Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius

Shangri-La Le Touessrok is the splurge that defines the east coast of Mauritius. It spreads along the quiet shore of Trou d’Eau Douce, partly on its own small island linked by footbridges, with white sand at the door and the turquoise lagoon stretching across to Ile aux Cerfs. There are 189 rooms and suites and three beach villas, most looking straight out over the water. The resort’s great privilege is exclusive access to Ilot Mangénie, a tiny private island a short boat ride away, with soft beaches and a beach restaurant reserved for guests. Back on shore are five restaurants, three bars and a wine cellar, 24-hour in-room dining, a spa and recreation centre, and a kids club with babysitting and childcare, so the resort works equally well for honeymooners and families. Guests can also play two championship golf courses nearby, and the hotel can arrange helicopter transfers from the airport. Expedia guests rank it among the top luxury stays on the island. The resort combines a big-hotel choice of food and activities with a calm, spacious feel, and the east coast setting means sunrise over the lagoon, gentle water and easy access to the island’s most famous beach day.

Location and getting around: the resort sits at Trou d’Eau Douce on the central east coast, about an hour by road from the airport in the south-east, or a short helicopter hop. Ile aux Cerfs is directly across the lagoon, and the hotel’s boats run to Ilot Mangénie. Port Louis and Pamplemousses are around an hour away by car, and the south-west sights such as Chamarel and Le Morne take closer to two hours, so plan one or two full touring days with a driver.

Rooms: rooms and suites are bright and modern, with balconies or terraces and lagoon views from most. Suites add space and separate living areas, and the three-bedroom beach villas come with their own staff and pools for families or groups travelling together.

Who it suits: honeymooners and couples who want a classic, polished Indian Ocean resort, families who value a kids club and childcare, and golfers. It suits travellers who will spend most of their days at the resort and on the water.

Good to know: the east coast catches the south-east trade winds, which keep it fresh but can make the beach breezy in the southern winter. Half-board and full-board packages are often offered and can save money given resort dining prices. Book Ilot Mangénie lunches early in your stay.