Nestled among 27 acres of lush tropical gardens, boarding powdery white sands and the crystal-blue waters of the Indian Ocean lies a one-of-a-kind resort you’ll never want to leave: Maradiva.
This magnificent hideaway offers the complete isolation you’ve been craving as the only all-villa resort on the island of Mauritius.
Set on the endless shoreline of Flic en Flac, this 65-villa escape is designed for those seeking privacy and exclusivity.
Even when the resort is near capacity, it doesn’t feel crowded. You certainly won’t struggle for a lounger. You might bump into Hollywood’s finest, though. Previous guests include Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway.
Maradiva is the lowest-capacity five-star resort on the island, and it’s where the world’s elite go to vacay.
This landmark resort has recently undergone a complete renovation led by the world-renowned design team Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA). These folks have created looks for some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, restaurants and cruise ships.
We were one of the lucky few to be invited inside ahead of the big relaunch this spring.
So, let’s take a closer look…
Villas
Maradiva’s 65 private villas have been given a fresh and modern new look.
Rich, dark tones and quirky wallpapers have been replaced with a soft and elegant colour palette.
The dark mahogany furniture is no more. Instead, you’ll see hand-picked designer pieces in cool rattan, complemented by boho botanical prints.
Some villas now offer an extra bedroom and bathroom – perfect for families or friends travelling together.
Maradiva Villas Resort and Spa offers six levels of villa. All are uber luxurious.
Villas include outdoor terraces big enough to host a small party, heated plunge pools and cosy daybeds.
The bedrooms and bathrooms are spacious and modern. Beds are enormous and super soft, and bathrooms feature ginormous bathtubs and walk-in rain showers with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Villas come equipped with Nespresso coffee machines, free WiFi and fully stocked minibars with any type of glass you could possibly want.
With your feet dangling in your plunge pool, your phone hooked up to a state-of-the-art Bose soundbar and room service at no extra charge, it’s tempting to hang out in your villa all day.
For itchy-footed travellers, a private beach and infinity pool are steps away.
All the villas are hidden from view, so anything you do is completely private.
Our villa was kept perfectly clean by staff, who were incredibly discreet – we barely noticed them during our stay.
Bespoke Service
Maradiva’s guests are treated like family. It’s one of the perks of being a family-run resort.
They can accommodate any special request imaginable. Wedding planning, picnics on the beach, trips in the resort’s Rolls-Royce, swimming with dolphins – no ask is too much.
Dining
Maradiva’s restaurants have been given new identities as part of the resort’s big renovation.
You’ve got a choice of two fine-dining eateries: Haiku Japanese restaurant and authentic Indian Cilantro.
We got the chance to try Haiku, and it was a real highlight. Dishes were cooked before our eyes by a skilled teppanyaki chef. Griddled steak and seafood were a delight, and the sushi was as fresh as it comes.
We also loved Maradiva’s main restaurant, Cassine. The setting is elegant, the waiting staff are attentive, and the dishes are refined and bursting with flavour. There’s so much to choose from, with a range of cuisines, including Creole-inspired, as well as French, African, Chinese and Indian flavours.
Cassine’s menu includes fresh daily-caught fish and high-quality meats, along with hand-picked herbs and veggies from the kitchen garden.
A new restaurant – the Beach House Grill – was also getting ready to open during our stay. With incredible views of the ocean, it’ll likely be an amazing spot to dine.
Insider tip: the western side of Mauritius is where you’ll find the very best sunsets. The resort’s Lantana Bar is one of the greatest places on the island to watch them. Seeing the colours of the sky reflected on the Indian Ocean from here is really something.
Breakfast with a View
Breakfast deserves a special mention. It was a real treat, with juices and smoothies, fresh tropical fruits and buttery homemade pastries served as we sat down.
We were then encouraged to order from the menu, which spanned everything from overnight oats to egg white omelettes and more indulgent options like eggs benedict and shakshuka. Service was attentive and speedy, and the paradise shoreline was the perfect backdrop.
We worked up a sweat at the resort’s gym every morning just to make space for Maradiva’s decadent brekkie.
Relax at the Spa
In the heart of the Maradiva resort, you’ll find a soul-soothing spa reminiscent of a wellness retreat.
It’s a secret oasis cocooned by palm trees, with a gentle breeze and bird song as your soundtrack. There’s a scenic pool surrounded by daybeds for snoozing, a plunge pool, a sauna, and a steam room.
There’s also a modern studio where yoga classes and guided meditation take place.
The spa is headed up by an Ayurvedic doctor who offers a consultation at the start of every treatment, so they’re totally bespoke.
Treatments are results-driven but incredibly relaxing. There’s a diverse range on offer, spanning Western and Indian traditions.
I enjoyed a dreamy full-body massage.
My treatment started with a detoxifying drink before I slipped into a soft, white robe to greet my therapist.
She involved me every step of the way – from asking which oils and scents I preferred to exactly how firm I liked the pressure on different parts of my body.
Thanks to an invigorating essential oil blend and the expert hands of my masseuse, I left feeling totally recharged.
What else is there to do?
It’s unlikely, but if you’re tired of lazing in your private villa or the spa, there’s plenty to do at Maradiva.
Guests can enjoy complimentary water skiing, snorkelling, paddle boating, kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing from the boathouse by the beach. A coral reef barrier protects the shoreline from the Indian Ocean’s powerful waves, making the waters generally quite safe.
If you fancy going further afield, you can book the resort’s Rolls-Royce to take you sightseeing.
The whimsically-named Flic en Flac is a short drive away, where you’ll find a bustling little town. Maradiva is also handily placed for day trips to the southern area of Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital, Port Louis.
Fancy a bit of retail therapy? Maradiva has recently added a boutique filled with designer pieces that were curated by a luxury fashion consultant. There’s also a cellar packed with vintage wines and cigars from some of the best names in the business.
If you want to avoid piling on holiday pounds, there’s a 24/7 gym kitted out with the latest Technogym machines and separate cardio and weight training rooms.
For families, there’s a teens’ games room with a brand new PS5, a kids’ club and a babysitting service.
Steps Towards Sustainability
The resort is passionate about reducing its environmental impact.
Water pollution poses the biggest threat to Mauritius’s environment, so it’s good to know that Maradiva has its own sewage treatment plant that purifies wastewater for irrigation.
The resort has banned plastic straws and bottles and says the next step will be to shift to solar energy.
Key cards are wooden, not plastic, and the resort prioritises biodegradable products and fresh produce where possible.
So, how do you get there?
You’ll find flights to Mauritius from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and other major UK airports. Some flights are direct, and others involve a short stopover. The journey to visit this incredible island is more than worth it.
Maradiva is then a 50-60 minute drive from Mauritius’ International Airport by taxi. You can arrange your transfer with the resort’s reception team.
Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa – Where and How?
Maradiva is located at Wolmar, Flic-en-Flac, Mauritius. You can find out more at www.maradiva.com.
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