Lakaz Chamarel Lodge

Set discreetly within the gardens and on the hillside, the lounge and restaurant form the heart of the lodge, where guests come to relax and dine (deliciously) in stylish bohemian charm. Meals are also served outdoors, on the large terrace. There's a TV area and library, a sauna to soothe hiking-worn muscles, a spa and yoga studio, with a meditation platform overlooking the garden and the ocean beyond. Two salt-water swimming pools are fringed with comfortable loungers and large trees.

Lakaz Chamarel's 20 rooms and suites are each decorated with unique furnishings inspired by a specific aspect of Mauritius's past. All have en-suite bathrooms with indoor and alfresco showers, and deep bathtubs. Lovely details like essential oils, a pillow menu, Nespresso machine and iPod docking station make you feel at home. The spacious suites are worth the extra cost for their terraces, private pools and all mod cons. (Best is the hilltop Piton Canot Suite, with its gazebo and pool.)

The surrounding mountains and beaches beg to be explored, and the colourful town of Chamarel is just a short walk or cycle away. A 15-minute shuttle ride gets you to the nearest beach. The lodge will help you plan ocean adventures, from scuba diving, snorkelling or swimming with dolphins, to sailing and deep-sea fishing. Longing to explore the inner you? Bliss out in the yoga room and sauna, or at the spa, and the on-site labyrinth offers mindful walking meditation.