Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel Mauritius

This recently renovated romantic adults-only boutique hotel with thatched love nests, a cliff-top infinity pool overlooking the northern islands and 'you&me' activities attracts couples of all ages. There's also a Cinq Mondes spa, four-poster beds in plantation-style rooms, and a choice of four restaurants. On a man-made cove on a less touristy part of the north coast, with a view of the Northern Islands. Plenty of beaches, excursions and buzz are found five km away at Grand Baie, and it's close to cultural attractions, Le Château de Labourdonnais, Pamplemousses botanical garden and L'Aventure du Sucre.

Painted a restful white, the hotel encircles a pretty, if small, manicured man-made cove. It’s designed with romance in mind: the property is scattered with thatched love nests, swing beds and more than 100 sunbeds and a winding sandy path through sculpted gardens leads to a lovely cliff-top infinity pool overlooking the Northern Islands. It's a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and was voted the Indian Ocean's Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2019 (for the third year running).

Now in the style of a Mauritian plantation home, with an iced Mauritian tea station (flavoured with vanilla) and all-day rum bar, touches of whimsy range from Toucan patterned wallpaper at the entrance to flower mandalas in the garden.

Staff at this five-star hotel, many here since the opening in 1992, are efficient and caring – nothing is too much trouble. Free activities include water-skiing, stargazing and yoga. You&Me moments include sailing by pirogue to Ile aux Bernaches, for snorkelling and a picnic, there's a PADI Dive Centre, and 'Beauty Rituals of the World' at the expanded Cinq Mondes spa, one of five on the island. The three pools include a small lap pool and there are seawater hot tubs in a waterfall tumbling into the cove.