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Thatched-roof gazebo beside a reflecting pool overlooking a palm-lined beach and ocean at sunset

Why Mauritius’ South Coast remains the island’s best-kept secret

There is a different rhythm to the south of Mauritius.

The roads become quieter. The landscape opens up. Sugarcane fields stretch towards the horizon before giving way to rugged cliffs, hidden coves and one of the island’s least developed coastlines. While much of the island’s hospitality scene is concentrated around lively beachfront hubs and established tourist enclaves, the south has remained largely untouched — a place where nature still sets the pace.

It is here, in the village of St Félix, that travellers discover a side of Mauritius that often escapes the postcards.

And it is here that Shanti Maurice has quietly established itself as one of the island’s best-kept secrets.

Set across 16 hectares of tropical gardens overlooking a sheltered bay, the boutique beachfront resort offers a different kind of luxury. Not one defined by excess or spectacle, but by space, authenticity and the freedom to experience Mauritius at a slower pace.

The first luxury at Shanti Maurice is space itself.

Space between the villas. Space along the beach. Space to spend an entire morning following no schedule at all.

With just 61 suites and private pool villas spread throughout the estate, the resort feels intentionally intimate. Guests are never far from the ocean, yet the generous grounds create a sense of privacy that is increasingly rare. Many visitors arrive expecting a beautiful beach resort; they leave remembering something less tangible — the feeling of having had room to breathe.

This sense of ease extends throughout the experience.

Days unfold naturally. A sunrise walk along the bay may lead to breakfast overlooking the Indian Ocean. An afternoon can be spent by a private pool, exploring the island’s wild south, or simply watching the changing colours of the lagoon from beneath the shade of a palm tree.

There is no prescribed way to experience Shanti Maurice, and perhaps that is precisely its appeal.

Wellbeing has always been woven into this philosophy.

Rather than existing as a standalone offering, wellness forms part of the resort’s everyday rhythm. It can be found in morning yoga sessions overlooking the ocean, in moments of stillness within the gardens, or in conversations with a resident Ayurvedic doctor, who guides guests through personalised consultations inspired by one of the world’s oldest holistic healing traditions.

At the heart of this approach lies Shanti Spa, one of the largest spas in the Indian Ocean.

Spanning 7,500 square metres and home to 21 treatment rooms, the spa combines Ayurvedic wisdom, contemporary therapies and restorative rituals within a setting designed to encourage deep relaxation. Yet despite its scale, the experience remains personal. Guests are invited to explore wellbeing in a way that feels relevant to them, whether through a structured wellness journey or simply through moments of restoration woven throughout their stay.

This more thoughtful approach to wellbeing continues at the table.

Mauritius has long been shaped by a rich blend of cultures, and nowhere is this more evident than in its cuisine. At Shanti Maurice, dining becomes a way to experience the island’s diverse influences, from Indian and Asian inspirations to local Mauritian traditions and international flavours.

Across the resort’s restaurants, culinary experiences are guided by a simple principle: a connection between people, place and ingredients.

Cuisine at Shanti Maurice reflects the same spirit of discovery that defines the destination itself.

Mauritius is a crossroads of cultures, shaped by African, Indian, Chinese, European and Middle Eastern influences, and this diversity is reflected across the resort’s culinary experiences.

Guests may find themselves enjoying contemporary international cuisine one evening, exploring the vibrant flavours of Thailand and Asia the next, before discovering authentic Mauritian recipes inspired by generations of local traditions. From leisurely beachfront lunches to long dinners overlooking the ocean, dining becomes a journey through cultures, ingredients and stories.

This diversity is brought to life across the resort’s collection of restaurants. At Stars, refined cuisine draws inspiration from around the world while celebrating local produce. Rum Shed Bar & Grill combines a relaxed atmosphere with premium meats, fresh seafood and one of the most extensive collections of rum on the island. At La Kaze Mama, guests are invited to experience the warmth of Mauritian hospitality through recipes and flavours deeply connected to the island’s heritage.

Behind the scenes, Culinary Director Kevin Marchetti and Executive Sous Chef Sandy Munusami continue to explore new ways of connecting guests with the destination through food. Seasonal initiatives such as The Conscious Table, inspired by ingredients grown on the property, including vanilla cultivated within the resort’s gardens, offer a glimpse into this ongoing commitment to meaningful, place-led dining experiences.

Beyond the resort itself, the south of Mauritius offers countless opportunities for discovery.

Guests can explore nearby nature reserves, waterfalls and hiking trails that reveal a wilder side of the island rarely experienced by first-time visitors. Golf enthusiasts enjoy access to Avalon Golf Estate, an 18-hole championship course set amongst rolling tea plantations and elevated landscapes overlooking the south-western region of Mauritius. Families, meanwhile, find a destination that balances space and sophistication with meaningful experiences for younger travellers, encouraging exploration, creativity and connection with nature.

Yet what continues to define Shanti Maurice is not any single facility, programme or experience.

It is the atmosphere created by all these elements combined.

A conversation with a therapist after a treatment. The scent of tropical flowers carried by the sea breeze. A yoga session at sunrise. An evening spent sharing stories over dinner. The simple pleasure of having nowhere to be.

These are often the moments that guests remember most.

As travel continues to evolve, many travellers are seeking more than beautiful destinations. They are looking for experiences that are meaningful, restorative and deeply connected to the places they visit. This philosophy has long been at the heart of Shanti Maurice and now takes shape through The Wellness Quest—the resort’s annual signature wellness programme.

Inspired by the Wild South of Mauritius, it invites guests on a curated exploration of holistic wellbeing through five interconnected pillars: Land, Ocean, Nourishment, Stillness and Connection.

Perhaps that is why so many guests return.

Not simply for the beachfront villas, the spa or the restaurants, but for a feeling that is increasingly difficult to find.

On Mauritius’ untamed south coast, Shanti Maurice offers permission to move differently, to experience the island beyond the expected, and to discover that sometimes the most memorable journeys are the ones taken at a slower pace.

W: Shanti Maurice
E: Reservation
T: +230 5423 1111

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