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Suite dreamsRoom with a viewA suite by the sea at Shanti Mauriceresort is the ideal way to experienceMauritius, says Rebecca HaddadThey say that it takes seven seconds tomake a first impression, and duringmy first moments at Shanti Maurice,on the south coast of Mauritius, theresort certainly left a good one. Upon enteringthe cavernous lobby, I’m struck by the view. Ican see through to the glistening infinity pooland the unmistakable hint of sand and sea ofthe coastline beyond. Taking in my immediatesurroundings, I notice the main desk is locatedoff to the side — obviously resort designer Jean-Marc Eynaud appreciated a good view, too.A short buggy ride from reception takes mycompanion and I to the thatch-roofed Suite Villa217, one of the 61 suites and villas spread acrossthe 15-hectare resort. Stepping through thefront door, I am captivated, again, by the view.Through the floor-to-ceiling windows of themain living room and dining area is a spaciousprivate deck and 54-square-foot infinity pool.Dense foliage on either side of the villa ensuresprivacy and nothing but sparkling Indian Oceanlies ahead. Inside, the living room is deckedout in natural materials such as local hardwoodand lava stone, and features a small lounge, adining table laden with fresh tropical fruit and aflat-screen TV. A small alcove to the left housesthe minibar, stocked with all the usual suspects,and a Nespresso machine. Two bedrooms offto either side of the main room are decoratedin the same earthy palate, with Tiffany-blueaccents and individual bathrooms. This type ofaccommodation is ideal for families and groups,but my companion and I are happy to stretchout across the 500 square metres of space.Stepping into my bedroom, I take a quickinventory of the amenities. All the mod-consare here, including a flat-screen TV and an MP3player dock. The king-size bed is fitted with softEgyptian cotton sheets and there’s a couch fromwhich to admire the view through the floorto-ceilingwindows that take up two walls. Theadjoining bathroom features an invitingly deepbathtub (with a mini flat-screen TV set into thewall in front), a double sink, and a shower andtoilet housed in individual frosted glass cubicles.There’s also a spectacular outdoor rain showerif you prefer to feel closer to nature. In keepingwith the natural theme, organic Plantationamenities are on hand.Despite all the luxuries inside, it’s far moretempting to spend time outdoors. On closerinspection, the temperature-controlled poolhas a built-in Jacuzzi, perfect for a midnightdip, while the enclosed courtyard and gardenpavilion are ideal spots for al fresco dining.The important bitWhat: Suite Villa 217Where: Shanti MauricePrice: from $644 per night (half board)Tel: +230 603 7200www.shantimaurice.comNight owls can gaze at the stars using the villa’stelescope, while budding artists can utilise thepainter’s easel and paints on hand to create acanvas memento to take home.There are plenty of activities to entertainat Shanti Maurice and the staff are more thanhappy to help out. If relaxation is priority, booka treatment at Nira Spa, the biggest in theIndian Ocean. Foodies can partake in the hotel’sGrandma’s Kitchen program, where you’lldine at the home of one of the staff members’grandmothers. Plenty of Mauritius’ attractionsare within a short drive of the resort, includingBlue Bay Marine Park to the east and the capitalof Port Louis to the north. But, in such relaxedsettings, I decide to wile away the afternoon onthe pool deck for a front-row seat to a Mauritiansunset. Sea views, space and solitude: thetrifecta that makes Shanti Maurice a winnerin island hideaways. n114 September 2013 dotwnews.com