THE FACTS ABOUT THE OBEROI

Mauritius

The latest member of the Oberoi Group is on the island's curvaceous north-west coast, on three crescent-shaped beaches with mountain views. Mauritius is the romantic hotspot in the Indian Ocean and The Oberoi is appropriately geared for couples: all 76 pavilion rooms and villas have four-poster beds, DVD players and blonde marble bathrooms with sunken baths; the wooden-slatted ceilings and wall-to-wall neutral tones give them the playful air of a grand beach hut, sort of New England meets Asia. Traditional Mauritian treatments are on offer in The Spa, including an excellent one involving a coconut-husk body brush, followed by a massage with the freshly-ground fruit. Fish curries, squash soups and decadent crème brûlées are served in the open-sided restaurant, while the bar serves fantastic cocktails and features spot-on entertainment from a local jazz band: no embarrassing renditions of 'The Girl from Ipanema' here. WHEN TO GO Anytime but the rainy season (January-March) WHICH ROOM TO BOOK The two Royal Villas are huge, and each has a swimming pool, garden, dining gazebo and views of the sea. Doubles from 11,340 Mauritian rupees; Royal Villa 30,240 MUR CONTACT The Oberoi, Mauritius, Baie aux Tortues, Pointe aux Piments, Mauritius (00800 12340101; email:wluxetom@intnet.mu; www.oberoihotels.com)