Inside Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius
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A luxurious island hideaway with spectacular views, food and facilities
Mauritian hotel Shangri-La Le Touessrok is the dream honeymoon destination, says Ellie Smith
Hotel Review: Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius
Since being coined in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by James Hilton, the term Shangri-La has become synonymous with the idea of an earthly paradise – a faraway place where everything is beautiful and pleasant. It’s a bold name for a hotel group to adopt, but as I arrived at the Shangri-La Le Touessrok in Mauritius, palm trees swaying in the soft golden hour light, fruity welcome drink in hand, I was struck by the feeling of utter bliss. Even the lobby is a sight to behold: a light-filled space with views across undulating, free-form pools, with the glittering shores of Trou d’Eau Douce Bay in the distance.
And the lobby is only the very beginning: Le Touessrok is one of Mauritius’ biggest resorts, spread across 84 acres of sprawling tropical grounds. The hotel is home to not just one, but six white-sand beaches – as well as boasting its very own private island, Ilot Mangenie. There are 186 rooms and three jaw-dropping private beach villas; seven restaurants and bars, with cuisine spanning everything from traditional Mauritian to Japanese and Indian; as well as two swimming pools and a standout spa.
Alongside being one of the largest hotels on the island, it’s also one of the most storied. The resort began its life as a small beach restaurant back in the ‘70s, where Nelson Mandela once visited for lunch. But eventually rooms were added after continued requests from guests, who wanted to be able to settle into their leisurely seaside afternoons without having to drive home afterwards. The site had various owners over the years before being bought by Shangri-La in 2015, and over the past decade it has transformed into one of Mauritius’ most prestigious resorts – attracting a star-studded clientele that includes everyone from J-Lo to Whitney Houston and Gareth Southgate.
Shangri-La Le Touessrok has much to offer all types of traveller: it’s family-friendly, but also ideal for romantic couples holidays. I was in the latter camp, visiting back in November (prime time weather wise) as part of my honeymoon – and can confirm it certainly fits the bill for a special occasion trip.
STAY
Le Touessrok is located on the glamorous east coast of the island, around one hour’s drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (or just 10 minutes by private helicopter, which the hotel can arrange for those so inclined).
A multi-million-pound refresh of the interiors in 2024 means the hotel is looking especially chic and modern, with a sandy colour palette, whitewashed walls and rattan furnishings throughout. The resort is split into three sections: Coral, Hibiscus and Frangipani – with every single room offering sea views, and some boasting direct beach access.
We stayed in a plush Frangipiani suite, which came complete with its own balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean, plus a marble-clad bathroom decked out with L’Occitane products, dual basins, a giant bathtub and walk-in shower. Of course the beds are ultra-comfy, but being so close to the sea means nighttime here is particularly magical, with the soothing sounds of the waves lulling you into a peaceful slumber. One morning, set an early alarm to catch the sunrise from your balcony (then flop back into bed afterwards).
If you’re travelling with children, book one of the Hibiscus Signature Beachfront Suites, which are best for families, with ample space and large terraces. The beach villas, meanwhile, are surely some of the most luxurious on the whole island.
EAT
Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to food, with five restaurants to choose from across the resort. My favourite was Coco’s Beach House, the hotel’s open-air beachside hangout, which exudes breezy, laid-back charm with its swaying rattan chandeliers and luscious greenery. Lunch here is a highlight: enjoy fresh tuna tartare (made tableside to your liking), tropical salads with palm heart (the vegetable harvested from palm trees), generous plates of pasta and grilled local fish while soaking up the sea views. This is also the place to come for sundowners, with a daily happy hour serving up rum punch, Aperol Spritzes and beers – just be sure to get there early, as the prime sea-facing seats are snapped up quickly.
There’s also Safran, the resort’s upscale Indian restaurant. With its low lighting, artisanal Indian decor and open kitchen allowing the scent of the tandoor ovens to fill the room, this is an atmospheric spot for dinner. Begin with aromatic tandoori salmon and paneer kebabs ahead of hearty mains such as slow-cooked lamb curry and sharing chicken biryani, paired with homemade naans and daals. Kushi, meanwhile, serves Japanese fare amid sophisticated settings: think fresh sashimi and nigiri, sushi platters, miso aubergine and wagyu grills.
For breakfast, hungry diners can go wild at the sumptuous buffet, served in the hotel’s all-day restaurant TSK. Here you’ll find pretty much every breakfast dish to ever exist: pastries, eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit, Full English, continental… or you can veer into lunch territory with curries and noodles. Alternatively, head to Coco’s Beach House for made-to-order dishes of smoothie bowls, chia pots, avocado on toast and Eggs Benedict.
Across all the restaurants, and throughout the entire resort, service is impeccable. Everyone we encountered was warm and genuine, and special touches (think complimentary fruit skewers by the pool, and staff offering to clean your sunglasses for you) makes the stay feel extra luxe.
DO
If you’re in the market for a fly and flop trip, there are endless options for peaceful places to sunbathe and read. Simply stroll down the beach and take your pick from the extensive array of sun loungers set beneath thatched parasols, or nab a spot by one of the pools (I spent a lot of time in the wicker bed cocoons by the adults-only pool).
Continue the zen vibes at the dreamy Chi spa, which offers treatments created in collaboration with French skincare company Biologique Recherche. The signature massage combines Asian techniques including Thai pressure points and Chinese energy flow for a deeply relaxing treatment, while the Healing Energy of Nature Retreat sees a coconut scrub paired with a personalised facial. Worth a try, too, is a stint in the Iyashi Dome, a kind of supercharged personal infrared sauna renowned for its detoxifying effects.
Those feeling more active, meanwhile, can get stuck into the gamut of water sports on offer, from paddle boarding to kayak tours through the mangroves. There’s also a well-equipped gym offering a programme of fitness classes, plus tennis courts, with on-site coaching available to book. The hotel offers a number of guided excursions, too: we joined an e-bike tour around the island, which involved a trip to the local market, Flacq, for street food and souvenir shopping. Keen golfers, meanwhile, can take a boat to the championship golf courts at the nearby Ile aux Cerfs, open to guests staying at Shangri-La Tousserok for three or more nights.
The east coast of the island has plenty to explore, too: go hiking in the Bras d’Eau National Park, visit the historic port town of Mahebourg, or hop on a boat to see the majestic Grand River South East Waterfalls.
A must for all visitors of Le Touessrok is a trip to the hotel’s private island, accessible via a five-minute boat from the jetty – with its secluded, exclusive feel, this is the stuff of honeymoon dreams. Sitting, toes in the sand, with a truffle pizza and a bottle of rose on ice, was one of my standout moments of the trip. A Shangri-La indeed.
