Tamassa Bel OmbreBel Ombre, Mauritius

The Tamassa Bel Ombre is located along Mauritius’ southern coast, with its toes dipped into a cookie-dough-coloured beach. The grounds add a splash of green to the hotel’s tropical appearance, in the form of palm-dotted gardens which are home to four pools. The 3 main pools are all supersized, and 2 of them come with sea views. There’s another pool in the spa* area – it’s teamed with a whirlpool bath and canopied daybeds for post-swim snoozing.

The buffet restaurant steals the spotlight here – it serves up everything from wood-fired pizza to Thai curries. There’s also a beach bar and as the name suggests, you'll find it right on the beach, offering a Mediterranean-style menu as well as an à la carte menu in the evenings. You can also enjoy a set menu once a week. A poolside snack place has a big al fresco terrace and offers simple things like sandwiches and wraps as well as fancier stuff like Thai prawns with ginger and lemon comfits. The bright and cheerful lounge B Bar, with steel and glass fittings really makes an impact. You can enjoy nibbles at lunchtime here as the bar offers a range of appetisers. Come nightfall, be tempted to try some of the delicious Mauritian rums from a wide selection. For a more intimate atmosphere you can organise private lunches* right on the beach.

On the sporty side of things, there's everything from yoga classes to mountain bike tours. Kids aren't left out – younger ones have treasure hunts and face-painting, while teens can try water polo and beach volleyball.

The spa here is one of the biggest in the Lux collection with 14 double rooms, a Vichy shower treatment room, beauty treatment room, whirlpool bath, hammam, sauna, hairdressing salon*, fitness centre and aqua gym. The treatment menu ticks off Thai massages*, body wraps* and detox facials*, as well as things for kids like chocolate body scrubs*.

This hotel’s a great pick if you want to get to know the island’s traditional side, too. Local dancers and Mauritian live music headline the evening scene. Little ones, meanwhile, can get to grips with the Creole language at the kids’ club.

*Local charges apply

Tamassa Bel Ombre is located in Bel Ombre, Mauritius. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 24/03/2023