If your greatest wish on vacation is to laze on a billowing silk-draped daybed on the finest powder white sand, Sofitel Mauritius L’Impérial Resort & Spa is where you need to be. Spread across nine hectares of lush gardens and swaying palm trees overlooking the pristine ocean in the seaside village of Flic en Flac, it’s where privacy and tranquillity are taken very seriously, and where you can wake up to the sound of crashing waves from any one of the 48 luxurious suites or 143 spacious guest rooms. And a few steps from the shore is the infinity pool, where logic demands the day be spent on a sun lounger with a cool drink in hand.
SoSpa
The hotel’s SoSPA is an airy haven, with treatments that offer a variety of de-stressing and rejuvenating therapies to keep you feeling your best. Opt for a 90-minute Ayurvedic massage (followed by shirodhara) or the Yin & Yang massage, where two therapists work simultaneously to ease your muscles. But if it’s a simple detox you’re after, the sauna and hammam (complimentary for all guests) will flush out those toxins.
Lobster at Jacaranda
Foodies come front and centre at Sofitel L’Impérial, whose five restaurants are reflective of the multi-ethnic history of the island. Ravinala—derived from the word “Ravenale”, which means “traveller’s palm”—is a buffet restaurant by the shore. It’s the perfect place to enjoy freshly baked croissants for breakfast and spicy Indian curry for dinner. Jacaranda has an imaginative menu inspired by Arabic, Indian and French flavours, alongside local specialties like Mauritian-style bouillabaisse. Teppanyaki is where exquisite Japanese food awaits. Choose from the Ikebana or Sake menus and see the chef prepare your dishes right before your eyes. Ming Court is ideal if you want to savour South East Asian delicacies like char siu and braised abalone. And finally, the beach restaurant Tamassa is for delicious seafood—lobster vindaye is the star dish.
For those not keen to fly and flop, Sofitel offers an array of active pursuits too. Tucked between the spectacular ocean and mountains is a stunning 100-hectare golf course designed by ace golfer Peter Matkovich. But if, like us, you prefer the openness of the ocean, sign up for a snorkelling session to see colourful fish dart between live coral or go for a sunset swim with dolphins.
