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A place made of places. That’s the tagline of Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel in Mauritius. But what are these places exactly?
Here, at this Small Luxury Hotel of the World, you won’t find an opulent reception clad in 24-carat gold leaf. Nor will you find a fire fountain that captures the attention of passing mobile phone screens, like in some other world-leading hotels.
If you’re looking for extreme excess, this is not the place for you. Paradise Cove is refined and down-to-earth – an intimate, private retreat just for adults where you can enjoy luxury that’s far from pretentious.
When I arrive at this five-star favourite, I ascend the curved wooden staircase to an open-air reception hall lined with lanterns and ponds, the shadows of palm fronds dancing on the water’s surface.
Standup paddleboarding at Paradise Cove
Paradise Cove tea bar
I pass the help-yourself tea bar with its delicate fine china cups and glass teapots brewing locally-picked leaves, and take a seat in a comfy armchair in the elegant lounge.
I’m surrounded by a piano, oversized rattan lampshades, and the view in front of me: an infinity pool melting into a soft cove of sand – with a waterfall beyond. A friendly member of staff hands me a cold, lemongrass-scented face towel, and I breathe in its fresh scent.
I can actually feel my shoulders lowering an inch or two as I start to relax and take it all in.
It’s only after a stay here that you realise all of the hidden nooks, restaurants, gardens, and pools that help to make this feel like an uncrowded, unhurried paradise. It is indeed a place, made of places.
Here are a few of my favourites:
Snooze in the Love Nests
Paradise Cove Love Nest
Every inch of Paradise Cove sets a romantic, chilled tone – and the Love Nests are a firm favourite for holding hands and quiet moments together.
ou’ll find these secluded thatched areas at the very furthest reaches of the resort, maximising privacy and uninterrupted views over the shimmering lagoon.
Each one has two sunbeds or a double daybed, perfect for mid-afternoon snoozes among the latan palms.
Swing in an ancient tree at the spa
Outdoor spa treatment at the Cinq Mondes Spa
The Cinq Mondes Spa is an invitation to discover the ‘Beauty Rituals of the World’ – from facials to flower-baths. The treatment suites and reception centre surround a blooming garden with a central pool, where the tropical birds dip and sip from the water’s edge.
Keep still in the water and you can watch them flit around you, the chirping and gentle sound of water creating a soothing soundtrack that brings you close to nature.
Don’t miss time in this relaxation garden before and after a treatment, each one designed to combine the benefits of aromatherapy with herbal medicine.
My favourite spot? One of the egg-shaped hanging chairs in the branches of a majestic old tree. For a treat for two, opt for a couple’s massage in a secluded open-air cabana next to the lagoon.
Dine in a private sala at The Cove
Dine in a private sala at The Cove
A couple of thatched salas by the lagoon form The Cove ‘restaurant’. Each one has a candlelit table for two, and a waiter who keeps a distance between courses to give you maximum privacy.
This restaurant is known for its seafood cuisine, but I’d also urge you to try the vegan fine-dining menu during your stay. It’s created by Alexis Gauthier, a French chef who has overseen Michelin-starred restaurants and opened his own acclaimed vegan restaurants in London.
He and his team have worked alongside the resort’s own incredible chefs to design beautiful dishes that blow all misconceptions about vegan food out of the water.
This is not just about cooking and eating responsibly, it’s a chance to excite all diners – non-vegans included – with maximum flavour in every plant-based course.
The mouthfuls that stick in my mind include the light and fluffy Mauritian sunshine bread with pickled lemon, basil and sundried tomato; and the pineapple cannelloni dessert with lychee, guava and a mango lemon-black pepper sorbet.
Take infinity pool dips at Peninsula
The panoramic view over Coin de Mire (also known as Gunner’s Quoin) and the other northern islands from Peninsula’s lofty infinity pool is picture-perfect.
Up here, you can lie poolside while your sunglasses are shined and the cocktails get delivered in all shades of colour. This is the northern tip of Mauritius, so make the most of the sunrises, and pop back later to catch the sunset colours, too.
In the evenings, Peninsula Bar is where you’ll find live acoustic music or a livelier DJ, and Peninsula Restaurant offers plates of Mediterranean goodness.
The Peninsula overlooks the jetty, too, the place to catch the hotel’s private catamaran to the surrounding northern islands.
Hop on a shared trip to explore blindingly-white sand beaches on islets such as Ilot Gabriel.
Alternatively, opt for private hire of the catamaran to seal a special holiday moment. Clinking champagne glasses at sunset will be a memory you’ll always remember.
Deluxe Premium bedroom at Paradise Cove
Enjoy a private catamaran trip
Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel is an award-winning five-star boutique hotel in Anse La Raie, Mauritius. Find out more at paradisecovehotel.com
