C Mauritius sits on the east coast of the island, perched along the vanilla-white sweep of Belle Mare beach. It’s positioned as a mid-range/premium all-inclusive, but the aesthetic leans far beyond that label: thatched roofs, palm-shadowed paths, shallow pools, and tropical plants everywhere. It’s a playful take on the standard tropical island hotel. While a range of presents and treats hidden around your room set the tone for your stay, your king-sized bed, adorned with its marine coloured throws and pillows, reminds you of the sparkling blue sea just outside your balcony doors. All rooms face the lagoon, and none of the hotel ever feels more than a two-minute walk away, an underrated luxury when your only real ambition is to drift between breakfast, beach, and bar with the odd refreshing dip.

C Mauritius’ sister hotel, C Rodrigues Mourouk, is like the wilder, wind-kissed counterpart to its Palmar sibling. Set on the edge of a sweeping lagoon on Rodrigues Island, it’s known for its easygoing, adventure-led spirit, kitesurfers skimming the water, bikes tracing quiet coastal roads, and days focused on maximising sunlight and sea breeze rather than schedules. The aesthetic is simple, sun-bleached and breezy, with ocean-facing rooms and the same laid-back warmth that defines the C Resorts family. It’s the kind of place that trades polish for freedom, where the horizon does most of the talking.

Francis Amiand

We stayed in Mauritius for a brief five nights, in search of rest and a reset, and what we found was relaxation with a playful edge. Days unfolded gently: pedaloes gliding over the lagoon after breakfast, lazy beach afternoons, and long lunches that blurred seamlessly into cocktails. The hotel’s clubhouse provides a delightful range of activities and kit to make the most of your brief spell in paradise: stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling gear, and (if you’re up for a real adventure) kite surfing. The food exceeded expectations, mouth-watering lamb, steak, and seafood alongside vibrant salads and generous all-day dining at the C’picerie if you missed a sitting. There’s no room service and a subtle “help yourself” energy, but it works. There’s a refreshing absence of lounger-hoarding or forced formality.