Sofitel Mauritius L’Impérial is the most theatrical resort on the west coast. It sits on the beach at Wolmar, just south of Flic en Flac, and its architecture is inspired by the Moorish palaces of Andalusia and North Africa: arches, domes, courtyards, fountains and shaded colonnades, all set among tropical gardens running down to the sand. It looks nothing like the low-slung thatched resorts elsewhere on the island, and that is much of its appeal. Guests often say that they feel as though they have arrived at a palace on the Indian Ocean. The west coast is the sunset coast, and the resort makes the most of it. The lagoon here is sheltered and calm, the beach faces the open sea and the evening sky regularly turns orange and pink over the water, so a drink on the terrace at dusk becomes the highlight of the day. The setting is quieter and more relaxed than the north, and the climate is warmer and drier than the east and south, which makes it a popular choice year-round. Guests choose between a range of restaurants and bars, from relaxed beachside lunches to more formal evening dining, and French-influenced cooking and Mauritian dishes are both well represented. Beyond the dining, the resort has swimming pools, a spa, a fitness area and a range of water sports on the lagoon. It suits couples, honeymooners and anyone who values atmosphere and architecture as much as amenities, and it is also welcoming to families, who find the sheltered lagoon safe and easy. The service is polished in the French hotel tradition, with attention to detail that makes the stay feel special without being stuffy.
Location and getting around
The resort is at Wolmar on the west coast, around an hour and a quarter by road from the airport in the south-east. Flic en Flac, with its long public beach, shops and restaurants, is a few minutes away, and Tamarin and Black River are a short drive south, which makes this an ideal base for the dolphin trips and the Black River Gorges.
Casela Nature Parks, Chamarel and Le Morne are all within a morning or afternoon’s drive, and Port Louis is a little over half an hour to the north. A hire car or a day with a driver makes touring easy.
Rooms
Expect spacious rooms and suites, many with balconies or terraces and views over the gardens or the lagoon, decorated with a mix of local and Moorish touches. Higher-category rooms and suites add more space and better views, and the beachfront positions are the most sought after for sunsets. Check the room descriptions when you book, since layouts and categories differ.
Who it suits
Couples, honeymooners and friends who want a romantic, characterful base on the west coast, and families who prefer a calm lagoon. It is also a good fit for travellers who plan to be out exploring by day and want a beautiful hotel to return to at sunset, as well as for golfers, since there are courses within reach on this side of the island.
Good to know
The west coast is sheltered from the south-east trade winds, so it is typically warmer and calmer than the east and south coasts, especially in the southern winter from May to October. Summer, from November to April, is hot and humid, with a chance of heavy showers. Compare room-only, half-board and all-inclusive options when you book, as resort dining is a large part of the cost, and reserve restaurants early at busy times such as Christmas and New Year.
Why stay here
- ✓Moorish-inspired architecture
- ✓Beachfront on the west coast lagoon
- ✓Sunset views over the sea
- ✓Choice of restaurants and bars
- ✓Swimming pools
- ✓Spa and wellness treatments
- ✓Fitness area
- ✓Lagoon water sports
Good questions
What is Sofitel Mauritius L’Impérial known for?+
It is known for its palace-like, Moorish-inspired architecture, its beachfront setting at Wolmar on the west coast and its sunset views over the lagoon.
Where is Sofitel Mauritius L’Impérial?+
It is at Wolmar on the west coast, just south of Flic en Flac, about an hour and a quarter by road from the airport.
What can I visit from Sofitel Mauritius L’Impérial?+
The west coast base is close to Flic en Flac, Tamarin and Black River, for the dolphin trips and the Gorges, with Casela, Chamarel and Le Morne within a half-day drive.
