The Residence Mauritius ★★★★★

Palms nod in the breeze, waves wash upon the shore, and the sun cuts across a perfect cerulean sky. Yet, even a backdrop as breathtaking as this one takes second stage to our hotel for the week. I cannot imagine a more perfect place to spend my time on Mauritius than this enchanting palace from yesteryear. The Residence Mauritius is the stuff of dreams.

With intricate latticed woodwork at the entrances; the beautifully carved balustrades along the decks; and the impeccable furnishings; elegance is in the details at the Residence Mauritius. Details they do very, very well. Between the helpful staff and the added luxury of private butler service, your every wish will be attended to. It is easy to understand why the resort earned its title as "Best Hotel in Mauritius" and took thirteenth place among the best hotels in the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean at the UK Condé Nast Travel Awards in 2009.

Stretching along a gently curved shore, the resort is also a feast for the eyes. The beautiful white-roofed buildings stand in stately grace on perfectly manicured lawns, and aqua-blue pools dot the landscape before the ocean. The stunning colonnaded foyer leads you to a balcony overlooking the turquoise sea, which we admire before heading up to find our retreat for the week. With a beachfront view, our colonial style room is a charming refuge that makes the weary traveller feel right at home. The light, airy room is more than ample for a long stay, and spacious enough for a living area where we relax in the evenings. I love the neutral design, the cream coloured space punctuated by the warm wood of the traditional furnishings. The large bathroom has two vanity units and a gorgeous marble tub to stretch out in. But there isn’t much time to be spent in the room, since there are too many temptations just outside our door.

Touches of island life are incorporated into the details of all the spaces within the resort. We remember the best meal of our stay with fondness, the superb island-spiced Mauritian Creole dinner we had at the Plantation restaurant overlooking the sea. There is something magical about the experience of dining outside, listening to the waves wash in. Because we didn’t want our night to end there, we retired to the bar to listen to music and enjoy one of the fresh local cocktails on the menu. Yet, the other dining experiences – from the light dishes of The Veranda, to the array of cuisines at the Dining Room, to the sweet treats at the Gourmet Kiosque – offer a richly satisfying taste of island life too.

  Since indulgence is the word of the hour on this trip, I aim to try everything the resort has to offer. Before long I find myself at the doors of the hotel spa. Aptly named, The Sanctuary is a memorable 600 square-metre space, attuned entirely to my every need. The list of spa treatments is long and the anti-aging Carita brand products are a sweet touch. Between the sauna, the steam room and the rest of the amenities, the visit to the spa can become a full day’s diversion.

But to think about next time is to think about going home, a step I’m not ready to take. For now, I’m happy to seek solace in this island palace, far from home but that much closer to paradise.