Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel

Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel sits on the north-east coast of Mauritius at Anse La Raie, an adults-only (18+) five-star boutique hideaway with its own natural cove, private peninsula and views out to the northern islands. It is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and part of the Attitude Hotels group. With only 75 rooms, it is designed for couples who want space to reconnect rather than a big, busy resort.

When we spent the day here, what struck us most was what a beautiful adults-only boutique hotel this is, and how well suited it is to couples and honeymooners. We particularly liked the private coves you can find around the peninsula, quiet little love nests that feel made for two. Service and food were excellent. The beach is landscaped rather than a long natural stretch, so if walking a long natural beach is high on your list, just ask us; the calm lagoon coves and the Peninsula are the real highlights.

The hotel mixes classical grandeur with a contemporary, tropical feel. Under a vast thatch roof, light wood, rattan and soft colours set the tone, and every room looks out over the cove. Accommodation runs from Deluxe Premium Rooms (45m²) to Junior Suites (51m²), Prestige Junior Suites (54m²) and two Senior Suites (98m²), all for two adults, with You&Me double shower heads, chic bathrooms and a balcony or terrace.

The Cove is the heart of the hotel, with a swimming pool, warm sand and secluded "love nests" tucked among the palms for quieter sunbathing. At the far end, the Peninsula is the showpiece: an infinity pool (heated in winter) that seems to melt into the lagoon, with Peninsula Restaurant and Bar looking out to Coin de Mire and the northern islets. It is one of the loveliest sunset spots on the north coast.

There are four restaurants. Half Board and All Inclusive guests can dine around at The Dining Room (contemporary Mauritian), XO (Japanese, 22 seats) and Peninsula (Mediterranean and tapas-style sharing plates). The Cove is the intimate seafood restaurant, with a few over-water tables for two, and it also serves a five-course vegan tasting menu created with Michelin-starred chef Alexis Gauthier (at extra cost). Bars include Stay Bar, Peninsula Bar, the Beach Bar, a self-service Tea Bar, the Rum Gallery in the lobby and S'Cellar for Southern Hemisphere wines.

Land and water sports are complimentary in the main, including windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Hobie Cat sailing, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, aquagym and tennis initiation. The Spa Cinq Mondes, set under a large tree, offers "Beauty Rituals of the World" treatments, a hammam, a relaxation pool and an outdoor couples massage kiosk overlooking the lagoon. Scuba diving, private catamaran cruises and guided bike tours are at extra cost; ask us.

Overall, Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel is a refined, romantic choice for couples and honeymooners who want an adults-only north-coast base with private coves, a standout peninsula infinity pool and excellent service and food, without the scale of a large family resort.

Our tips

• This is an adults-only hotel from 18, and on our day visit it felt very much for couples and honeymooners.
• We particularly liked the private coves and love nests along the path to the Peninsula: quiet spots that feel made for two.
• Service and food were excellent.
• The beach is landscaped rather than natural, so guests who want a long natural beach should ask us; the calm lagoon coves and the peninsula are the highlights.
• Ask us which room category to book for the best cove view and quietest nights.
• Ask us about booking The Cove and XO early in the stay (both open six evenings a week and need a reservation).
• Ask us about the over-water tables at The Cove and the Alexis Gauthier vegan tasting menu.
• Grand Baie is about 10 minutes by car and Cap Malheureux about 2.5 km, so evenings out are easy if you want a change of scene.

What recent guests tell us

• The Peninsula infinity pool and bar at sunset is the ritual recent guests talk about most; go early for a good spot.
• Complimentary snorkel kit is available from the boathouse, but the hotel beach itself is not a house-reef snorkel: ask the team to arrange a trip for better coral.
• On All Inclusive, The Cove lobster dinner is usually still extra (often with a discount for AI guests); Peninsula lunch and the dine-around restaurants are the everyday inclusions.
• Pack insect repellent for evenings around the gardens and love nests.
• Over-water tables at The Cove are limited: request one when you book the restaurant, not on the night.
• E-bike tours and glass-bottom boat trips get warm guest feedback as easy half-day extras.
• Room categories with a direct cove outlook are quieter at night than those nearer the main pathway; tell us if peace and a cove view are the priority.

For couples

This is an adults-only hotel from age 18, so the atmosphere stays quiet and romantic. Signature You&Me experiences (at extra cost) include a sunset catamaran cruise, a private pirogue day to Bernache and Ambre islands, a catamaran for two, a beach dinner and an outdoor couples massage. Love nests along the path to the Peninsula give you a private sunbathing spot away from the main pool. Ask us which experiences suit your trip.

Spa

The Spa Cinq Mondes is open from about 9am to 7.45pm (confirm on arrival). Behind a wooden door under a large tree, it has single and double treatment rooms, a double room with a bathtub, a beachfront double massage kiosk, a hammam, a relaxation pool and a hair salon. Treatments follow Cinq Mondes' "Beauty Rituals of the World", using natural and organic ingredients. All Inclusive guests receive 50% off their first 50-minute massage. Ask us about treatments and packages.

Sports and activities

Complimentary facilities include the main pool, a lap pool (heated in winter), two seawater plunge pools, the Peninsula infinity pool, a fitness centre (about 6am to 10.30pm), two floodlit tennis courts with a weekly group initiation, pool table, table tennis, bocce, yoga, Pilates, tai chi and Qi Gong, aquagym, archery sessions, weekly stargazing and a hotel geolocation app. Complimentary water sports include windsurfing, kayaking, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboarding, Hobie Cat sailing, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips. At extra cost: PADI scuba diving, private catamaran cruises, speed-boat trips, guided bike and e-bike tours, bike hire, tennis lessons and art therapy. Evenings bring live unplugged music, a piano bar, a weekly sega show and occasional sunset DJ and open-air cinema nights. Ask us for the current programme.

Location

Anse La Raie is on the quieter north-east coast, about 10 minutes' drive from lively Grand Baie and close to the fishing village of Cap Malheureux. Day trips to Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, Château de Labourdonnais and L'Aventure du Sucre are straightforward from here, and boat trips to the northern islands leave from nearby. Port Louis is about 25 minutes away. Ask us about excursions and twin-centre ideas with another coast.

Good to know

• Adults only from 18 years old.
• The Dine Around at The Dining Room, XO and Peninsula is included from Half Board; The Cove is at a supplement (All Inclusive guests get 20% off dinner there).
• XO and The Cove open six evenings a week and need prior booking; Peninsula dinner also needs a reservation. Book early in your stay.
• Dress code: cover swimwear in the restaurants by day; from 6.30pm an elegant smart-casual code applies (dresses, smart shorts or trousers, shirts, smart shoes or sandals; no swimsuits, pareos or flip-flops).
• One Junior Suite is accessible; ask us if you need step-free access or a room close to the main facilities.
• Check-in is from 2pm and check-out at noon. There is a beachfront arrival and departure lounge with individual showers and cabins for early arrivals and late departures.
• A minimum stay may apply (longer over Christmas and New Year), and Mauritius charges a small tourist tax per person per night, paid locally. Ask us for details.
• The hotel is Travelife Gold certified, with no single-use plastic in the guest experience, local sourcing where possible, solar water heating and complimentary mineral (reef-friendlier) sunscreen available during your stay.

What's included
Half Board • Breakfast at The Dining Room • Dinner on the Dine Around at The Dining Room, XO or Peninsula (reservations required at XO and Peninsula).

Meal upgrade options (per person per night)
All Inclusive • Breakfast at The Dining Room • Lunch at Peninsula or a picnic basket for excursions • Dine Around dinner at The Dining Room, XO or Peninsula • 20% off dinner at The Cove • Selection of 3 sparkling wines and 9 locally bottled wines by the glass • Selected local and international drinks from 8am to 11.30pm • Weekly local rum tasting • Continental breakfast room service • Snacks midday to 3pm and afternoon tea 4pm to 5pm • Minibar refilled daily with water, soft drinks, juices, snacks and local beer • 50% off the first 50-minute massage. Conditions apply; ask us for details.

Transfer time from airport: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Want to know more? We have spent the day at Paradise Cove and are always happy to share what we know. Message us on WhatsApp or email us and we'll come back to you with ideas and prices.