Hidden in 60 hectares of verdant tropical gardens on the north-east coast of Mauritius, Constance Le Prince Maurice harbours one of the most idyllic spots on the island. Colonial style villas, chic bars, top notch eateries and a state of the art spa scatter the palm-fringed ivory beach and lush surroundings of the six star hideaway.
A natural fish reserve and mangrove-strewn jade lagoon adds to the uniqueness and natural beauty of the retreat and with two staff to every guest service is second to none...
The Spa
A tranquil haven in a serene garden setting, U Spa by Constance flanks a pretty courtyard complete with a heated pool, stone Buddhas and comfy honey-hued loungers. Treatments on offer include everything from anti-ageing facials at the Sisley Skin Centre, to Ayurvedic massages and medical manicures devised by celebrity podiatrist Brice Nicham.
On arrival each guest has a consultation with the wellness-savvy therapists to advise which treatments and activities are best suited to their needs. Each guest receives a Spa Experience Card to keep a note of wellness goals and preferences, and a bespoke wellness plan is customised accordingly.
Facilities at the spa include 7 indoor and outdoor treatment suites, a sauna, steam and ice cold plunge pool and a beachside treatment pavilion.
The Treatment
Sisley's aromatic facials are renowned for both their relaxing and result-driven benefits. The Radiance Facial is a great treatment for glow and sleep-seekers and begins with a deep shoulder-dropping floral inhalation. A double cleanse and light exfoliation is followed with a deeply hydrating Black Rose cream mask then a lifting, pressure point facial massage. A radiance-inducing serum is applied at the end of the treatment. When I eventually come to from my snooze I leave looking like I've slept for a week - lifted, dewy and bright-eyed.
Other Treatments Include: Brice Health Manicure - a unique concept for the paws combining 3 domains of expertise to give a truly therapeutic overhaul to the hands. The treatment includes an antiseptic cleansing of the periungual zones round the fingernails and Brice's six-step buffing ritual to strengthen and bring a natural gloss to your nails. A full massage of the fingers, wrists and arms helps release muscular tension.
Activities & Fitness
For water sport fans offerings include paddle boarding, sailing, water skiing, parasailing, Hobie Cats, kayaking and scuba diving. On land you can opt for quad bike racing, tennis or a round on one of the two 18 hole golf courses.
At the fitness centre you'll find a state of the art gym, complete with personal trainers and 'on demand classes' via a video screen in the workout room. The wonderful sunrise yoga classes and personal stretching sessions - a mix of assisted yogic stretches and massage - became part of my daily morning ritual.
To Stay
Designed in a colonial-cool style with airy vaulted ceilings and terraces overlooking the lagoon, 'Suites On Stilts' are styled in warm hues and feature all the luxuries you might expect at a six star resort; walk in wardrobes (unpacking service included), sunken baths, power showers, and all villas and suites feature a Mac mini and complimentary WIFI. If you're looking for an uber-luxe experience check out The Princely Villa - located directly on the beach features the palatial residence features a kitchenette for service staff and 2 private heated pools...
To Eat
Most of the eateries and bars are dotted around the hub of the main building overlooking the beach. L'Archipel sits poolside and offers à la carte menus with light Mauritian influenced gourmet food and themed buffet dinners. Try the divine layered crab, celeriac and avocado salad - so divine in fact, that I managed to scoff it every day for lunch!
Le Barachois is reached via a wooden pathway over that takes you over the lagoon. The floating seafood restaurant comprises of five decks overlooking the natural fish reserve. Each with unspoiled views of a mountain range - sunsets are breathtaking.
There's also a beachside Asian restaurant which serves up top notch dim-sum and sushi.
The resort is also regular host of the celebrated Bernard Loiseau Culinary Festival - attracting Michelin star chefs across the globe once a year.
Don't Miss
The catamaran cruise at sunset which takes you along the stunning east coast of the island - you might even spot, as we did, some dolphins frolicking in the waves...
Words: Lisa Brown