La Maison d’Été

The atmosphere at La Maison is convivial, fun and vibrant - helped by the funky splashes of red in the umbrellas and cushions scattered throughout. During the day, head to the large wooden sun-deck, and alternate between cushioned sun lounger and swimming pool. If you need a change of scene, a wild stretch of secluded beach is a mere hop, skip and a jump away. The kitchen is overseen by Ravin Dhauro, a young Mauritian chef, and meals are served on the beach, toes-in-the-sand-style. Get your teeth into the tuna carpaccio with fresh limes, or the octopus salad with zingy passion fruit.

Each of the fifteen rooms has been individually designed by Brigitte, and each is a masterclass in beachside simplicity. Painted wood, island mementos and handcrafted furniture are laid-back and relaxing, and the huge, orthopaedic beds guarantee the best night's sleep you've had in years. Ensuite bathrooms have splashy, walk-in showers and double basins, and outside, you'll find pretty balconies and garden chairs. Choose from ocean-facing or garden-facing rooms, or the fabulous Le Vigie villa, with a balcony that juts out into the water.

When you're not sipping cocktails on your lounger, there's plenty to do from La Maison. Take a scenic heli flight for a zoomed-out view of the island, or explore its nooks and crannies in a kayak. On the traditional mode of transport - the pirogue - you'll embark on an all day tour, exploring Ile d’Ambre’s pretty mangroves and the remote beaches of Ilot Bernache. You can also choose to spend a morning or afternoon sailing with expert seafarers, or go swimming with dolphins and closer to home, take a snorkel and a mask out in front of the hotel, or go deeper and dive the reefs beyond - it's only you and the marine life here.