Dream Suite: Villa One, One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius

Billed audaciously as "the most desired address in Mauritius", Villa One is the premier suite at One&Only Le Saint Géran, which reopened a year ago following a $55m renovation. Located on the southern perimeter of the 60-acre resort, this super-exclusive seafront villa sits cocooned in extensive gardens, providing a peerless setting for truly exceptional family holidays.  

The suite

At just shy of 650 square metres, Villa One blends the space and ambiance of a private residence with the service and facilities of a first-rate hotel. Its two bedrooms are connected by an opulent living space that accommodates lounging and dining (for 10) beneath a hand-carved, vaulted ceiling. Fold-back doors give onto tiered grounds that cascade from a poolside terrace towards a lawn shaded by coconut palms and, beyond that, steps down to the sea.

Both bedrooms (one king, one twin) face the sea and come with en-suite facilities incorporating oversized bathtubs, walk-in wardrobes and both indoor and outdoor showers. Original artworks, pendant lamps and quality fabrics imbue a sense of sophisticated luxury that's mirrored elsewhere in the villa through natural materials (lava rock, polished timber), muted colours and lots of fresh flowers.

The hotel

One&Only Le Saint Géran sets a benchmark for other Mauritian hotels to aspire to. Following its renovation, its upgraded rooms and facilities position the property in a league of its own. All 142 water-facing rooms (be it sea or lagoon) sit surrounded by tropical gardens and streams emulating a natural rainforest setting. Cabanas by the pool or strung along the two-kilometre beach add a dose of Miami glamour to the otherwise pared-back aesthetic.

New and improved leisure options span Club One's indoor/outdoor gym, the well-equipped guest lounge Le Carré and a 1,000sq-metre spa. Experiences to tempt guests off site might include snorkelling on coral gardens, a cookery class using market produce or a day at sea on Lady Lisbeth - a vintage motorboat built for the Queen.

Villa One guests fancying a change from private dining have ample choice elsewhere in the resort, from feet-in-the-sand lunches at La Pointe, pan-Asian small plates at Tapasake, an epic buffet at La Terrasse or the steakhouse ambiance of Prime.

What to expect

From the moment guests arrive at Villa One's private entrance for in-villa check-in, every facet of their stay is imbued with class.

Stepping over an elegant marble mosaic into the living area, the view outside to the Indian Ocean dominates. From here on in, it's all about rotating between pool and sea, sunshine and shade, or the loungers, hammocks, egg-shaped poolside chairs and overstuffed beanbags that dot the grounds. In-villa dining sets each day's rhythm, while cocktails and canapés beside the fire pit or pool provide an elegant finale.

Standout feature

It's the service - exemplary throughout the resort - that makes staying at Villa One so special. A dedicated, five-strong team spans butlers, valets and a private chef who'll whip up breakfasts or family suppers from the small service kitchen or al fresco grill.

From providing a welcome gift of Mauritian rum to preparing an indulgent bath infused with essential oils and fragrant flower petals, the ever-smiling staff ensure that guests' expectations are exceeded.

Not so keen

With Le Saint Géran operating at a cut above the competition, guests will truly struggle to find fault with their experience - and if they do, the butlers and concierge team will iron out any niggle. This was one of the few places I've visited, where I really was consistently wowed for the entirety of my stay. 

Location

The resort sits on a private peninsula on the island's east coast, about an hour's drive (or 15 minutes by helicopter) from the airport. For a taste of "real" Mauritius, the village of Flacq is just down the road.

The details

One&Only Le Saint Géran's Villa One sleeps four adults and two children and costs from ￡4,245 per night, B&B (+230 401 1688). Lagoon-facing rooms from ￡465 per night, again including breakfast.

Air Mauritius offers return business-class fares from London Heathrow to Mauritius from ￡2,182pp. Sovereign Luxury Travel can package flights, transfers and seven-nights half-board in a lagoon-facing room at One&Only Le Saint Géran from ￡2,339pp (or ￡4,545pp if flying business class).

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