Mauritius is a haven of solace. In the chaos of constant development, it has managed to remain unadulterated, unchanged, and unmatched. Perhaps this is why the island gives you a sense of calm the moment you set foot on it. That serenity is soon accompanied by a sense of luxury upon arriving at The Residence Hotel in Belle Mare. Warm smiles, an attentive team, and the grand entrance sweep you into a world of awe-inspiring hospitality that’s rare to find elsewhere.
Once you savor the wildly refreshing tamarind shot, you’re taken in by the beautiful vaulted triangular roof and soaring columns of the main lobby, further elevated by a richly detailed wooden panel set into a stone-clad wall. A few steps ahead, the lobby transitions seamlessly into a casual coffee lounge that opens onto the pool terrace, framed with palms and stretching beyond to the unspoiled Indian Ocean.
Lucky for me, most of the 163 rooms and suites across three floors offer the same spectacular view, including mine. The colonial-style suite featured a massive ensuite, private balcony, in-room butler service, marble bath with separate tub and shower, and a well-stocked minibar. With four days in hand, I left the room exploration for later and set off to witness the bustling capital city, Port Louis.
From snapping endless pictures along the scenic Caudan Waterfront to scouring Central Market for local foods, spices, and souvenirs, the first day was well spent. I even managed to enjoy panoramic views of the city from Fort Adelaide, a historic fort that commands a stunning vantage point.
Though the day was hectic, it ended on a high note as the wonderful staff at The Residence hosted me for a homemade rum tasting at The Colonnade Bar. Standout staff members Amanda and Shakshi made the evening unforgettable. Their attention to detail, warmth, and willingness to go the extra mile played a huge role in making my stay special. Rum tastings at The Residence are a thoughtfully curated selection of delicious flavored rums. You’ll be spoiled for choice, from passionfruit, thyme, spice, and chili to smoother blends like coconut, orange, and rosemary. The only aftereffect? A blissfully good time that leads to the most peaceful sleep.
The siesta is gently interrupted only by the sound of waves or sunrise filling your suite with balmy natural light (a touch of a button lowers the shades for uninterrupted sleep). Breakfast at The Dining Room, overlooking the pool, is a lavish spread with a scrumptious buffet offering local delicacies, international cuisine, and healthy fare for conscious eaters.
Day two was made even more special with a South Island tour. We visited the Chamarel Rum Distillery, enjoyed a picnic nestled among tall trees at Black River View Point, and explored Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) and the towering 108-foot Mangal Mahadev statue of Lord Shiva, one of the tallest in the world.
Shakshi from The Residence accompanied the group, attending to every detail and serving a gourmet-level meal in the wilderness. No two days were the same. The next morning began with yoga in the lap of nature, followed by a remarkable session at The Sanctuary Spa. With 11 treatment rooms, sauna, steam, and incredibly skilled therapists, it became one of the highlights of the trip. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to recommend a daily visit to try their array of Ayurvedic and antioxidant treatments.
The final day brought me even closer to nature. An Earth Basket Tour introduced me to fresh, in-house grown ingredients used in the resort’s incredible cuisine. This was followed by a hands-on cooking class at The Plantation with the chef, offering a firsthand look at the farm-to-table journey, an ideal experience, especially for families.
Moreover, being so close to the ocean and not diving in would’ve been a loss. The Residence offers a wide range of water sports, including glass-bottom boat rides, scuba diving, water skiing, and paddle boating. For the less adventurous, there’s nothing more indulgent than unwinding in the outdoor Jacuzzi pool or lounging in a beachside cabana on their pristine private beach.
And of course, no journey is complete without exceptional food. Across its restaurants, The Residence serves the freshest seafood, delicious vegetarian fare, and a lip-smacking selection of cocktails and drinks. It truly is the embodiment of what a home away from home should feel like. When life feels mundane, escape into the arms of Mauritius, and remember, a warm and elegant home awaits you there. It’s called The Residence.
