Anahita Golf & Spa Resort on the wild east coast of Mauritius offers the perfect balance of five-star luxury and residential-style tranquillity. With spacious suites, world-class golf courses, and an exclusive beach on Île aux Cerfs, it’s an idyllic retreat for those seeking privacy and freedom.
An extended stay at Anahita changes everything. Unlike a traditional hotel, where late-night revellers, early risers, or children playing might disturb your equilibrium, here, the most you’ll hear is the housekeeping staff calling to each other in melodic Creole or a lawnmower tidying the already immaculate greens. Sitting on the patio, listening to the birds, and gazing at the lush landscape is special – you don’t get that in a conventional resort setting.
On a recent five-night stay in a Garden View Suite at Amalthea, one of the residential neighbourhoods on the estate, I was reminded just how immersive Anahita’s community-style hospitality can be. One evening, responding to what I assumed was an early turndown service, I opened the door to find three little trick-or-treaters, hopeful for Halloween handouts. I was unprepared, but the moment added an unexpected warmth to my solo experience. My visit also overlapped with Diwali, allowing me to enjoy Festival of Light celebrations without leaving the property. At dinner, guests admired the staff in traditional dress, local songbird Fiora Lebrasse performed classic songs, and even the barman took his turn on the mic.
As a solo traveller, I love the luxury of space. At Anahita, restaurants never feel overcrowded. I only encountered gatherings when I wanted to – whether at an open-air art gallery soiree, a golf practice session, or aboard the complimentary ferry to the hotel’s private beach on Île aux Cerfs. This shuttle service operates every 30 minutes from the quay outside the buffet-style restaurant Origine, and once there, you can sip cocktails at the beach bar, enjoy light snacks, or dine with your toes in the sand.
“Our biggest USP is Île aux Cerfs. I think it’s the best white sand beach in Mauritius. Next is the golf – Anahita was named the Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue at the 2024 World Golf Awards – and third, we have more facilities and opportunities compared to other traditional hotels in more confined spaces,” says Dhiren Pereira, COO – Hospitality and Leisure for Alteo Property/Anahita Estates.
“You can walk, run, bike, and do all those things you can’t do in a traditional hotel. Elsewhere, you must go on the roads or into the sugarcane fields. Here, it’s scenic with the golf course, right? We have two world-class courses designed by Ernie Els and Bernhard Langer. Our guests can also access the property’s Four Seasons and Anahita restaurants. Variety is huge.”
Since the pandemic, Mauritius has become a year-round holiday destination, with hotels enjoying high occupancy beyond traditional peak periods. “Seventy per cent of our guests stay and play golf, which is the highest of any hotel on this island,” says Pereira.
Despite the many activities available, I felt unselfconscious wandering alone, browsing boutiques when I wanted retail therapy, refining my golf swing under the watchful eye of a long-suffering coach, or joining a water aerobics class at the main pool. Well-trained staff always appeared when I needed them, anticipating requests before I voiced them.
Another highlight of Anahita is the accommodation itself. The hotel comprises 70 self-catering units, each part of a rental pool of privately owned properties. The clusters have their own pools, often quiet and secluded – ideal for those who crave solitude. The only interruptions are the rustling of palm fronds and the soothing sounds of water features, making it a true retreat from the stresses of daily life.
For five blissful days, I stayed in a ground-floor suite, one of four in a block, with a bedroom, bathroom, open-plan lounge and kitchen, and a veranda overlooking the garden. I barely saw another soul, aside from the occasional jogger in the distance.
Dining options are plentiful, with four gourmet restaurants. I dined at Origine, which offers themed buffets in the evenings, and Il Forno, known for its excellent Italian cuisine. But I didn’t need to eat out every night – sometimes, sipping bubbly with snacks from Pote’agé, the on-site, hole-in-the-wall deli, was all I needed.
Pereira has introduced several new concepts at Anahita, ensuring that guests always have fresh experiences to look forward to. From a weekly Trail and Taste adventure at Domaine de L’Etoile to Michelin-starred chefs collaborating with the local team, there’s no shortage of unique culinary and lifestyle offerings.
For sporting enthusiasts, the options are endless. Celebrity golf pros visit regularly, padel clinics are available, yoga takes place in an open-air gazebo, and the island’s largest lagoon offers prime conditions for snorkelling. I particularly loved aqua aerobics and managed to fit in several sessions – though I’d recommend a hat and a high-necked, long-sleeved lycra shirt to avoid sunburn.
Those eager to explore beyond Anahita will find plenty to see. The nearby Bras d’Eau National Park and Flacq market are worth a visit, while a cataspeed adventure along the 6km coastline provides a thrilling perspective of the island’s largest lagoon. On previous trips, I’ve enjoyed the fishing village of Trou d’eau Douce, taken a guided tour of Île aux Aigrettes (a protected nature reserve run by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation), and hiked through Vallée de Ferney, a conservation park home to deer, wild boar, and kestrels.
No resort stay feels complete without a visit to the spa, and Anahita’s, operated by Themae Paris, does not disappoint. The skilled therapists offer treatments that melt away tension, while a hair salon ensures you’re polished for an evening out.
There are countless reasons to book a stay at Anahita Hotel – these are just a few. Whether you’re seeking solitude or vibrant experiences, this retreat delivers a mood-boosting, sleep-inducing vacation that leaves you refreshed and ready to return. Guaranteed.
Little Black Book
- Anahita Golf & Spa Resort or email [email protected]
- I flew direct from Cape Town, courtesy of Air Mauritius, which offers twice-weekly flights from the Mother City and daily flights from Johannesburg.
