Heritage Awali is a resort with a strong sense of identity, inspired by the African influences that form part of Mauritius’s rich cultural heritage.

A traditional drum signals your arrival and, as you cross the bridge into reception, the African-inspired interior announces itself through thatched roofs, dark wood, warm earthy tones and woven baskets. Lush tropical gardens lead towards a long stretch of soft sand. From the moment you arrive, Awali feels relaxed and unfussy – upmarket without being overly formal.

The resort is on Mauritius’s unspoilt southwest coast, around an hour from the airport by car or 15 minutes by helicopter. Along with sister hotel Heritage Le Telfair, it lies within the 6,000-acre Bel Ombre Estate, which for two centuries was the island’s largest sugar producer. Opposite the entrance to the resort stand stone buildings where sugarcane was once processed. One of these now houses World of Seashells, an impressive collection of more than 8,000 shells, which we found fascinating.

The all-inclusive concept is central to the Awali experience. You can move effortlessly between breakfast, lunch, the beach, the pools, activities and dinner. Our children inevitably start complaining about being peckish between lunch and dinner, so we were delighted to discover afternoon tea served from a kiosk beside the pool – the perfect solution for pacifying a hungry toddler.

It is a pleasant walk along the beach to Heritage Le Telfair, where Awali guests can use the pools, spa and restaurants. Altogether, guests have a choice of 13 restaurants within the Bel Ombre Estate, although some come with additional charges or dining credits depending on the package.

We had one of the most memorable meals of our stay at Château de Bel Ombre. Built in 1810, this hugely atmospheric building has all the features of a plantation house of that era – high ceilings, wood panelling and wide verandas overlooking a manicured French garden overflowing with tropical plants. The food is as refined as the setting, and beautifully presented.

Awali is a resort that understands families. There are dedicated clubs for babies, children and teenagers, making it particularly easy for families travelling with children of different ages. Between Awali and Le Telfair there is plenty of space to spread out, lots to do and, importantly, quiet corners where adults can escape, including adults-only pools. For a true escape, the impressive spas at the two resorts offer extensive menus of treatments and pampering.

The lagoon in front of Heritage Awali and Le Telfair is wide and calm, making it perfect for kayaking, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips, all of which are complimentary. At Le Telfair, there is a kitesurfing school and a marine education centre run by marine biologists offering guided snorkelling and mangrove tours.

Golfers have access to two superb championship golf clubs. Le Château Golf Course has been recognised as one of the leading golf courses in the Indian Ocean. The new La Réserve Golf Links is solely for the use of Heritage guests and club members. It offers stunning views from every tee and has an excellent clubhouse restaurant, serving a polished menu featuring local, seasonal ingredients.

The setting within the Bel Ombre Estate is one of Awali’s greatest strengths, and not just because of the additional facilities available across the estate. This is Mauritius at its most dramatic, with the rugged hills of the southwest behind you and the Indian Ocean ahead. The estate stretches inland towards the mountains and a nature reserve, which guests can explore by 4×4, quad bike or on foot. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to talk about Mauritian flora and fauna, and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of rare pink pigeons or echo parakeets.

The south of Mauritius offers plenty of attractions worth exploring. My family enjoyed a day at La Vanille Nature Park, where we walked among giant tortoises and learned about the region’s endemic species.

For families looking for a luxury escape where almost everything is taken care of, Heritage Awali makes a compelling case. But what stays with you is more than the ease of all-inclusive living: it is the sense of place, from the African-inspired design to the rugged landscapes beyond the resort. This combination makes Awali an appealing base for experiencing the wilder side of Mauritius without sacrificing comfort.

W: Heritage Resorts Mauritius Awali