities, the resort is suited to all tastes. The level of service and staff dedication makes this possible, as usually hotels excel in one area or another. Whether you like to spend your days in the water, eating out, exploring the gardens, dancing at the beach, or immersing yourself in a wellness retreat, you will find something to keep you in a state of constant delight. For this reason, Shanti Maurice is ideal for families and groups of friends, where many different interests must be accommodated.
With a wide culinary offer you can have a feast even by the pool.
CHOOSE YOUR ROOM, ENJOY THE VIEW
Tastefully decorated suites and villas dot the beachfront and gardens. Designed for privacy and comfort, accommodations are equipped with state of the art amenities. Depending on your desires, if you are planning on spending most of your time at the beach, a Beachfront Junior Suite will put you right where the fun is; just step outside!
If, however, you are looking to a more secluded experience, the Oceanview Pool Villas are my choice. With private pools and decks, the delicate gardens provide the mellow cover you need to disconnect and recharge. The one-of-a-kind Shanti Villa allows you to have it all: with three bedrooms, large private pool with jacuzzi bed and two outdoor showers, it is and unrivalled option for large families, groups and those who simply must have a kingdom by the beach (even if it’s just on vacation).
FLAVOURS AS VARIED AS THE VIEWS
Your culinary journey at Shanti Maurice begins as you walk the gardens at and let the herb-scented breeze caress your senses. The loving attention of the gardener preludes the artful preparation which manifests onto your plate: the ingredients’ journey is a wholesome gift to your palate.
You will taste this at La Kaze Mama, a garden restaurant with traditional home-cooking, and a buffet-style open kitchen, all the way to Stars, the resort’s signature restaurant, where the flavours of the Indian Ocean are summoned daily for your delight. If you are in the mood for something more casual, the Rum Shed is a shabby-chic restaurant and bar that serves top-quality comfort food and is a favourite haunt for drinks. The Ginger Bar, by the pool, is understated yet sophisticated, ideal for cocktails after dinner. But the real magic, as far as I am concerned, happens elsewhere, as the resort can organise romantic private dinners by the beach or other selected spots of your preference, and a star studded sky for dessert.
Jacuzzi pools, treatment pools, state-of-the-art hydrotherapy… water is, well, elemental at Shati Maurice.
FUN FROM THE BLUE TO THE GREEN
There are so many activities at Shanti Maurice that your days will never lack excitement. A full range of water activities, from snorkelling to windsurfing, are available. Surfing in particular caught my attention, as the waves are smooth enough for beginners but lend themselves for stylish carves by more advanced surfers. After riding the waves, you can swim with dolphins, who frequent the shore with characteristic playfulness. On land, you can enjoy the floodlit tennis courts —if you fancy an evening match — and keep your aim true at the archery range. Just a half-hour’s drive away, you can enjoy access to the Avalon Gold Estate, with an 18-hole course designed by Peter Matkovich, the most accomplished gold designer in the African continent.
SPA PAMPERING AND A PASSION FOR WELLNESS
Perhaps one of the defining features of Shanti Maurice is its sprawling Spa. With numerous treatment and yoga rooms, Pilates studios, pools (Watsu, AquaFit, etc), Shanti Spa has some remarkably comprehensive facilities. This allow the resort to offer a wide variety of treatments that range from state-of-the-art hydrotherapy and body polishing to holistic therapies such as sensory revitalisation. Needless to say, Shanti Maurice is unsurpassed for masters who wish to host a retreat. As a gourmand, I found the Wellbeing Cuisine offered by the spa to my linking. The Ayurvedic dishes are prepared with careful attention to Doshas and body types.
GO ON AN AMAZING BEACH HOLIDAY
With extensive Spa capabilities, wellness is a priority for the resort.