​​On Mauritius’s Tranquil East Coast, The Residence Stirs Colonial-Era Nostalgia

In DP’s Mauritius Series, we’ve learned that every curve of this island nation is blessed with its kind of paradise — a shimmer of white sand, a halo of coral reef, a rhythm set by the waves. Our journey began at Grand Baie, Mauritius’ most magnetic oceanfront, alive with chic beach clubs, designer boutiques and a world‑class dining scene. It’s also the starting point for boat trips to the northern islands, a place where active‑lifestyle escapes blend seamlessly with indulgent wellness rituals. But our retreats have always favoured character over crowds. So, for the next chapter, we traded the buzz of the north for the languid elegance of the East Coast. Here, the days invite you to linger rather than rush, to discover the art of slow travel. Emerald‑green lagoons fringe the shoreline; Belle Mare, a glorious ribbon of powdery white sand stretching for kilometres, is the star attraction; its calm waters calling to early‑morning swimmers and day-long water sport adventurers.  

Sitting on a kilometre of pristine white sand at Belle Mare’s beach, a luxury retreat, The Residence unfolds—a colonial‑style grande dame reimagined for modern luxury seekers. The property is wrapped in lush tropical gardens that frame sweeping ocean vistas. Inside, sunlight spills through wooden shutters onto a palette of soft whites and warm neutrals, while the delicate scent of ylang‑ylang lingers in the air. The mood is refined yet unpretentious, oozing barefoot glamour with a whisper of heritage.

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Getting There 

The Residence Mauritius stretches elegantly along Belle Mare’s pristine beachfront on the island’s tranquil east coast, just a scenic 50‑minute drive from the airport. Belle Mare is a showstopper — one of Mauritius’ longest and most breathtaking beaches, its powder‑white sands kissed by the warm, azure embrace of the Indian Ocean. From here, the island’s east coast unfurls like a treasure map— leading to the most stunning 18-hole ‘Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club’  designed by the famous golf champion Bernhard Langer, to secluded coves, mirror‑bright lagoons and dive sites. 

The Architectural Design Is A Window Into Its Colonial Heritage 

Walking into the lobby is like slipping back in time to colonial-era Mauritius. The soaring, vaulted, open-air space draws you in with sweeping views of the pool and the shimmering ocean beyond. Designed by the in-house team at Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts, heavily braced timber frames and soaring Norman-truss roofs capture the essence of Creole architecture. Inspired by the grandiose of the 1920s  plantation villas, the resort is adorned with crisp white shutters, colonnaded breezeways, and honey-toned wood accents that exude effortless tropical elegance. At the main building lobby floor, sunlight filters through multiple French doors and between stately columns, leading onto a patio that frames serene views of the infinity pool set within private beach gardens. Here, you can savour quiet moments in your secluded corner or wander towards the inviting turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Rooms and Suites Sprawl Like The Sun‑Dappled Wings Of A Beach House

The resort’s 135 rooms and 28 suites are sanctuaries of calm, designed with a refined blend of simplicity and elegance. Spread across categories — from colonial‑style garden‑view terraces and junior suites to expansive one‑bedroom ocean‑front suites, each space feels like a private ​​retreat. A dreamy palette of white and soft beige is paired with hand‑picked 19th‑century‑inspired colonial furnishings. Sliding white French shutters open onto private balconies, framing uninterrupted views of the beach and the turquoise shimmer beyond. Mornings here begin with the hush of waves and the soft blush of sunrise; the oceanfront suites master the beach elegance. Add to that the private butler-on-service, who can set up a private dinner on the outdoor balcony or run you a petal-filled floating bath. 

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The Culinary Arts Are The Truest Interpretation Of Mauritian Gastronomic Heritage

Overlooking the pool, ‘The Dining Room’ is the resort’s elegant heart, where mornings begin with a lavish breakfast spread. Think fresh tropical fruit juices, still‑warm pastries, and a generous selection of western and Mauritian specialities. Come lunchtime, linger over a sumptuous buffet or opt for a set menu that combines the island’s fragrant spices with global flavours.

When the midday sun calls for shade, retreat to ‘The Verandah’ — a breezy, colonnaded courtyard perfect for a light, laid‑back lunch beneath the shelter of a parasol. Down by the water’s edge, a restored planter’s house, ‘ The Plantation’, hosts one of the island’s most beloved dining addresses. With its spectacular oceanfront setting, white‑timber roofs, and antique ceramic tiles, it sets the stage for feasts of the freshest seafood and authentic Creole cuisine.

As the day mellows, ‘The Bar’ beckons. Set in a loggia‑style hallway, its convivial atmosphere blends the ease of a lounge with the energy of a social hub. Sip a taste of the island, perhaps a local rum, a craft beer, or a signature cocktail,  accompanied by live music performances. Or, for a playful twist, step behind the counter and craft your cocktail using fragrant local ingredients.

The Spa Blends Ancient Oriental Wisdom With Western Therapies 

Inspired by the calming principles of ‘Zen’, ‘The Sanctuary Spa’ is a serene haven with 10 tranquil treatment rooms. Partnering with the luxury Spanish skincare house ‘Natura Bissé’, the spa embraces the brand’s exclusive ‘Haute Beauté’ philosophy. Treatments that work like alchemy to restore radiance and revive skin from within. Among its signature treatments, ‘The Citrus Essence’ is a revitalising antioxidant therapy that breathes life back into sun-tanned skin, softening the signs of premature ageing. ‘ The Residence Ylang Ylang’ stimulates the chakras while the 90‑minute ‘Sanctuary Ritual’, rooted in local traditions, draws on ancestral practices for rejuvenation: a gentle dry‑body brushing with coconut husk, followed by an indulgent coconut exfoliation that leaves the skin luminous. 

A must-do is the ‘Mindfulness Massage’, a soul‑soothing blend of yogic breathing followed by ‘Reiki’ energy work, and a deeply restorative full‑body massage designed to balance energy and instil a profound sense of calm. While you will be spoilt for choices here, make sure to choose the one set in the tropical gardens, ‘The Grand Bleu’ — a private spa ritual performed in a cabana by the turquoise lagoon, where the rhythm of the waves becomes the soundtrack. 

Final Thoughts 

Set within lush tropical gardens along 1.6 kilometres of powder‑white sand on Mauritius’ serene east coast, ‘The Residence’ is a vision of colonial‑style elegance. Each stylish suite opens onto its private garden or balcony, framing views of the sea. Days here unfold at your own pace — snorkelling or sailing the Indian Ocean, teeing off at one of two nearby golf courses, or surrendering to the indulgence of ‘The Sanctuary Spa’ signature treatments. Evenings invite you to linger over a choice of refined dining venues, each celebrating the island’s bounty, before retiring beneath the soft embrace of Mauritian hospitality. Whether on land or at sea, adventure is never far away in this island and at ‘The Residence’, the glamour of a bygone era still lingers in every polished detail.

DP Loves 

#1 The ‘Earth Basket’ farm‑to‑table experience celebrates the resort’s daily harvest, with farm‑fresh local produce grown in the kitchen gardens, concocted by our Chef for you. 

#2 Morning horse rides along the Mauritian coast are a sight to behold, hooves gently treading through sun‑dappled shallows.

#3 Roll up your sleeves with the chef to craft a multi-course Creole lunch, then linger over a traditional Mauritian feast—a flavour-packed window into the island’s rich culinary soul.

#4 Half an hour from the resort, the spectacular Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club is a bucket-list course for golfers. 

#5 The Plantation Dining Room blends airy indoor and breezy outdoor spaces, evoking the colonial-era charm of planters’ clubs, where long lunches and sundowners unfolded in unhurried style.