T: + 230 453 8700; www.sofitel.com

Buildt like a Thai temple this large oriental hotel is set in gardens with a spa on a white sandy beach on the west coast of the island dominated by a backdrop of lofty mountain peaks. Since it is French-speaking island there is a large French clientele. The spa offers a wide range of treatments including massage and body wraps. It also claims one of Mauritius’ largest swimming pools! The hotel is about 50 minutes from the airport, just 30 minutes from Port Louis, and a few minutes from Flic en Flac village.

Accommodation is in 137 spacious and renovated sea-facing (ground floor) Superior and (upper floor) Deluxe rooms (50m sq), five Luxury Suites (100m sq) and a Presidential suite (with large living-room). All can accommodate three beds, and offer private bath, separate shower and wc, air-conditioning, phone, safe deposit box, radio, minibar, television/video, and hairdryer. Superior rooms have private terrace and Deluxe an extensive furnished balcony. Guests in Deluxe rooms enjoy benefits that include tea/coffee-maker, fruit on arrival, flowers in room, bathrobe, slippers and 5pm check-out.

There are four restaurants serving Creole, Mauritian, International, Indian, Chinese and Japanese cuisines, as well as buffets and seafood grills (reservation advised), Beachside grill for lunches, Piano bar by pool, Beach bar for drinks and afternoon buffet/snacks, Band for dancing, Nightly live entertainment, Evening shuttle to nearby casino, 6 shops and 24-hour room service.

There is a large swimming pool, three tennis courts (floodlit), 9-hole Pitch & Putt, Fitness centre, sauna, Sailing centre offering pedalos, kayaks, windsurfers, snorkelling, sailing, waterskiing, Archery and Table tennis.