La Maison d'Ete, Poste Lafayette, Mauritius - Explore & Book

"First impressions? Palm trees and vivid colours, sea-facing verandahs, design that nods to the abundant beauty of the coast. Rattan furniture, natural hues and marine-themed artwork create a cosseting boathouse feel in the rooms. We step onto a balcony and drink in the view: lush green garden foliage, a lagoon-hued pool, the impossible blue of the ocean. This little beauty is a breath of fresh air. One of the island’s smallest beach hotels, La Maison d'Été offers 16 sea-view rooms set in two pretty thatched buildings reminiscent of French colonial plantation houses. There are two pools, a seafront terrace of sun-beds, steps down to a strip of white-sand beach, bikes to borrow, snorkelling around the reef. For lunch or dinner, sample simple but delicious island-cuisine dishes at a candlelit table in the restaurant – popular with locals as well as guests. Need anything? Just ask. The white-clad staff offer the warmest of Mauritian welcomes. Highs An Indian Ocean view from every room, and all have generous, furnished balconies or terraces The food – fishy, spicy and authentic Mauritian dishes, freshly prepared, served with decent wines and, by local standards, not expensive A communal living space with pool table, dart boards, sofas, books and an indoor bar provides an escape from the heat (or occasionally the rain) In an island where larger resorts are the norm, we were thrilled to find such an intimate little boutique hotel: perfect i-escape material! Lows The east coast is windier than the west, although those cooling breezes can be welcome on hot summer days The beach is quite rocky and almost disappears at high tide The service can be a little scatty at times, but always friendly and well-meaning Internet connection can be patchy Most bookings require full prepayment (refunded if you cancel in good time)" - Lesley Gillilan