Preskil Island Resort

This newly transformed contemporary Creole-style resort, on its own private islet fringed by a white sand beach, is the only four-star superior hotel on the laid-back southeast coast. It's a family favourite, and lively, with plenty to do, from island trips on the hotel's catamaran to Creole lessons.

Preskil means 'nearly an island' in Creole, and this four-star superior resort sits on its own peaceful 3.5 hectare islet in the southeast, with a white sandy fringe and a view of Ile Aux Aigrettes and Lion Mountain across the water. Its clear turquoise lagoon, with few speedboats to spoil the calm water, merges into the marine park at Blue Bay. Historic Mahébourg and non-touristy bars and restaurants are nearby and the airport is just a 15-minute drive away (but with no noise disturbance).

Re-opened after a year-long refurbishment in June 2019, a view of the turquoise east coast lagoon now greets guests from the open-plan lobby on arrival, along with a welcome drink of curry leaves, mint and sugar cane syrup and a towel scented with yuzu (Japanese citrus), filao and vetiver.

The distinctive red roof on the jetty pavilion is one of the few things that remains unchanged at this 214-room hotel, which still feels homely and authentically Mauritian, with its classic Creole-style airy building, now with island-style thatch rooves. Handcrafted interiors mean eucalyptus sapling screens (a natural mosquito repellent – and island design trend), ravenala and bamboo lined walls and rooves and rattan chairs and lampshades.

The new contemporary design means a playful swing seat in the open-plan lobby, wooden boardwalks connecting spaces and a colour scheme inspired by the natural surrounds, from forest green to the red of the coral found in Blue Bay marine park. New additions include a beach restaurant under thatch, angled to soak in the sunset, a brand new infinity pool and extended kids club. In creating the new Preskil, the grounds were also planted with 40 species of endemic plants from the southeast islands (complete with a botanical discovery app). Sustainable initiatives include replanting 2,500 stems of mangrove, no single use plastics and a wish tree at Christmas, to provide presents for local children.