Zipping along from one palm tree to another with lightning speed and amazing agility is no mean feat.
But for the flying foxes, it is all in a day’s work. The large fruit bats are regular visitors to the Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius, alongside the even more impressive nightly “frog chorus”, which comes courtesy of the surrounding tropical eco system.
And for guests at this simply beautiful 25-hectare historical estate, it’s paradise, topped off by the most fabulous sunsets in the natural marine park, famed for its clear, turquoise waters and coral reefs.
The reception area alone is worth the visit. Elegant steps down from the main desk reveal a windowless view of Turtle Bay, one of Mauritius’s most impressive spots.
And it’s just down from here where the wild frogs live naturally and as soon as the sun goes down, the water lilies come alive with loud croaking and the swish of the vegetarian bats on the hunt for some food.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2025, the hotel just oozes relaxed luxury, with opulent bedrooms offering breath-taking sea views on one side and lush, tropical greenery on the other.
The hotel manages to interweave history, nature and first class accommodation with ease. From classic to deluxe rooms and suites, including a family one by the pool, all are decorated in soft neutral colours and come with huge comfy beds, period furniture and big bathrooms with a tub, shower, robes and trendy toiletries. Tea and coffee facilities along with free Wi-Fi and a Smart television, add to the mod cons.
The balconies give lovely views of the sea and gardens, dubbed the most beautiful in the country, and it is lovely just to sit and stare and drink in the beauty of this corner of the north west Mauritius.
There are two good sized infinity pools linked by a bridge with a water bar and whirlpool, and enough sun loungers and shades on land and at the beach to cater for everyone, with plenty of activities on offer, from horse riding to paddle boards and glass bottomed boats. The hotel has its own nine hole golf course too.
With a pier to dive off and snorkelling available to explore the coral reef, families are well looked after, with a Turtle Kids Club, an animal farm and the gentlest of giant tortoises all vying for attention.
The estate is also home to the historical ruins of Balaclava, an 18th century national monument, as well as the Citron River with its waterfalls and estuary.
One of the best parts of the hotel is the multi-award winning Maritim Tropical Flower Spa, spanning 3,500 m², it is one of the largest in Mauritius and features a sauna, hammam, spa pool, dedicated wellness areas and a selection of exclusive treatments and rituals. It is such a special place to seek sanctuary.
Food is big at the Maritim Resort with seven restaurants and five bars, offering a diverse culinary experience, ranging from live cooking at Belle Vue and relaxed beachfront dining at La Marée, to Asian-inspired flavours at Le Banyan and authentic Mauritian cuisine at Lakaz Kreol, guests can discover a variety of tastes and settings. Anno 1743 offers a truly distinctive experience within the historic ruins, while Château Mon Désir provides an elegant fine-dining experience. Drinkers can enjoy a rooftop venue and a rum bar, offering a relaxed settings to enjoy the evening.
The hotel is just a 20 minute drive from the island’s capital, Port Louis, full of French colonial architecture and the 19th century Champ de Mars horse racing track.
It’s a lovely place to wander, with plenty of exotic street food to tempt from Mauritian tapas with such delights as spicy chilli fritters, Chinese styled dumplings and aluda, a sweet milky drink.
The Caudan Waterfront is a lively dining and shopping precinct, with vendors selling local produce and handicrafts at the huge central market.
The Blue Penny Museum is well worth a visit, telling the story of Mauritius and housing the legendary 1847 post office stamps, including the orange-red one penny and the indigo-blue two pence, rare marine maps, colonial archives, historic paintings and sculptures including the Prosper d’Épinay’s statue of Paul and Virginie.
A great place to visit nearby is the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, commonly known as the Pamplemousses Botanic Garden, the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere and packed with palms, magical plants and trees and some very large tortoises, which are just as magic as the friendly frogs and bionic bats!
The Details
Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius, Turtle Bay, Balaclava, Terre Rouge 21416, Mauritius.
Tel: +230 204 1000
Website: www.maritim.com
Email: info.mau@maritim.com
The hotel is a 50 minute drive from the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Flights to Mauritius are available from all over the UK and I travelled via Paris from Edinburgh Airport where Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) offers a wide range of parking and overnight hotel stays at all major UK airports. One week’s airport parking at Edinburgh Airport costs from £90. For the latest prices and to book, visit: www.aph.com/edinburgh-airport.
Comfort before the flight is available at the Turkish Airlines Lounge operated by Plaza Premium Group Edinburgh. Free self-parking is available at the hotel for guests.
For more information on what to see and do in Mauritius, please visit: www.mauritiusnow.com.
Type of Hotel: 5-Star Hotel
Number of Rooms: 272 rooms and suites and one villa.
Price Band: The current best rate at the time of publishing is €300 per night for 2 people on a bed and breakfast basis. More offers can be found on the hotel’s website.
Insider Tip: If you have the money, arrive in style by helicopter using the hotel’s private heli pad.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10/10
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs courtesy of Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius
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