As soon as we reached the driveway of the Hilton Mauritius Resort and Spa, the concierge at the entrance struck a big, brass gong to welcome our arrival. A beaming receptionist met us at the steps and with a slight bow, placed her right hand over her heart and warmly greeted us in the traditional Mauritian manner.

This ultimate tropical hideaway is set in breathtakingly beautiful landscaped gardens, flourishing with an exotic medley of chirping birds, flowering shrubs, fragrant frangipani, tumbling bougainvillea, swaying trees and thousands of green growing plants basking in the sun.

The resort’s 193 rooms, including 18 suites, are arranged in 14 seafront pavilions, a stone’s throw from the beach, set among coconut and filan pine trees. A pool designed as a lagoon landscaped with rocks, waterfalls and a central islet (housing a Jacuzzi), glimmers as it meanders through the restaurants. Contemporary oriental architecture themes adorn the guestrooms, which are charmingly decorated with streamlined Asian and Mauritian flair, utilizing sand and wood colors and wooden furniture to evoke a warm atmosphere conducive to perfect tranquility.