After almost half a century, the five-star Mauritian standard-setting resort of Shangri-La Le Touessrok, nestled within 34 hectares of tropical gardens, has been redesigned to appeal to a new generation of holidaymakers without scaring off the regulars.
The refurb has achieved relaxed luxe for all ages.
Rooms and facilities
For 45 years this hotel has been a byword for Mauritian luxury and has recently reopened after a stylish multi-million-pound mother of all makeovers. Wafting past the giant mangrove tree and Koi carp pond into a scented lobby of marble floors, giant vases of orchids and cool artwork, the tone is set for the upmarket downtime you are about to experience.
There are no duff views here. Each of the refurbed 185 rooms, suites and villas look out onto the spectacular lapis blue Indian ocean. Sandy beige walls, relaxed rattan furniture and locally sourced pictures and rugs ooze understated taste. Of course, the beds are massive; many of the bathtubs freestanding; and the toiletries decadent (L'Occitane or Acqua Di Parma depending on your accommodation choice).
Loll at your leisure on one of the six pure white sandy beaches (which span four kilometres) where at the push of a button men on cute, branded trikes will deliver you water to your extremely comfortable sunbed. Water sports fanatics can knock themselves out with a choice of kayaking, wakeboarding, snorkelling and scuba diving and there are two swimming pools. Or simply dump the kids at the activity-packed kids club (where they can meet 119-year old Toto the giant tortoise and his slightly younger girlfriends Fifi and Lola) and head for tastefully chilled out Chi, the Spa for a Signature Asian Blend massage that will sort your jet lag out within the hour.
The refurb has achieved relaxed luxe for all ages - cool enough for the youngsters, yet respectful of the resort's traditional heritage and regular clientele.
Food and Drink
Three words: spoiled for choice. In the words of the mighty Tina Turner, the cuisine is simply the best, with chefs and bar staff an eclectic bunch of big names.
If you love Japanese dishes there are top sushi and teppanyaki chefs on hand to serve world class delicacies almost too pretty to eat at chi-chi restaurant Kushi. Opposite is the stunning old colonial style South Indian restaurant Safran; the chicken curry and naan bread a world away from your local tandoori house.
For breakfast and beyond head to the international restaurant TSK where chefs will whip up anything you like. Don’t even bother resisting the room stuffed with home baked breads, pastries and ice creams (the Madeleines are off the scale).
Kate Moss’s favourite cocktail maker and legendary bartender at the Ritz Paris, Colin Field has been drafted into Coco’s beach restaurant to literally shake things up on the drinks menu (did you know a dry martini should always be served in a -23 degree glass?). For tapas, rum and local music the lively Sega bar is so decadently cosy you will quite possibly be dragged out horizontal at closing time.
A word of fashionable warning, however. The restaurants are a Speedos and flip flop free zone. Men are expected to wear trousers, shirts with a collar and closed shoes when dining in Safran and Kushi while women are given that baffling dress code ‘smart casual’. This place has standards, you know.
What to do nearby
Shangri-La's guests can hop on a courtesy boat that whisks them to the tiny private island of Ilot Mangenie, for Insta-perfect white sand, boardwalk and blissful cabanas. For lunch head to the beach club for fresh grilled fish or ask for its special - truffle pizza. The 'chic champagne cruise' available from the resort Is a must for snorkelling for clown and zebra fish, dolphin spotting and even a waterfall. You may even find yourself up close and personal with a family of macaque monkeys keen to steal your snacks.
Foodies will adore the vibrant Flacq market (hire an ebike and cycle past fields of pineapples if you're up to it). Admire the mountains of colourful exotic fruits, veg, saris and souvenirs while sipping fresh sugar cane juice and nibbling on samosas. And prepare to haggle for a bargain.
Meanwhile, golfers will want to tee off next to the astonishing ocean views of top-class Ile aux Cerfs golf club, designed by champion Berhard Langer, via a special boat shuttle from the resort to its private jetty (unless you take the, ahem, helicopter option).
Resort Highlights
The stunning ocean views from every angle. Oh, and showstopping food and drink served with charm and without pretention.
Best For
Couples and families looking for the sunshine experience of a lifetime.
Rooms start from £565 per night for B&B including taxes (for a Coral ocean view room May - September 2025). For more information, visit the website.
'The sunshine experience of a lifetime'