Review: Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

I recently had the privilege of staying at the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, marking my inaugural venture into the Four Seasons realm.

Prior to our stay, I’d heard excellent reports from Ricky about his stays with the brand, and I was delighted to finally experience it for myself.

Nestled in the Anahita Sanctuary, the Four Seasons Mauritius has an expansive terrain where the lush, mountainous landscapes of Mauritius blend with the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean.

The approach to the hotel was a journey, as we wound through an extended landscape that gave a sense of exclusivity and seclusion, setting the stage for an indulgent stay ahead.

Four Seasons Mauritius – Booking

Our stay was arranged as part of a collaborative endeavour. The property graciously extended their hospitality to us for two nights, in support of Prince Collection, our luxury travel agency.

Regarding pricing, one can anticipate a standard room at the hotel to cost around $800 (USD) during the off-peak season, escalating to $1,400 (USD) in the peak season.

If you’re headed to Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, you should know that the hotel proudly participates in the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program.

This exclusive program offers guests complimentary breakfast for two and a $100 (USD) property credit, among other benefits, at no additional cost.

Furthermore, you can combine the Preferred Partner benefits with all available rates, including prepaid, promotional, flexible, and fully refundable rates, enhancing the overall value of your stay.

Four Seasons Mauritius – Location

Located on the eastern coast of Mauritius, which is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and lush scenery, the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita enjoys a prime position for a scenic getaway.

The resort is set in a verdant area, providing impressive views of both Bambous Mountain and the island’s lagoon, known for its striking turquoise hue.

It’s worth noting that the area immediately around the hotel isn’t very pedestrian-friendly, especially for reaching tourist sites or facilities. However, you’ll likely have a hard time leaving the property, as it has many features to draw you in.

For guests at the resort, the journey from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport takes about 45 minutes. The hotel offers options for private transfers or pre-arranged taxi services.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita – Check-In

Arriving at the Four Seasons Mauritius, the elegant simplicity of the structure, coupled with the lush tropical landscaping, creates a lasting first impression.

Established in 2008, the resort integrates contemporary Mauritian style with its natural surroundings through open-air architecture.

At the heart of the resort lies the main pavilion, which encompasses a stylish lobby, a bar, dining options, a range of shops, and an art gallery.

Central to the resort’s design is its focus on outdoor interaction. This is exemplified by the beautifully decorated tiered barachois, or fish breeding ponds, which are adorned with vibrant flowers.

The lobby’s open-air design drew me in, and is a prime example of this design philosophy. There are stunning views of both the lagoon and the resort’s grounds, masterfully blending the indoor luxury with the lush greenery of the exterior,

A remarkable sculpture of a paddler stands centrally, adding an artistic touch and infusing the space with a unique spirit.

The seating arrangement complements this, with woven basket chairs and plush cushions creating cozy nooks, while the dark wooden benches with vibrant red cushions accentuate the warmth of the space.

The attentive staff greeted us with a refreshing lemongrass pineapple welcome drink, offering a taste of local flavours and a personal touch.

Shortly thereafter, our stay in a One-Bedroom Villa was confirmed by staff, who came to us as we were comfortably seated.

Once everything was arranged, we were offered a buggy service to get to our room, and enjoyed a personal tour of the grounds en route.

Four Seasons Mauritius – Resort Layout

The resort, stretching along one of Mauritius’s largest lagoons, is a breathtaking sight.

Its expansive layout includes the private island, Ile aux Chats, and a mainland section, connected by wooden bridges. Guests are provided with bicycles to explore this vast property.

The resort’s commitment to detail is visible everywhere, especially in the lush landscapes maintained by a team of 60 on-site gardeners.

At the resort’s core is the welcoming lounge, reception, and lobby, flanked by boutiques for shopping and souvenirs. Dining options and a Zen Garden are positioned to the northwest.

The pool area, a central feature, is encircled by dining venues like Bambou and a Boathouse, with the WiseOceans Coral Cabana just south, serving as an educational centre.

The spa, fitness centre & lap pool, and tennis courts are conveniently situated in the south-central area.

To the east, the main beach offers spectacular views and prime sunrise spots, while Quiet Beach to the north offers a more secluded ambiance.

The resort’s 136 all-pool villas, including various Pool Villas, Residence Villas, and a Presidential Suite Sanctuary, are strategically placed for privacy and ease of access to the resort’s many features.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita – One-Bedroom Villa

As we entered the spacious One-Bedroom Villa, we were instantly taken by its unique indoor/outdoor living area – a feature I find particularly enjoyable.

The room’s décor, with its light, flowing curtains and a mix of wood and marble elements, is simply beautiful. The colour scheme is thoughtfully chosen to echo the natural tones visible outside.

Large windows and sliding doors bathe the interior in natural light, creating a bright and airy feel that complements the outdoor oasis.

The room’s expansive layout boasts a luxurious bedroom, a cozy living area, a well-equipped bathroom, and a balcony presenting breathtaking views.

In the bedroom, a king bed offers views of the private pool through glass doors, while a flat-screen TV hangs opposite the bed. Near the foot of the bed sits a leather bench.

There’s a workspace with a marble-topped desk paired with a chair, and thoughtful touches like a welcome bottle of wine and a Nespresso coffee maker.

A nearby sitting area features a comfy armchair, a side table with a lamp, and a decorative flower arrangement.

The open suite design of the bathroom and bedroom enhances the overall sense of space.

Stepping into the bathroom, you’re greeted by an oversized bathtub against a dark, textured wall, framed by a window overlooking a serene garden.

A large, well-lit mirror spans the wall aloft a dual-sink vanity crafted from black marble, with contrasting white basins and elegant faucets.

To the right, a spacious walk-in shower features a modern rainfall head and a handheld unit.

A wardrobe includes rich wooden cabinetry, open shelves, and hangers for personal belongings.

Right beside the shower, there’s a door that leads to a stunning outdoor shower and garden area.

Each villa at the resort also comes with its own plunge pool and private garden.

Outside, dark stone tiles and a bed of black pebbles border a rectangular plunge pool.

A wooden deck hosts a daybed and a set of armchairs, partially shaded and surrounded by lush vegetation.

Loungers on a lawn lead to a beach with thatched umbrellas. The convenience of private access to the beach from each villa adds an element of exclusivity.

We found that the One-Bedroom Villas at the Four Seasons Mauritius are undeniably stunning.

The combination of luxurious indoor and outdoor space is captivating, and overall, the design embodies private luxury in a tropical environment.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita – Breakfast

Breakfast is hosted at Bambou, the resort’s all-day-dining restaurant, located right by the hotel’s main pool.

The breakfast features both buffet and à la carte selections, and showcases a varied and comprehensive buffet spread.

Bambou’s seating arrangement, which offers both indoor and outdoor options, adds to the dining experience.

It was quite hot during our visit, and we opted to dine in the shade for both visits.

Hot items available at the buffet include soups, curry, lentils, ful-medames, and traditional breakfast staples such as porridge, bacon, sausages.

One of the highlights was a distinctive eggs Benedict station offering crab, classic, and salmon Benedicts.

There was a wide assortment of freshly baked items, including a unique bagel display, various pastries, and cakes.

The cold section provides a cured meats platter, freshly sourced honey, salads, smoked fish, and a broad cheese selection.

Lighter options like yogurt parfaits, panna cotta, and a variety of fresh fruits, including exotic choices, are also on offer.

We particularly enjoyed going into the separate cold room, as it offered a nice respite from the sweltering heat outside.

We took the time to savour our breakfast both mornings, and were very pleased by the quality and assortment of everything we sampled.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita – Pools & Beach

At the heart of the resort is the main pool, which stands as a bustling hub of activity. It’s a popular spot, attracting both families and adults alike.

The main pool, which is a two-tiered infinity pool, looks out to the surrounding lagoon.

Surrounded by lush palm trees and stylish loungers, this pool area offers stunning views over the main beach, extending towards the Indian Ocean lagoon.

This area features convenient towel and coconut stations, as well.

Bambou Beach, located in front of the main pool area, is a hive of activity with its water sports club offering complimentary non-motorized water sports.

Quiet Beach, an adults-only zone, is the perfect place to enjoy some downtime.

The private beach club on Ile aux Cerfs, accessible via a short 15-minute speedboat ride, is a haven of white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoon waters.

Four Seasons Mauritius – Dining

In addition to breakfast, Bambou serves a Mediterranean-themed lunch and Creole cuisine in the evenings.

Conveniently situated at the water’s edge, Acquapazza is the resort’s chic, open-air signature restaurant.

It specializes in Italian cuisine, and occasionally transforms into a pop-up venue featuring internationally acclaimed chefs. The head chef, Marco Garfagnini, is recognized with two Michelin stars.

Beau Champ, a modern French bistro by the water, presents classic French dishes crafted from local seafood and produced in an open kitchen setting.

Chatkar offers an exquisite Indian fine-dining experience under the guidance of Chef Vishal. The menu showcases dishes from across the Indian Subcontinent using locally sourced ingredients.

Umi Zaka, located near the lobby, is a trendy Asian eatery that blends a seafood-inspired Asian menu in an idyllic oceanside dining setting.

La Plaz Beach Grill is a casual beachfront grill on the exclusive beach at Ile aux Cerfs. It serves fresh seafood and light bites, accessible via a short speedboat ride from the main resort.

Upper Cut emphasizes grilling and slow-cooking techniques, featuring a menu with the finest cuts of meat and seafood, complemented by farm-to-fork salads, chargrilled dishes, rustic cocktails, and desserts by the water’s edge.

Lazy Fish, in a cozy beach setting on Bambou Beach, allows guests to enjoy the festive spirit of Mauritius with a selection of favorite local dishes.

Lastly, BLU’ZIL is perfect for pre-dinner drinks or late evening socializing, offering al-fresco seating with resort views and specializing in handcrafted cocktails made from local aged, dark spiced rum.

Regarding my personal dining experiences at the resort, I had the pleasure of dining at Chatkar, Bambou, and Umi Zaka.

Both dinners at Chatkar and Umi Zaka were exceptional, with the Indian cuisine at Chatkar particularly standing out.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita – Other Facilities

The Four Seasons Mauritius offers a vast fitness complex that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

The fitness centre itself is part of a larger wellness centre at the resort, which also includes a spa with a variety of treatments and yoga classes.

The fitness centre’s overall layout is spacious and well-organized. The wooden flooring adds warmth to the space, while lush greenery is visible through the ample windows.

The facility is equipped with a variety of modern exercise equipment. It includes an array of free weights and dumbbells, multiple benches and racks, and a range of strength training exercises, treadmills, and elliptical machines.

The fitness centre also includes specialized machines such as a leg press and a cable machine.

Additionally, there’s space dedicated to functional training, complete with exercise balls and mats for stretching or yoga, reflecting a holistic approach to fitness.

The lap pool is distinct from the main leisure pools of the resort, and is more suited for those looking to engage in serious swimming exercises rather than leisurely lounging.

The overwater spa, housed on its own island, has 12 sea-facing suites on stilts, offering a pleasant setting overlooking the mangrove.

There’s a range of treatments, including massages with eco-friendly oils, and daily yoga sessions.

The spa’s serene overwater location and luxurious amenities make it a standout feature of the resort and very popular, so you’ll want to make sure you book ahead.

Conclusion

Overall, the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita surely lives up to the esteemed reputation of the Four Seasons brand, providing an outstanding stay that exceeded all expectations.

From the exceptional service and exquisite food to the luxurious rooms and beautifully maintained property, every aspect contributed to the overall lovely feel of the resort.

Whether it’s the bespoke One-Bedroom Villa or the diverse facilities, the Four Seasons Mauritius was an excellent first encounter with the Four Seasons brand.

I wouldn’t hesitate to return, as the Four Seasons Mauritius offers private luxury and a relaxing, indulgent experience, and is ideal for those seeking a top-tier island retreat.