Near+Far’s family travel expert Maryanne Peacock checks into Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, discovering an all-villa resort perfectly designed for families with private gardens, pools, two golf courses and relaxed dining times
Why stay at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius
If you are looking for a family vacation or a golfing holiday, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is a great option for you. A timeless sanctuary amid greenery and emerald waters, the secluded resort sits on the east coast of Mauritius opposite Ile aux Cerfs and approximately 50 minutes from the airport. A vast resort, set within the Anahita complex, the hotel neighbours (not one but) two golf courses and very much embraces a country club vibe from the moment you arrive.
Rooms and suites
The all-villa island resort boasts 136 contemporary villas, designed to blend into the tropical surroundings. Reminiscent of an authentic island lifestyle, the hotel is home to 90 Villas, 45 Residences and a Presidential Suite – and each is a gorgeous little island home. Each thatched villa includes an infinity-edge plunge pool overlooking either the mangroves, gardens, ocean or beach with Mauritian-style indoor/outdoor living. Whilst all cater to families, the one-bedroom can feel a little cosy with kids in tow, so look at levelling up. There is also a range of stunning two, three and four-bedroom villas, perfect for families or multigenerational travel. Each guest gets a bicycle, which gives the resort a village feel, although a club car is there in minutes should you want one (they’re best to prebook at peak times).
The hotel does very well catering to families—our room was kitted out on arrival with cots, bed toys, bathroom essentials, a steriliser, and snacks. They also have a fantastic kids club, aptly named Hobbit Village, with a central pool, outdoor football pitch, crafts room, and multiple toys. Babysitting is available on request, but most restaurants open for dinner at 6.30pm, allowing you to eat early with your kids if you wish to.
Food and drink
As well as the La Plaz Beach Grill, there are seven other restaurants, offering everything from fine French fare to toes-in-the-sand Mauritian cuisine. Acquapazza by Marco Garfagnini, headed by a Michelin-starred chef, serves fantastic Italian fare, whilst Bambou serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. In addition there’s Chatkar with its Indian cuisine and Upper Cut serving a mean steak. Umi Zaka offers seafood-inspired Asian cuisine, Lazy Fish is a sea-side seafood spot for dinner and Blu’Zil serves tapas and craft cocktails.
Spa and facilities
There are three private beaches available to all guests – the main beach which sits outside Bambou, the all-day dining restaurant, adjacent to the kids (with shallows for kids to enjoy the pool safely) and adults’ pool with a stunning view across the bay; the quiet beach (which is exactly what it says on the tin) and the Four Seasons Exclusive Beach on Ile aux Cerfs, where lunch is served at La Plaz Beach Grill under thatched umbrellas on a wild stretch of powder-white sand, a 20-minute speedboat shuttle across the bay.
When you’re ready to relax, make for the hotel’s overwater spa – I must say, I experienced one of the best massages I’ve ever had right here at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius. Treatments – such as massages with eco-friendly Terre d’Afrique’s healing oils made with medicinal plants – take place in 12 huge sea-facing suites on stilts overlooking the mangrove. There is also a state-of-the-art fitness centre – a dream for active travellers with its 25-meter lap pool and an outdoor functional fitness system. If golf is your thing, the resort offers complimentary green fees on two Mauritius golf courses, the Ernie Els-designed option at Anahita Golf Club and the Bernhard Langer signature course at Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club.
Villas from about AED3,500 a night; fourseasons.com
