Review: Shangri-La Le Touessrok – connecting with magical Mauritius

Is it possible to feel a connection to a destination through a luxury beach holiday? The question hadn’t crossed my mind before I arrived at the Shangri-La Le Touessrok resort on the island of Mauritius. I couldn’t wait to find out what lay in store at a resort that has long occupied a place on my bucket list of destinations to visit.

Le Touessrok is a famous name in the world of luxury travel, having acquired an almost legendary status during its more than 45 years on the island. But it is not some mere fantasy. Le Touessrok embodies the best qualities of this upmarket brand – Shangri-La has become a byword for elegance and unparalleled service. So, my expectations were high. But with regards to how authentic it would be, perhaps less so.

A spectacular location, first-rate service, striking accommodation, incredible cuisine and all the elements of a break in the tropics – all these expectations were met from the moment I checked in.

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The staff member who showed me to my suite smiled broadly and placed his hand over his heart in a warm, sincere greeting – something I was to discover everyone did here.

Suite dreams

During the walk from reception to my suite, I absorbed views of broad stretches of sand and many smaller, sheltered beaches that I promised myself I’d surrender myself to. Yes, that is beaches plural.

Shangri-La Le Touessrok is a large resort, wrapped in four kilometres of white sand. I only needed to step outside my Frangipani Junior Suite to sink my toes into it.

It opened onto a shelf of beach, with a daybed from which I was able to take in unobstructed views of the ocean. I loved falling asleep and waking to the rush of waves over the inky-coloured volcanic rocks that form a natural sea defence.

That said, the resort doesn’t need to protect its shoreline, while others further down the coast are seeing their beaches eroded by the tides. In fact, Le Touessrok is benefiting from the sea shifting sand to its shores.

Inside, my suite was capacious with a huge bed, a standalone bath, rain shower and double basins, because life is too short to wait for your other half to complete their ablutions. There were also sustainable features, such as plant-based water bottles.

But back to the outdoors, because that is where I really enjoyed Shangri-La Le Touessrok. The resort has two swimming pools, a sports centre, all manner of equipment for water sports, two international golf courses and activities that come with unexpected wildlife encounters, from our snorkelling and dolphin-spotting catamaran cruise to meeting three tortoises, including 123-year-old Toto, cared for in the Le Touessrok’s Tortoise Cove.

If you wish to fly and flop, it’s possible to start your beach day on one side of the bay it occupies at Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’ east coast, then try a handful more beaches, including on the exclusive island Ilot Mangénie before mooring yourself at its main bay in the afternoon.

I did just that to enjoy the sky’s pastel hues as the sun sank into the deep-blue Indian Ocean. Sundowners are a must, so I indulged in cocktails at Coco’s Beach Bar, where libations are getting a revamp – led by renowned mixologist to the stars, Colin Field – to match their new surroundings.

Reimagined interiors and natural elements

Shangri-La Le Touessrok entered a new era after closing last year for a facelift. More than a refurbishment, it underwent a reimagining, with suites sporting modern lines, natural elements and calming colours.

Restaurants and bars have a new atmosphere and redefined character, created by Dubai-based designers The Odd Duck, that also encapsulates Mauritian hospitality. Take, for example, Kushi, my favourite of the resort’s restaurants, where we dined on Japanese cuisine as creative as it was impeccable.

Slightly hidden, akin to a secret supper club, you enter feeling as though you’re one of the few in the know, while the muted lighting, Asian styling and teppanyaki whisk you to Tokyo.

Breezy TSK, the resort’s breakfast and buffet restaurant, also champions authenticity, but this time through the feel of a French bistro, although with some Middle Eastern and Mauritian dishes on the menu, such as a tasty heart of palm salad.

Buffets are rarely my thing, but TSK is far from average. The food is fresh, and a French pâtissier bakes divine bread and pastries daily, plus there are views across the resort to the Indian Ocean.

The warmth of the staff and the connections to the local culture were some of the best aspects of my stay – from a tour of Flacq Market, where we bought locally crafted bags and sampled golden fried snacks and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, to a chic Champagne cruise, which took us to Grand East River, where macaques bounded from the trees onto our pontoon.

Then, within the beautiful interiors of Indian restaurant Safran, I enjoyed more than a meal. We were there during Diwali, dining on fragrant curry, beneath the dark-wood beams of its domed ceiling.

I was given a beautiful Indian tunic to wear as (this being the Hindu festival of light) candles glimmered to highlight the interiors. The staff at the resort shared their culture with us in many small ways, which allowed for a deeper connection to Mauritius – truly a gift beyond measure.

Sarah was a guest of Shangri-La Le Touessrok. Frangipani Junior Suites start from £750, bed and breakfast from May to September, including taxes; and from £960 in high season, from January to April.

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