Belle Crique Private Resort ★★★★

Mauritius is the height of luxury. Its endless stretches of white sand beaches set against the lush green of palm trees and turquoise, crystal clear waters provide the perfect island backdrop for any family escape. Its intimate surroundings are ideal for getting away from it all, and the hearty mix of relaxation and adventurous pursuits means it satisfies all the family.

With images of empty beaches and shallow waters etched in our minds, we packed up and left for Mauritius for a week, in search of island beauty and time to re-connect. The Belle Crique was our destination of choice, a private resort set in a premier part of Mauritius. Languishing on the island’s luscious western coast, the Belle Crique is an intimate affair, with only nine apartments throughout the entire complex. Each apartment promises a spectacular view, whether it is of the quiet beach, the sprawling sea, or the mind-blowing sunsets.

Our welcome was just short of a fanfare. The friendly staff greeted us with good old fashioned Mauritian hospitality, and made us feel right at home. And what I would have given for the plush apartments set right on the beachfront to be my home!

Walking over the threshold of our beachfront apartment, this sentiment increased. The living room was spacious, with thick, comfortable sofas taking centre stage, and a muted colour palette that was backed by stylish, whitewashed walls. The apartment was simultaneously cosy and modern, with glass-bordered balconies, huge wide-screen television, and contemporary architectural touches. With four bedrooms, we had more space than we needed, but the apartment offered pockets of privacy wherever we went. My favourite part, though, was the wide terrace area that housed our own private plunge pool. Combine that with the selection of comfortable loungers, and I didn’t think I’d leave the apartment for the entire stay.

But there was so much to discover. With our apartment set just moments from the beach, we had easy access to the peaceful splash of the waves and the uninterrupted sand. Tamarin Bay, which hugs the Belle Crique, is one of the most picturesque parts of the island, boasting a tropical climate all year round, and beautiful salt pans that open out into glorious mountain ranges. Nearby, the Tamarina Golf Course offers a fun day out, whilst La Balise Marina is a haven for shopping. And, at just less than an hour away, Mauritius’ capital, Port Louis, offers plenty of opportunities to explore the culture of the island and delve into its fascinating history.

In the evenings, if we didn’t feel like cooking or hiring the hotel’s delicious a la carte service, we ventured to one of the many nearby restaurants, which serve up a mouth-watering range of local dishes and international cuisines.

The Belle Crique was the perfect choice for us. Not only did it have a quiet, intimate atmosphere set against the backdrop of a paradise beach, but its privileged location gave us easy access to the vibrant culture of Mauritius, and plenty of opportunities to explore the island and everything it has to offer.