Mauritius had been on our list for a while. So when we finally booked The Residence Mauritius for our family of four, we were genuinely excited. We were curious – how would it compare to our previous stays in the Indian Ocean? We had already been to the Maldives twice, including very relaxed weeks at The Residence Maldives. Now it was time to see how Mauritius would feel – and what The Residence had to offer in this new setting.
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The Residence Mauritius Location Review: What’s Close and Worth Visiting
Located on the eastern coast of Mauritius, The Residence Mauritius sits in the peaceful area of Belle Mare, known for its long sandy beaches and calm lagoon. It’s about a 1-hour drive from the airport, depending on traffic – just far enough to feel remote, but still easy to reach after a long flight.
Belle Mare Beach
When it comes to location, The Residence Mauritius has one big highlight right at its doorstep: Belle Mare Beach. It’s the kind of beach you picture when dreaming of Mauritius – fine white sand, turquoise water, and that soft breeze that makes you want to stay forever. The beach is public, like almost all beaches on the island, but many luxury resorts – like The Residence and the neighboring LUX Belle Mare – have their own sections. These two beachfronts actually flow into one another, and for us, they were easily the most beautiful we saw during our trip.
Flacq Market
Just five minutes by car from the hotel, you’ll also find a great local spot: the Flacq Market. Open on Wednesdays and Sundays, it’s one of the largest open-air markets in Mauritius and a great place to soak in the local vibe. Think fresh fruit, spices, street snacks, and a little chaos in the best way. Parking can be a real challenge here, so we’d definitely recommend going by taxi.
Sagar Shiv Mandir
If you’re in the mood for something peaceful and spiritual, don’t miss the Sagar Shiv Mandir. This small but striking Hindu temple is perched right by the ocean, just another five minutes from the hotel. It’s not a huge sight, but perfect for a short, quiet visit in between beach and lunch.
Our Room at The Residence Mauritius: What’s Behind That Door?
As a family of four with plenty of luggage in tow, space matters – and here, we had more than enough of it. The Residence Mauritius offers 135 rooms and 28 suites, and all of them come with a private balcony or terrace. That extra outdoor space was great for morning coffee or drying swimsuits in the sun.
Our room had everything we needed: a king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe, sofa, desk, air conditioning, and a ceiling fan. The room design felt calm and timeless, with natural tones, teakwood furniture, and subtle materials like cotton rugs and leather accents that gave it a nice, understated elegance – nothing over the top, just very well put together. The bathroom had a fresh, modern touch as well, with updated fittings, good lighting, and little extras like a backlit makeup mirror, robes, and quality bath amenities. Some rooms even offer interconnecting options, which can be really practical for larger families or when traveling with grandparents or friends.
Things to Do at The Residence Mauritius: Pools, Spa, and More
If you’re wondering what to do once you’ve settled into the calm rhythm of island life, The Residence Mauritius has you covered. The resort strikes a nice balance between laid-back luxury and family-friendly activities – and yes, there’s more than just lounging by the beach.
Spa
Let’s start with the spa. This isn’t your average wellness setup. The custom-made treatments are inspired by Asian techniques and focus on deep relaxation and beauty care. The spa exclusively uses Natura Bissé, a high-end Spanish skincare brand known for its “Haute Beauté” concept – think radiant skin and luxurious self-care. It’s not just for grown-ups either. There are special treatments designed for children and teens, like mini massages, mani-pedis, facials, and even light fitness sessions for kids under 15.
Kids Club & Water Activities
Just a short walk from the relaxation area, you’ll find the kids’ club for children aged 3 to 12. The club sits in a beautiful building inspired by traditional sugarcane plantation houses with lots of space and charm. Kids join activities that focus on creativity, nature, and fun, including crafting, eco-friendly projects, and outdoor play. While the little ones stay busy, parents can relax by the pool or enjoy a peaceful coffee break nearby.
If you want some ocean fun, The Residence Mauritius offers several complimentary water activities. You can hop into a kayak, try stand-up paddling, or enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour over clear waters. There’s no extra charge and no complicated booking needed for these easy-going activities. It’s a perfect way for the whole family to discover the calm and beautiful lagoon at Belle Mare.
Pool area
And of course, the pool area sits among palm trees, just a few steps away from the beach. It’s peaceful, never too crowded, and ideal for both a refreshing morning dip and a lazy afternoon with a book. The layout includes four connected pools, giving you plenty of space to swim or simply float and relax. There’s also a separate shallow pool for younger kids, so families can enjoy pool time together without stress.
Service at The Residence Mauritius: The People Who Made It Special
After our wonderful stay at The Residence Maldives, we had our second experience with a Cenizaro hotel. By now, we clearly see their philosophy: they truly focus on people and genuine hospitality. You quickly notice when friendliness feels fake – but here, everything felt honest and real right from the start. At The Residence Mauritius, the team welcomed us warmly and worked hard to make our stay as comfortable as possible. Especially when someone wasn’t feeling well or when the kids needed a little extra attention, the staff helped immediately – always thoughtful, kind, and attentive. The staff isn’t just part of the background here; they play a huge role in making the whole experience feel special.
One of our personal highlights was a cooking session with Prasad. He didn’t just share his kitchen secrets – he made the whole experience fun and relaxed. Our kids absolutely loved getting involved. Moments like these gave our stay a personal touch and made us feel even more connected to the place.
Dining at The Residence Mauritius: From Breakfast Buffets to Beachside Dinners
When you stay somewhere this beautiful, food naturally becomes part of the overall experience. We were glad we chose full board at The Residence Mauritius for our family holiday. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were included, which made everything super easy, especially when traveling with kids. It also gave us the chance to try all the different food options the resort had to offer.
There are two main restaurants on-site: The Dining Room and The Plantation. Both recently received a fresh look and a new, more modern dining concept. They offer a mix of international cuisine and local Mauritian flavours in a relaxed setting. The Dining Room is open daily for breakfast and dinner, offering buffet and à la carte options. The Plantation requires a reservation in advance, but booking early is absolutely worth it. You dine à la carte, just steps from the beach, with the sound of the ocean in the background. We found the atmosphere and food there so special that it became one of our favourite dinner spots.
We often stopped by the Colonnade Bar for a coffee in the afternoon or a drink in the evening. The bar features live music until 11 PM, plus occasional local dance performances for a touch of culture. The atmosphere stayed casual and open, perfect for winding down after a beach day. Our kids loved having the space to run around while we enjoyed a relaxed drink nearby.
Budget vs. Luxury: Does The Residence Mauritius Offer Value for Money?
In many countries, especially during our road trips, we often go for Airbnbs – mainly for the flexibility and space. But in a tropical paradise like Mauritius, we really enjoyed treating ourselves to a bit more comfort and service. After a day full of exploring or a long beach walk, it felt like pure luxury to head straight to dinner. We didn’t have to think about cooking or cleaning up, which made evenings much more relaxing. With two kids, it was amazing to jump into the pool anytime without worrying about logistics or schedules.
The Residence Mauritius clearly falls into the luxury resort category, but the value felt absolutely worth it. The warm service, thoughtful amenities, and countless little touches made traveling as a family so much easier and more enjoyable.
The Residence Mauritius – Essential Tips & FAQs for Your Trip
It’s about a one-hour drive from the airport. The hotel offers a transfer service.
The high season in Mauritius runs from May to December, when the weather is warm, sunny, and generally dry – ideal for beach days and exploring the island. We visited during this period and found the climate perfect for a mix of relaxation and day trips. Just keep in mind that this is also the most popular travel time, so it’s worth booking early, especially if you’re planning to come during school holidays.
There were always vegetarian options available, and the staff was very accommodating when we asked for plant-based dishes. It’s worth mentioning dietary needs at check-in so the kitchen can be prepared.
Like all beaches in Mauritius, Belle Mare Beach is public, but the hotel has its own designated area with sunbeds and service. It felt peaceful and not crowded at all during our stay.
Full board covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, usually served at The Dining Room or The Plantation. Drinks are charged separately (excl. Breakfast)
There is a dress code in the evening. Men are expected to wear long trousers and closed shoes. While the atmosphere is relaxed, beachwear and flip-flops aren’t suitable for dinner. Most guests opt for a smart-casual look, which fits the setting perfectly.
The hotel offers a variety of water activities, many of which are included for guests. You can go kayaking, try stand-up paddling, or join a glass-bottom boat tour to explore the lagoon without getting wet.
Yes, absolutely. The resort is very family-friendly. There’s a kids’ club for ages 3 to 12, a shallow pool, and the staff is genuinely caring when it comes to children’s needs – from mealtimes to little extras in the room.
Not really. The hotel is located in a quiet area on the east coast, so it’s best to either stay on-site or take a short drive to nearby places like Flacq Market.
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