Evaluate: Le Méridien Ile Maurice

On a recent trip, my wife Ashley and I embarked on a delightful journey to Le Méridien Ile Maurice, nestled in the peaceful Pointe Aux Piments region of Mauritius.

This visit followed a memorable experience at the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort, located on the same side of the island, and sparked our curiosity to see how these two establishments compared.

The resort has sprawling grounds, surrounded by a lush oasis with pristine white sands of the Indian Ocean shoreline.

Our past travels have taken us to several Le Méridien properties, and it’s a brand that we’ve come to appreciate. As we’d find out, our stay at Le Méridien Ile Maurice was no exception.

Le Méridien Ile Maurice – Booking

For our two-night stay, I redeemed 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. At the time of writing, there doesn’t appear to be award availability at any point.

Regular cash rates at this property hover around the $450 (USD) mark, with prices fluctating up and down, depending on the season.

Overall, I was very pleased with the decision to redeem points for my stay at this property, as it netted us solid value.

For any cash bookings at the Le Méridien Ile Maurice, you’ll be happy to know that it participates in Marriott Luminous, a preferred partner program.

By booking your stay through an authorized travel advisor, you’ll receive a number of other perks and benefits at no extra cost, which come in addition to those you may enjoy with Marriott Bonvoy status.

Le Méridien Ile Maurice – Location

Nestled on the pristine beachfront of Pointe aux Piments, Le Méridien Ile Maurice emerges as a jewel in the crown of Northern Mauritius.

This region, known for its vibrant beaches, water sports, and nightlife, offers an escape that blends the thrill of adventure with serene beachside relaxation.

The locale is highly walkable, with a plethora of hotels and tourist amenities dotting the area. For those seeking the sun and sand, the beach is just a stone’s throw away, with local shops nearby as well.

A mere 30-minute drive brings you from Le Méridien Ile Maurice to the bustling heart of Port Louis, where rich historical sites and cultural experiences serve as a perfect day trip.

Nearby attractions include the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, a short 20-minute drive away. Here, you can marvel at the giant water lilies and a myriad of diverse plant species, showcasing the area’s lush biodiversity.

Connectivity is seamless, with Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport approximately an hour’s journey away. For those preferring local travel, the area is well-serviced by bus routes.

Le Méridien Ile Maurice – Check-in

We arrived at the Le Méridien Ile Maurice, fresh from an invigorating hike in the nearby Black River Gorges National Park.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you’re greeted by a grand wooden entrance, rich in tone and texture, framing the front façade with large glass windows, all set against the backdrop of lush greenery surrounding the property.

The spacious porte-cochère sets the stage for a warm welcome, with the hotel staff, including attentive bellhops, on hand. The staff assisted us in unloading our luggage from the rental car, and directed us to the check-in area.

The hotel’s open-air lobby was a breath of fresh air, particularly on such a beautiful day. As you walk in, you’re greeted by an assortment of seating options.

Stepping into this space, you’re surrounded by understated luxury and comfort. Plush, grey sofas, their coziness accentuated by tropical-themed cushions, are grouped into snug nooks.

These are artfully paired with a round, wooden coffee table, adding a touch of organic warmth.

Nearby, armchairs with vibrant colours arranged around low wooden tables, inject a playful element into the setting. Adding to this, a bar is conveniently situated within reach.

The check-in desk is a long structure with a light wood finish, complemented by vertical wooden slats that run along the wall behind it, and a splash of colour from artwork and fresh flowers.

However, a tinge of disappointment washed over me as I realized the absence of the signature Le Méridien scent, an element I’d eagerly anticipated but found missing during our stay.

Check-in was as smooth as one could hope for, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that we had been upgraded to just a notch above our initial booking, from a from a standard Junior Suite to the Ocean Sky Junior Suite.

After a refreshing welcome drink and cool towel, we made our way to the room in the northern part of the resort.

Le Méridien Ile Maurice – Resort Grounds

The resort features a long and slender design. At its heart lies the central building, which is home to the check-in area and the main restaurant. This is complemented by two wings, each stretching out from either side, which house the guest rooms.

In front of both the central building and the wings, there is an expansive swimming pool area, adorned with loungers and palm trees, which serves as a communal gathering spot and the resort’s focal point.

Strategically located on the coastline, the resort offers immediate access to the beach and ocean, just in front of the pool area. Additionally, there’s a jetty pier that’s perfect for taking photographs and enjoying stunning sunset views.

Within the resort, there’s a boutique, adults-only section dubbed Nirvana. This exclusive wing of the hotel comprises 51 suites, with its own dedicated check-in, a pool bar, an infinity pool, and a restaurant.

Guests staying here have access to a private pool and beach area, as well as a lounge that serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Lastly, the resort is bordered by a vast, open landscape, enhancing its serene and scenic setting.

Le Méridien Ile Maurice – Ocean Sky Junior Suite

Le Méridien Ile Maurice has a diverse selection of accommodations, encompassing Standard, Deluxe, and the more elevated Nirvana Rooms, each offering its unique set of privileges.

Spanning the verdant landscapes, bridges adorned with transparent railings lead you to your quarters.

Upon entering, the room unfolds in a thoughtfully designed layout, beginning with a brief foyer that passes by the bathroom.

This space opens into a generously sized bedroom, dominated by a prominently placed king bed.

Set against a wall graced with a textured headboard, the king bed was complemented by quite novel welcome gifts – a fedora for me and a wrap for my wife.

Adjacent to the bed, a plush sofa in a subtle blue shade and cozy armchair provide a comfortable seating area, accompanied by a contemporary coffee table.

Opposite the bed, the room features a workspace with a rich walnut desk and a white woven chair.

Above, a large flat-screen TV is mounted, and nearby, a unique suitcase-style cabinet serves as a minibar stocked with a variety of beverages and snacks.

The bathroom is modern and stylish, featuring a striking black and-white checkered floor that immediately catches the eye.

Anchoring the space is a quaint freestanding bathtub, complemented by the sleek double vanity set against marble countertops. The mirrored walls amplify the sense of space, adding a touch of glamour.

The bathroom has a separate, glass-enclosed walk-in shower and toilet housed within their own compartments.

The room extends to a balcony through sliding doors, which is furnished with a plush outdoor sofa and a simple chair, both adorned with cushions reflecting the ocean’s hues.

The view from here is stunning, overlooking a resort pool area framed by tall pines and palms, with the ocean merging into the sky in the distance.

Overall, I was very pleased with the mid-century modern décor in the room, and the space was certainly very functional. The bathroom was nicely sized, and the freestanding bathtub was an absolute hit.

We particularly enjoyed watching sunsets from the balcony, which was one of the most memorable parts of the visit.

Le Méridien Ile Maurice – Breakfast

Breakfast is hosted in Nomad from 6–10:30am, situated on the second floor of the main building, directly across from the lobby.

With high ceilings and expansive windows, the space bathes in natural light, offering a stunning view of the beachfront. It’s an attractive blend of fine dining in a casual, yet stylish environment.

The indoor arrangement includes dining tables to accommodate both intimate and larger groups. For those preferring an outdoor experience, the dining tables outside provide an ideal spot to savour a meal while enjoying the gentle sea breeze and sunshine.

The breakfast selection at this hotel is impressive, though it didn’t quite match the offerings at JW Marriott Mauritius Resort.

Hot items include a tempting range of crepes, made-to-order omelettes, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and scrambled eggs.

In the international options, you can enjoy fried rice, and a variety of Indian specialties like vermicelli upma and dal wada, as well as robust beef and chicken stews.

The cold buffet selection is equally delightful, offering a diverse assortment of pastries, dried fruits, nuts, cured meats, cheeses, smoked fish, cereals, and plenty of fresh fruit. Refrigerated options such as yogurt are also on hand.

Lastly, the beverage section provides a few options, including juices and water.

The first day, I enjoyed a hearty Western-style breakfast, opting for bacon, sausages, a hash-brown patty, scrambled eggs, and fried potatoes. The following day, I went for the smoked salmon and grilled vegetables, accompanied by a selection of fruits.

Le Méridien Ile Maurice – Pools & Beach

When you visit this resort, the main pool will likely catch your attention first. It’s a lively area surrounded by numerous sun loungers, and features a swim-up bar, making it a favourite spot for families.

Just a bit further away from the pool, you’ll find a number of fountains, which have cabanas and loungers nearby. This area is nice and quiet if you’re looking for a place to nap, relax, or read.

There’s also a smaller middle pool with fun hammocks, ideal for a laid-back atmosphere swaying in the breeze. This pool was just outside of our building, and we spent a lazy afternoon here soaking up the sun.

If you’re looking for a quieter retreat, the Nirvana Pool, an adults-only area with a nearby bar, offers a peaceful escape exclusively for guests in the adjacent building.

We were impressed by the beach as well, although the one at the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort was much nicer. Still, it’s exceptionally well-maintained, and we visited daily for ocean swims.

The beachfront is equipped with plenty of loungers and thatched umbrellas, while the pier is used for launching various water sports activities.

Le Méridien Ile Maurice – Dining

There are several restaurants on the property, and we dined at a few places during our stay.

At Zoli Mamzel, you can expect contemporary Mauritian fusion cuisine, where Mediterranean flavours are combined with local dishes, all set against the backdrop of the ocean.

We ate here on the first night, and enjoyed all of the dishes. In fact, this was one of the more memorable meals we had during our time in Mauritius.

Kumin is the on-site Indian restaurant, which serves aromatic and traditional Indian dishes. 

We ate at Kumin on our second night. I’m a particular fan of Indian cuisine, and I thought our meal was pretty tasty. The cocktails were great, too.

At Nomad, after breakfast, you can dine with views of the open kitchen, specializing in authentic Mauritian cuisine that highlights local favourites.

La Faya serves Mediterranean dishes paired with a wide selection of fine wines.

Positioned on the beachfront, Papparazzi offers Italian specialties, along with a variety of light and fresh dishes.

From a relaxed daytime café located near the lobby, Latitude 20 transforms into a chic wine and sparkling bar at night.

In the adults-only section of the resort is Nirvana Pool Bar, which is a lovely spot to have a sunset sip. 

Le Méridien Ile Maurice – Other Facilities

The fitness centre at the hotel is easily accessible from an outdoor pathway, and is located close to the main pool. On the day I went for a workout, it appeared to be a pretty busy spot.

It’s a spacious and well-lit room, with large windows that provide attractive views of the palm trees outside. The facility is well-air-conditioned, and equipped with a range of modern cardio machines, such as treadmills and elliptical trainers.

There’s also a comprehensive selection of strength training equipment like free weights and resistance machines.

The spa at Le Méridien Ile Maurice is officially known as the “Explore Spa by Le Méridien.” I had the opportunity to visit multiple times, and found it to be a delightful space.

The spa offers a diverse range of treatments, with jacuzzis and saunas available for guest use.

In particular, I appreciated the hot/cold contrast offered by popping into the sauna or steam room, and then into the snow room. 

The resort features watersports rentals, bike rentals, a tennis court, and a beach volleyball court.

Lastly, families will appreciate the kids’ club and games rooms.

Conclusion

In sum, my stay at Le Méridien Ile Maurice left me with an overall positive impression. There were several aspects of the experience that stood out, both in a positive and slightly less impressive way.

First and foremost, the hotel provided good value for a points redemption. The rooms were comfortable, well-appointed, tastefully decorated, and offered a comfortable environment for our stay.

One of the standout features of the hotel was its fantastic location on the west side of the island, which afforded breathtaking and memorable sunsets. This natural beauty added an extra layer of enjoyment to the stay, and was a true highlight.

We found that both dinners that we enjoyed were great, while the breakfast offering didn’t quite hold up to what we’d experienced at the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort.

However, this minor setback did not significantly diminish the overall experience, and the breakfast spread is still quite good.

In terms of meeting our expectations, the Le Méridien Ile Maurice largely succeeded, and I’d say that the hotel is indeed a good choice for both families and couples seeking a relaxing beach stay.

While it may not have fully matched our experience at Le Méridien Maldives, we certainly left with positive lasting impressions, and would consider returning in the future.