Le Prince Maurice

Mauritius is hardly overrun with throngs of tourists — in fact it is one of the world's more remote places, 500 miles to the east of Madagascar, in the middle of the Indian ocean. Le Prince Maurice is even further isolated, amidst lush green foliage on the islands leeward Northeast coast, protected from the prevailing weather patterns, and the effect is like an oasis within an oasis: total seclusion.

There is no escaping the service, though, and that is a good thing. Staffers here are so attentive that one might be tempted to spill a drink, just to test how quickly they materialize, dash to your aid, and discreetly melt away again. Pampering, not do-it-yourself, is the order of the day, and Le Prince Maurice is designed to compete with the world's most decadent resorts.

It is, in fact, something of an island resort “greatest hits,” combining a number of elements found elsewhere, all under one metaphorical roof — there are beachfront cottages, poolside villas, even Bali-style thatched-hut suites on stilts over the waters of the lagoon. And those who find this generous privacy to be insufficient will delight in the Princely Suite, actually three suites hidden away on a private stretch of beach, with three individual terraces facing different parts of the lagoon.

Activities on offer include the usual suspects — fitness center, tennis, golf, and a wide variety of water sports, from kayaking to scuba diving. Most guests will probably opt for more passive pursuits, though, in keeping with the sheer luxury of the place — one may spend a day deep-sea fishing, catching marlin, shark, and tuna; or one may simply eat marlin, shark, and tuna in the restaurant, L'Archipel. The spa is not to be missed, if you are a spa person, but if you are not, you will still leave Le Prince Maurice in a relaxed state, for it is a well-put-together resort, in exquisitely beautiful natural surroundings, and the service is top-notch. What else is there?

How to get there:
Le Prince Maurice is located on the northeast coast of Mauritius, approximately 15 minutes from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport by helicopter, 50 minutes by car, and 35 km from the capital Port Louis.