Dream Suite: the Royal Residence Villa at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius
Renovated in late 2018, the Royal Residence Villa is the crowning glory at Four Seasons Mauritius. Albeit not the largest of the resort's top suites, the five-bedroom abode is vast and stands out due to its serene and private location on a mangrove-flanked peninsula.
The suite
Set within an enclave of privately owned villas, well away from the resort's main facilities, the Royal Residence is an understated sanctuary. With five en-suite bedrooms, an infinity pool and nearly 9,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor living space, there's plenty of room to accommodate groups or multi-generational families.
The villa comprises two wings connected by a double-height, open-plan living space that flows outside to the gardens, beach and poolside terrace via retractable glass doors.
To one side of the lounge area is a 10-person dining table, a separate snug that doubles as a play den and a proper kitchen with service entrance. To the other side are two double guest suites with outdoor showers and direct garden access.
Upstairs are two further guest suites with outside space and vaulted ceilings, plus a vast, dual-aspect master suite with private study and a terrace running the full length of the building. Furnishings from the likes of Roche Bobois make the place feel contemporary and upscale, while marine-themed artworks tie everything together.
The hotel
Beyond the Royal Residence, the hotel comprises 135 villas (each with its own pool) across 64 acres of tropical gardens. The accommodations invariably prove so inviting that many guests opt to stay put, which means that the resort rarely feel busy, even at full capacity.
The public areas are defined by their effective lack of solid walls, allowing the bar and restaurants to embrace their waterfront settings and gentle sea breezes. The three on-site restaurants offer Mauritian, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines alongside Four Seasons service that's reliably genuine, intuitive and slick.
Leisure amenities include a water sports centre and a brilliant spa with five over-water pavilions tucked among the mangroves. The resort's main man-made beach is underwhelming, but an all-new beach club, exclusively for Four Seasons guests, has opened on a private stretch of sand across the lagoon on nearby Ile aux Cerfs. Alongside the expected amenities it features a seafood restaurant and makes a nice spot for day trips.
What to expect
The Royal Residence Villa is a place for exclusive getaways with exceptional space and peace. Despite their designer furnishings, the interiors falls short on wow factor - but no matter, as it's the outside space that makes the property shine.
The pool and lagoon give guests a choice of fresh or saltwater swimming, while oversized daybeds and thatched pavilions provide ample options for lounging and dining. Ultimately, though, it's the view that steals the show. The panorama across pool and gardens extends over the shallow waters to where the white crests of waves break endlessly onto a distant reef.
Set apart from the resort proper, there's little disturbance beyond chattering birds and the occasional buzz of a passing motorboat. That said, the facilities are only a 15-minute stroll (or five-minute buggy ride) away. A villa host is on permanent standby to help with any arrangements, perhaps organising an informal in-villa barbecue or arranging a private performance by local sega dancers.
Standout feature
Airport transfers don't come more thrilling than invigorating speedboat jaunts across the lagoon. The Royal Residence is the only villa that features its own private jetty, which means its guests can be lounging by their private pool within 25 minutes of leaving the airport.
Not so keen
During my stay at least, the rocky pier by the villa was littered with plastic detritus. Guests should also keep in mind that while the property is otherwise private, that same pier is occasionally used as a fishing post by friendly locals.
Location
The resort is situated beside a championship golf course on the island's east coast, some 45 minutes' drive from the airport.
The details
The Royal Residence Villa at Four Seasons Mauritius (+230 402-3100) sleeps up to 10 adults and 2 children and costs from €9,740 (￡8,525) per night. Garden villas from €650 (￡570) per night, including breakfast.
Air Mauritius has return business-class fares from London Heathrow from ￡2,182pp. Hayes & Jarvis can package flights, transfers and a week's B&B in a garden villa from ￡4,109pp.
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