Lux Grand Baie Hotel

Mauritius

Like a string of pearls, this five-star haven decorates the edge of a sheltered lagoon amid swaying palm trees and lush gardens. The mastermind behind it is local architect Jean-François Adam, whose childhood playground was the very beach on which the hotel is now located. Meanwhile, designer Kelly Hoppen has breathed sophistication into the interior – on arrival, you can only gaze in awe at the lofty lobby with its thatched roof and velvet furnishings. The 86 suites and seven villas, designed to feel like private apartments, look out on to the open sea, with minimal colour to distract from the view, but enhanced instead with metallic and vegetal textures.

The culinary offering is outstanding. International fare at Beach Rouge is served in a youthful atmosphere while at Asian-style Ai Kisu the best seats are by the windows to the kitchen, where you can watch dishes – the Patagonian toothfish alone is worth travelling for – being cooked over a flame. The rooftop hosts poolside restaurant Bisou, with tapas served alongside perfect sunset views. And gastronomes can taste dishes before they’re even on the menu by booking at table at The Food Lab, the hotel’s development kitchen, featuring an ingredients library, fermentation section and photography studio.

Suites from £747. 00 230 698 9800, luxresorts.com

Words by Wibke Carter.

This review was taken from the Christmas 2022 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.