Lux Belle Mare surprised me with its breathtaking powdery white sand beach where shallow waters stretch far into the distance, perfect for families with children looking for safe swimming spots.
Nestled just 0.3 miles from Belle Mare Beach in Mauritius, this luxury resort combines stunning natural beauty with exceptional service from multilingual staff who collectively speak English, French, German, Russian, Chinese, and Hindi. With room rates averaging $362 per night (though I secured a discount bringing it down to approximately $300), the value is impressive considering what’s included.
Beyond the beautiful beach, I discovered multiple dining gems including Duck Laundry for authentic Chinese cuisine, AMARI BY VINEET for contemporary Indian flavors, and Beach Rouge for relaxed beachside meals. Additionally, the complimentary breakfast buffet amazed me with its variety – from made-to-order omelets to fresh crêpes and international options.
For families, the complimentary daily activities for kids like scavenger hunts and pizza making provide wonderful entertainment while parents enjoy blazing fast Wi-Fi (I measured 260 Mbps) or relax by the pool. Even your departure experience is thoughtfully managed with a complimentary shower room available for guests with late flights.
Throughout this article, I’ll share my firsthand discoveries that made my stay at Lux Belle Mare truly exceptional.
Stepping into Lux* Belle Mare feels like entering a perfectly balanced world where minimalist design meets tropical luxury. As a 5-star property on the east coast of Mauritius, the resort immediately captivated me with its striking architecture showcasing shades of sand white, coral, and greens. Renovated in 2014, the property brilliantly blends contemporary elements with traditional Mauritian influences to create a serene atmosphere.
The design philosophy at Lux* Belle Mare impressed me from the moment I arrived. An entrance pathway lined with tropical greens and sheer linens swaying in the breeze led me to the coral and rose-hued Aperitivo bar featuring a counter made from reclaimed materials. This commitment to both luxury and sustainability permeates throughout the resort.
Renowned designer Kelly Hoppen breathed inspiration into the interiors, creating spaces that appeal equally to honeymooners and multi-generational family groups. The resort’s beachy-style suites with billowing white linens create an airy, relaxed atmosphere without compromising on sophistication. Every detail has been carefully considered, creating an environment where the spirit of tropical island living flows naturally through each space.
What sets this property apart is how it achieves luxury without ostentation. The design celebrates Mauritius itself – drawing from the island’s natural beauty rather than imposing artificial extravagance.
Check-in Experience and Welcome Amenities
My check-in process began at 2:00 PM as scheduled, and I found it remarkably seamless. The warm, multilingual staff assisted me throughout, making the experience hassle-free. I was particularly impressed by the front office team who ensured every aspect of arrival was handled efficiently and with genuine warmth.
Upon settling in, I discovered several thoughtful welcome touches:
What particularly stood out was how the staff balanced efficiency with warmth. Unlike many luxury properties where check-in can feel transactional, here it felt like the beginning of a relationship with the property and its team.
Furthermore, at Lux* Belle Mare, the check-in experience seemed designed specifically to transition guests mentally into “vacation mode” – beginning the process of helping you feel grounded and centered, a theme that continues throughout their wellness approach.
Check In | 12:00 pm |
---|---|
Check Out | 12:00 pm |
Hotel Policies |
Room Types and In-Room FeaturesDiscovering the accommodations at Lux* Belle Mare feels like uncovering the heart of this tropical paradise. The resort offers 186 suites and villas, each designed with a distinctive beach house esthetic that immediately puts you at ease.
Junior Suites: Spacious Layout and Balcony ViewsThe Junior Suites immediately impressed me with their generous 60m² footprint, making them surprisingly spacious compared to standard hotel rooms. Each suite features coastal-inspired décor with whitewashed elegance complemented by coral and citrus color accents. Located across the ground, first, and second floors, these beach hut-style accommodations create a seamless connection to the surrounding tropical landscape.
What caught my attention was the thoughtful design – the all-white beachy bathrooms with standalone bathtubs and rain showers offer a perfect place to unwind. Moreover, every suite includes a furnished outdoor terrace or balcony with a comfortable day bed, ideal for morning coffee or evening relaxation.
Ocean View Villas: Private Pools and Beach AccessFor those seeking ultimate privacy, the Ocean View Villas represent the pinnacle of luxury at Lux* Belle Mare. At 160m², these one-bedroom sanctuaries offer mesmerizing ocean vistas through panoramic glazed bays. Notably, each villa includes a private heated pool, butler service, and a cozy dining area with gazebo.
Designed by Kelly Hoppen, these villas embody sophisticated beach living with bleached oak wood floors, stone-washed linen, handwoven rugs, and unique details like tables made from reclaimed sand and coral. The butler kitchen and dining pavilion essentially transform these accommodations into full-fledged tropical homes rather than mere hotel rooms.
Family Rooms: Interconnected Options and Kid-Friendly SetupFamilies visiting Lux* Belle Mare have excellent accommodation options. The Family Suites consist of two interconnecting Junior Suites, creating a spacious 120m² retreat that comfortably accommodates up to four adults and three teens. This clever design provides both togetherness and privacy – perfect for multi-generational travel.
During my stay, I noticed how the family rooms include thoughtful touches like baby cots upon request and equally spacious bathrooms in both connected rooms, ensuring no one feels shortchanged on luxury.
In-Room Amenities: Minibar, Smart TV, Walk-in ShowersRegardless of room category, Lux* Belle Mare maintains consistent standards with premium in-room amenities that enhance the guest experience. Standard features across all accommodations include:
Fully-stocked minibars refilled daily
55" LED/interactive TVs with movies on demand
High-speed WiFi with USB ports
Air conditioning and ceiling fans
LUX* collection of bath amenities
During my exploration of different room types, I was particularly impressed by the walk-in dressings and the quality of the Sleep Tight mattresses that genuinely delivered on their promise of a good night's rest.
Dining at Lux Belle Mare: Restaurants and Culinary HighlightsThe culinary journey at Lux Belle Mare emerged as one of the highlights of my stay. With diverse dining venues spread across the resort, each meal became an adventure in itself.
Mondo: International Buffet and Breakfast ExperienceMondo, meaning "world" in Italian, truly lives up to its name. This main restaurant sits beside the pool, offering buzzy all-day dining with live cooking stations that showcase global cuisines. Indeed, breakfast at Mondo ranks among the finest resort morning spreads I've experienced anywhere. The expansive buffet features crêpes, pancakes, and waffles with extensive toppings, an omelet station, Turkish eggs, a noodle bar, and dedicated sections for Indian, dim sum, and multiple bread varieties. The pastry selection alone is worth noting—from berliners to almond puff pastries and pistachio cream croissants.
What impressed me most was the attention to families—a dedicated kids' corner includes child-friendly tableware and specially curated buffet selections.
Beach Rouge: Casual Dining by the OceanBeach Rouge transforms throughout the day, shifting from a lazy lunch spot to an electrifying evening venue. This Mediterranean-inspired beachfront restaurant earned an impressive 4.7/5 rating on TripAdvisor (#5 of 22 restaurants in Belle Mare). During my visit, I enjoyed lunch just steps from my beach chair—literally a 5-meter walk from sand to table.
As evening falls, the entire venue bathes in striking red lighting (hence its name), creating an Ibiza-like atmosphere complemented by DJ music. The mojitos here are particularly exceptional, perfectly complementing fresh seafood dishes and wood-fired pizzas.
Duck Laundry: Chinese Cuisine and Peking DuckDuck Laundry stands out as a sophisticated Chinese dining destination with dark wood accents and red ribbon lanterns creating an elegant atmosphere. Chef Tang Xibing's menu takes diners on a gastronomic journey through Chinese regional specialties. The restaurant's signature Peking duck, carved tableside by the resident chef, consistently earns praise as the highlight of the experience.
The live noodle-making station and extensive dim sum selection showcase the culinary team's craftsmanship. Consequently, this venue has become a celebration destination for many guests, with impeccable service frequently mentioned in reviews.
Amari by Vineet: Michelin-Star Indian DiningAmari, derived from Sanskrit meaning "immortal, eternal," offers a contemporary Indian experience created by Vineet Bhatia—the first Indian chef awarded a Michelin star. The restaurant's interiors feature pinkish, earthy tones with cool murals, ornaments, and clay lamps that evoke India's fantastical color palette.
Three bronze tandoori ovens form the heart of the kitchen, visible to diners. The menu bridges flavors of India and Mauritius, available either à la carte or as exquisite tasting menus.
Royce Street Food Truck and Ice Cream StandFor casual bites, the vintage 1933 Hopper Rolls Royce transformed into a Southeast Asian mobile kitchen offers comfort foods like spring rolls and satay chicken. Meanwhile, the ICI ice cream stand became my daily indulgence, featuring freshly churned gelato, ice cream, sorbet, and granita made before your eyes. The homemade flavors change regularly, making each visit a new discovery.
Activities, Spa, and Wellness FacilitiesBeyond the idyllic beaches and luxurious accommodations, Lux Belle Mare offers a wealth of activities that kept me active and entertained throughout my stay. The resort perfectly balances relaxation with adventure, catering to guests seeking either tranquility or excitement.
Water Sports: Snorkeling, Canoeing, and Glass Bottom BoatThe crystal-clear lagoon at Lux Belle Mare serves as nature's playground for water enthusiasts. I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive range of complimentary water activities available, including windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, water skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, wake boarding, hobby cats and glass-bottom boat trips. For those seeking additional adventures, optional activities like scuba diving, fishing, kite surfing, catamaran and speedboat rides are available for an extra fee.
During my exploration, I found the boat house well-equipped with kayaks, wind surf boards and pedalo's. One particularly memorable experience was the glass-bottom boat excursion, which allowed me to observe vibrant marine life without getting wet—perfect for those who prefer staying dry.
Fitness Center and Yoga ClassesFor fitness enthusiasts, the resort's gym impressed me with its state-of-the-art Technogym Cardio equipment and comprehensive weight training facilities. Additionally, the fitness center offers pilates, yoga, and Functional TRX T-Unit programs—a complete 360-degree training experience.
I participated in a morning yoga session, which was exceptionally calming as the instructor focused on bringing mindfulness both on and off the mat. This practice continued the resort's holistic wellness approach I'd noticed from check-in.
LUX* Me Spa: Massage, Hammam, and Beauty TreatmentsThe LUX* Me Spa became my sanctuary during the stay. This tranquil wellness center bases its philosophy on five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. Expert therapists create personalized treatments designed for deep relaxation, detoxification, healing, or strengthening.
Particularly fascinating was the outdoor wet facilities area featuring a sauna, steam room, pool with Jacuzzi, and cold plunge. The spa menu offers every imaginable treatment from therapeutic massages to rejuvenating facials.
Evening Entertainment and Live MusicAlthough daytime activities abound, evenings at Lux Belle Mare offer their own delights. The K Bar serves as the central venue for nightly entertainment, albeit some guests find the performances modest compared to other resort amenities.
One evening, I experienced an impromptu movie screening on the beach under the stars—a magical moment that perfectly encapsulated the resort's ability to create memorable experiences. Throughout my stay, various Mauritian artists performed, adding authentic local culture to the evening ambiance.
Kids Club and Family-Friendly ServicesFor families traveling with children, Lux Belle Mare offers exceptional services that truly elevate the vacation experience. As I explored the family offerings, I was impressed by how thoroughly the resort caters to younger guests without compromising the adult experience.
PLAY Kids Club: Daily Activities and GamesThe dedicated PLAY kids club stands out as a central hub for younger guests aged 3-11 years. Operating daily from 10:00 AM to 22:00 PM, this vibrant space is structured around five core pillars: Eat well, Move, Care, Feel, and Create. Throughout my stay, I observed children enthusiastically participating in various activities:
Crab hunting along the shoreline
Mauritian games teaching local culture
Table tennis tournaments
Dance lessons and henna tattoo sessions
What particularly impressed me was the dedicated children's buffet served at the kids club during lunchtime. Instead of just keeping children busy, the qualified team members actively introduce them to Mauritius's nature and culture, creating meaningful experiences rather than mere distraction.
Kids Pool and Outdoor Play AreaAdjacent to the main facilities, I found a spacious outdoor park complementing the indoor kids' area. This thoughtfully designed space provides ample room for energetic play while maintaining safety standards appropriate for various age groups. Despite being separated from adult areas, parents can still easily monitor their children from comfortable nearby seating.
Babysitting and Highchair AvailabilityFor evenings when parents desire some alone time, the resort offers excellent babysitting services. These services accommodate children from infancy through age 18, providing flexibility for families with children of various ages. During conversations with other guests, one family specifically praised a babysitter named Leena, whom their baby "adored".
Family Scavenger Hunts and Pizza MakingBeyond the structured kids club, Lux Belle Mare creates opportunities for whole-family bonding through activities like scavenger hunts and pizza-making sessions. Upon arrival, families receive a special kit tailored to their child's age, complete with toiletries, toys, and useful items for their stay. This thoughtful touch allows families to travel lighter while still having everything needed for a comfortable vacation.
For teenagers, the Studio 17 teen club (ages 12-17) offers age-appropriate entertainment including pool tables, table football, and adventure trips around the island – ensuring no family member feels overlooked.
Location: Coastal Road, Belle Mare, MauritiusSituated on the pristine Coastal Road in Belle Mare, Lux Belle Mare enjoys a prime location on Mauritius' east coast with direct access to one of the island's most stunning white sand beaches. Throughout my stay, I appreciated the resort's strategic positioning along a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon protected by coral reefs, creating ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat rides.
Logistically speaking, the resort sits approximately 38 miles from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport on the island's southeast coast. This location offers the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility. During my exploration, I discovered several points of interest nearby that enhanced my overall experience:
Flacq Market, just 5 miles from the resort, provided an authentic glimpse into local culture with its vibrant stalls selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and textiles. For golf enthusiasts, the area boasts exceptional options, with four championship courses within a 4-mile radius, including the prestigious Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Course and the two renowned courses at Constance Belle Mare Plage - The Links and The Legend.
The immediate vicinity offers several noteworthy attractions:
Belle Mare Beach (0.3 miles)
Arts 28 Art Gallery (0.7 miles)
Panik Boutik (0.3 miles)
What makes this location truly exceptional is how it combines the tranquility of a beachfront paradise with convenient access to cultural experiences. From my beachfront suite, I could walk barefoot onto what is reputed to be one of the longest stretches of beach in Mauritius, where powdery white sand meets the impossibly blue Indian Ocean.
The hotel's positioning on the east coast affords guests magnificent sunrise views - certainly worth waking up early for at least once during your stay. Subsequently, this location provides the ideal starting point for exploring the island's eastern attractions, including Ile aux Cerfs (5.4 miles away) and Grande Riviere Sud Est (4.9 miles away), both easily accessible for day trips.
|
5.0