JW Marriott Mauritius Resort

Nestled beneath the majestic Le Morne mountain on the southwestern tip of Mauritius, the JW Marriott Resort boasts a stunning beachfront setting. Marriott has rebranded this property from a St Regis to a JW Marriott, which represents a downgrade in their brand hierarchy. This move seems appropriate, as the resort previously faced criticism, including from us, for not meeting the high standards expected of a St Regis.

The 172 newly refurbished suites offer a fresh and contemporary feel, with even the entry-level Junior Suites providing a generous 65 sqm of space. However, the desk/dressing table placement in the bathroom is an odd configuration. For those seeking more space and luxury, the resort offers beachfront access suites, grand suites, and the tranquil Manor House Spa suites. The expansive 4-bedroom Grand Beachfront Villa is a refined haven, perfect for larger families.

One of the resort's strengths lies in its diverse and excellent dining options. The elegant Le Manoir dining room impresses with its lavish breakfast buffet, while the rustic charm of the Boathouse Bar & Grill and the oriental sophistication of Floating Market provide enticing alternatives. Atsuko delivers meticulously crafted Japanese dishes, but our favorite was Simply India, which brings style and finesse to delectable Indian cuisine.

As expected from a five-star modern resort, JW Marriott offers a wide array of facilities. The water sports and dive center, spa, fitness club, and Kite Flyers kids club are all top-notch. We appreciated the serene library for catching up on work and enjoyed the fun-filled games room and private cinema.

During our visit, the service was good but not flawless, suggesting that the JW Marriott is still finding its footing post-rebranding. We also noticed some pushy upselling, which seems to be a common issue among large international hotel brands. Despite these minor drawbacks, we found the resort to be an improvement from its St Regis days. JW Marriott Mauritius could be an excellent choice for active couples, families, or groups of friends who appreciate high-quality dining options and a wide range of activities.