LUX Belle Mare Mauritius Resort Review: What You Need to Know

There’s a particular alchemy to the perfect beach resort—one that balances barefoot luxury with impeccable service, where the champagne flows as freely as the ocean breeze. LUX Belle Mare, nestled along Mauritius' pristine eastern coast, comes tantalizingly close to this ideal, though a few imperfections remind us we're still in the real world.

First Impressions: Breathtaking, with a Side of Jet Lag

The open-air lobby, with its soaring thatched roof and endless ocean views, makes a stunning first impression. But arriving guests should brace for the hour-long transfer from the airport along winding coastal roads less than ideal after an international flight, particularly for those prone to motion sickness. (Pro tip: Request a hotel SUV over a standard taxi for a smoother ride.)

The Rooms: Coastal Chic, with Minor Quirks

Kelly Hoppen's design ethos shines in the 174 suites and villas, where neutral tones and organic textures create a sense of serene sophistication. However, the open-plan bathrooms in some categories, while undeniably stylish, may leave modest travelers scrambling for strategically placed towels. And though the Wellness Junior Suites are a haven for health-conscious guests, the promised “spa discounts” turn out to be a rather modest 10%, hardly enough to justify the premium room rate.

Dining: Mostly Excellent, Occasionally Uneven

• Amari by Vineet Bhatia delivers on its Michelin-starred promise, though the tasting menu's hefty price tag gives pause.

• Beach Rouge is impeccable, but the lunch service can feel disconcertingly rushed, with staff visibly eager to flip tables.

• The much-touted Mondo breakfast buffet is indeed spectacular, though the “live cooking station” creates inevitable bottlenecks during peak hours.

The Beach: Paradise with Footnotes

The resort's two-kilometer stretch of private sand is everything you'd hope for in the Indian Ocean, until you notice the morning seaweed blooms. While the grounds team works diligently to clear it by mid-morning, early risers may find themselves tip-toeing through patches of harmless but unsightly algae. More concerning is the lack of natural shade, those iconic palm trees are fewer and farther between than the brochures suggest, leaving guests to battle for the limited supply of cabanas.

The Service: Warm but Occasionally Wobbly

The Mauritian staff are unfailingly gracious, though the resort's size sometimes strains operations. Spa appointments mysteriously vanish from the system, while poolside drink service can slow to a crawl during busy periods. 

The Verdict: Flawed but Fabulous

LUX Belle Mare remains one of Mauritius' most compelling luxury resorts, particularly for design-conscious travelers who appreciate its sustainable ethos and family-friendly programming. Just come prepared: book airport transfers in advance, reserve dining and spa slots early, and consider visiting in shoulder season (April-May or September-October) when the seaweed is less prevalent and the crowds thinner.

This isn't a flawless property, but then, the most interesting places never are. What it lacks in polish, it makes up for in soul, offering that rare combination of stunning beauty and genuine island charm. Just mind the seaweed.