The fourth hotel under the new Taj Exotica brand opened on the west coast of Mauritius in November. Although the 65-villa resort was just settling into its landscaped 27 acres when we visited, the formula of luxury accommodation, great food and a world-class spa was operating auspiciously well. Even if 'villa' is rather too grand a word for the generous-sized suites, they do have the dignity of their own front doors, private plunge pools, L-shaped terraces furnished as stylish living/dining rooms (upholstered sofas, Bose Wave CD players, Nespresso coffee makers) and air-conditioned bedrooms and bathrooms (with a walled-garden shower). The villas are built in a number of horseshoe configurations facing Tamarin Bay, fronted by a respectably long but fairly narrow beach. They have been designed to resemble miniature Keralan houses, with pitched shingle roofs and pointy finials. Thanks to clever positioning, all have sea views and, once the hibiscus and frangipani have grown, an acceptable degree of privacy to better enjoy the poolside daybeds. Soon after opening, service was impressive, if a little over-attentive, in the all-day Coast2Coast restaurant (delicious Mediterranean and Creole dishes), but the two speciality restaurants - a cutting-edge Japanese with a central live kitchen and a
more formal Indian option - opened after our visit. The groovy lounge bar, Breakers, is furnished with metropolitan modernity, and the mood lighting by English designer Tony Corbett is dramatic and, more importantly, flattering. The exotic cocktails, such
as a lychee Martini, command London prices. The Jiva Grande Spa is a gorgeous retreat with a full complement of Ayurvedic therapies, including personalised, seven-day plans drawn up by the resident doctor.
WHEN TO GO
Although popular for winter sun, Mauritius is driest and coolest (averaging 24°C) from July to September
ROOM TO BOOK
There are eight interconnecting Luxury villas for families; six Luxury Suite villas and two, two-bedroom Presidential Suites
CONTACT
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Wolmar, Flic en Flac, Mauritius (00 230 403 1500; fax: 453 5555; www.tajhotels.com). Luxury villas from euro 800; Luxury Suite villas from euro 1,360 |
