Review: JW Marriott Mauritius Resort

To kickstart our oceanfront time in Mauritius, we headed straight from the airport to the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort.

The property is located on the southwest corner of the island nation, right in the shadow of the iconic Le Morne Brabant, on a white, sandy beach that extends into a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon.

The JW Marriott Mauritius Resort was a perfect place to spend two nights as we transitioned from the mountains of Nepal to sea-level on the second half of our trip.

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort – Booking

Typical cash rates for the JW Marriott Mauritius hover around $450–900 (USD) per night; however, they’ll also rise and fall outside of these bounds, depending on the season.

Oddly enough, the award calendar doesn’t show any availability for redemptions using Marriott Bonvoy points at the time of writing.

If you’re looking to book a stay at the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort, you’ll be glad to know that it participates in Marriott Luminous, a preferred partner program. This means that by booking your stay through an authorized travel advisor, you can enjoy additional perks during your stay at no extra cost.

You’ll receive elite-level benefits, such as free breakfast and a space-available room upgrade, as well as a $100 (USD) hotel credit, while paying the same price as the best available flexible rate.

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort – Location

The JW Marriott Mauritius Resort enjoys a prime spot, nestled on the southwestern tip of Mauritius, perched on the picturesque Le Morne peninsula.

This stunning property is cast in the shadow of the majestic Le Morne Brabant – a towering 556-metre monolith famed for its superb hiking trails and sweeping panoramic views. From Le Morne Brabant, you can see one of the island’s most popular natural spectacles – the “underwater waterfall” – an optical illusion that’s a must-see if you have the chance.

The resort is located on one of the best beaches in the island nation. The area of Le Morne is also known as a pinnacle destination for kitesurfing, with the hotel mere minutes from an exceptional spot.

Only a 20-minute drive from the resort are the lush rainforests and extensive hiking paths of the Black River Gorge National Park. Accessible in the same time frame is a popular dolphin safari, if you’re interested in intimate encounters with marine life.

As the primary point of entry to the island, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport serves as the main international gateway, with the resort being easily reachable from there.

It’ll take around an hour and a half to drive to the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort from the airport, or longer if you stop to soak in the views along the way.

The capital city, Port Louis, is around an hour by car from the resort.

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort – Check-In

After our flight from Mumbai, I rented a car at the airport and we drove straight to the resort. We arrived rather early in the day, and as the resort was fully booked, our room wasn’t immediately ready.

However, the staff were very accommodating, offering to take charge of our bags while we took the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the resort’s surroundings.

Upon arrival, we passed through a stately gated entrance to the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort, where lush greenery peered from behind the fence.

A grand tree with sprawling branches stands prominently to the right, and then you’re guided through manicured gardens toward the main building, which is adorned with a welcoming porch. 

The official check-in area is at the end of a covered wooden walkway lined with decorative pots. This area overlooks a water feature, and I found the whole arrivals process to be quite calming.

We were invited to complete the check-in process in a separate part of the lobby lounge, in a more casual, relaxed setting.

In the lobby lounge, a variety of seating areas are scattered around, including plush sofas and armchairs.

It was interesting to learn that the property operated under the St. Regis brand until 2021 before it was rebranded as JW Marriott. Notably, the resort has retained butler service, which was a hallmark of the St. Regis experience, and quite a distinctive feature for a JW Marriott.

Following a relaxing morning stroll around the resort, we completed our check-in formalities without having to return to the reception. The staff approached us with everything prepared, and they also offered us a delicious welcome drink, which was a refreshing gesture of hospitality.

Once we were all set, we headed off to Room 282, eagerly anticipating the days ahead of us.

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort – Junior King Suite

The room types here at the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort are expansive suites, each with a luxuriously spacious, spa-like bathroom. The resort boasts a total of 172 suites, all offering beautiful sea views, neatly arranged in two-storey clusters along the soft sands of the beach.

Stepping into your suite, a coastal-inspired theme envelops you in an open-concept layout. A palette of neutral tones, accented with natural textures like a woven area rug and wooden furniture, complements the tropical setting.

As you enter the room, you’ll head down a short hallway to the main bedroom, which is where the king bed stands. It’s centrally located to offer a direct line of sight to the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and onward to the nearby beach and ocean.

From the comfort of your bed, you have the pleasure of unobstructed views of the beach and the ground’s manicured gardens.

To the right of the bed is the entertainment area, where you’ll find a large flat-screen TV sitting atop the console.

On the left side of the bed is a seating area, featuring a small, comfortable sofa. It’s an ideal spot for reading, relaxing, or simply unwinding after a day out.

The balcony serves as an additional relaxation space. One end features a sofa for lounging, while the other end hosts a set of chairs and a table, perfect for enjoying beverages with the soothing sounds of the ocean as your backdrop.

Additionally, you’re just steps away from the beach, with a well-kept green expanse that guides you to the sea.

Before you reach the suite’s main area, and just to the left as you enter, you’ll find a small minibar and an illy coffee machine. A welcome gift of sparkling rosé awaited us on the counter, which was a nice gesture.

The minibar features a selection of wines in a built-in rack on the left, and a variety of chilled beverages, including champagne, soft drinks, and beer.

Mid-way down the hallway to the bedroom is the entrance to the bathroom area. Inside, there’s an expansive walk-in closet, offering ample space for your wardrobe, which you can opt to have unpacked by hotel staff.

Just outside, a desk and chair overlook the bedroom, complete with power outlets for your devices.

Just behind the desk lies the bathroom, where you’ll find twin vanities that mirror the elegant oval shape of the large freestanding bathtub. For added privacy, the toilet is discreetly enclosed in its own space, and a walk-in shower stands adjacent.

Overall, I found that the suite to be well-designed, and having direct access to the beach added an elevated touch to the experience.

We also enjoyed the butler service, and ordered cappuccinos to be delivered to us in the morning, which was a most excellent way to start the day.

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort – Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the hotel’s main restaurant, Le Manoir, located by the check-in area. Breakfast service begins at 7am and ends at 11am daily.

This upscale open-air dining space makes for a delightful beginning to the day.

The seating is versatile, accommodating both intimate pairs and larger groups, with bench-style options and a patio setting for those who prefer dining al fresco.

The breakfast buffet is split up into different stations, each with a variety of options.

For hot dishes, there’s an excellent selection that includes Western staples such as bacon and sausage, along with grilled vegetables and baked beans.

The spread also features local specialties like chickpea curry, upma, fritters, and daily specials such as matcha pancakes. Moreover, international options extend to fried noodles and dim sum.

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased with the extensive pastry and sweets selection, which includes a wide array of fresh and sliced bread, vegan croissants, and rolls.

Additionally, there’s a wide selection of fresh fruits on offer, ranging from exotic dragon fruit, watermelon, and kiwi to coconut slices and passion fruit.

Although the cold food selection might not be as extensive, it doesn’t disappoint, and cold options were particularly refreshing in the warm weather.

The buffet features a variety of cereals, fresh honey directly from the comb, an assortment of veggies and dips, as well as pasta and a selection of cured meats and cheeses.

The breakfast experience is further enhanced by a great fresh-pressed juice station that includes detox juices, perfect for a healthy start to the day.

For those looking for something a bit more indulgent in the morning, there’s a “make your own Bloody Mary” area, and sparkling wine and cocktails are also available for those looking for an early buzz.

I chose to complement my meal with sparkling wine and orange juice, and allowed myself to sample a bit of everything on offer.

The breakfast buffet at Le Manoir more than met our needs, and it’s sure to keep you content throughout you stay.

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort – Dining

On the day of our arrival, we elected to indulge in the comfort of in-room dining. The meal was tasty, and it was great to dine and simply relax in the comfort of our room.

The next night, we made our way to the Floating Market, which is open daily from 6:30–10pm.

This dining venue takes its cue from the famed waterborne bazaars of Thailand. Positioned above the water, the restaurant has charming interiors and serves pan-Asian dishes.

Its interiors are artfully adorned with rich wooden finishes, elegant botanic wallpapers, and inventive lighting fixtures reminiscent of birdcages.

Among the dishes we sampled, the mee goreng was very satisfying, whereas the tofu rad prik didn’t make a memorable impact.

Come midday, we opted to have a casual lunch at the Boathouse Grill. This establishment is perched on the edge of a pristine beach, and exudes a trendy, island-inspired ambiance.

We ordered a wood-fired pizza for lunch, enjoying each slice alongside the gentle sea breeze.

While we missed the opportunity to sample the fare at Simply India, it’s worth mentioning that the menu looked great.

There’s also Atsuko, a name that translates to “tranquility” in Japanese. This venue serves tempura, sushi, and nigiri, complemented by creative mixed drinks. It’s located close to Floating Market, and tends to get booked up.

Le Manoir is also open for other meals, and it serves up French-inspired Mauritian cuisine, Southeast Asian dishes, Japanese selections, seafood, and traditional Indian flavours.

Lastly, Le Morne Lounge is also located in the Manor House of the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort, and offers up cocktails, snacks, and live entertainment in a nice atmosphere.

JW Marriott Mauritius – Pools & Beach

One of the main attractions of our destination was undoubtedly the beach, which is recognized as one of the nicer stretches of sandy shoreline on the island.

There were plenty of loungers and comfortable seats sprinkled along the beachfront, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and seaside enjoyment. Looking back at the resort, you’re treated to great views of Le Morne Brabant.

Staff come by with fresh fruit, and there are water stations dotted along the walkway close to the beach. You can also place orders with staff with buzzers.

This spot was also a prime location for watching sunsets, as the beach faces westward, presenting an unobstructed view of the sun dipping into the open ocean.

It’s worth mentioning the property’s two sea-facing pools capitalize on the hotel’s striking coastal setting. The main pool offered the luxury of daybeds and chair-side service, whereas the smaller garden pool was the go-to spot for those seeking a quieter, more secluded environment.

The hotel’s main pool, located near the check-in area, was a hub of activity, often bustling with families throughout the day. While it was an attractive area, we found ourselves drawn more to the ocean for swimming and relaxing, preferring the natural expanse of the sea over the contained waters of the pool.

An important highlight for adventure seekers is the famous kitesurfing spot located just down the beach from the JW Marriott Mauritius. The hotel’s position on the Le Morne Peninsula is idyllic for kitesurfing enthusiasts due to the clear, shallow waters complemented by the consistently windy conditions, making it a year-round destination for the sport.

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort – Other Facilities

Certainly, the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort provides a comprehensive experience, catering to a wide variety of interests and preferences.

The resort has its own library for those who enjoy reading and quiet relaxation. Right next to it, for a change of pace, is a games room, outfitted with entertainment options such as a pool table, table tennis, and a variety of board games.

Further complementing the entertainment offerings, the resort features a private cinema that can accommodate up to 12 people, where you can enjoy movies in a cozy and intimate setting.

Similarly, sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the two tennis courts available for guest use, with all necessary equipment, including tennis rackets and balls, provided.

Then there’s a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness centre. This facility presents a clean, organized, and well-maintained gym environment with a range of equipment available, including a squat rack and various dumbbells.

For those who enjoy cardio, there are several machines such as treadmills and elliptical trainers, all positioned for optimal viewing of screens during exercise.

The fitness centre also coordinates with the Iridium Spa to provide yoga sessions, enhancing the comprehensive wellness experience.

The Iridium Spa itself offers a wide range of treatments, from traditional facials and massages to unique therapies such as Ayurveda and the Hawaiian hot oil candle massage – the latter being especially helpful in melting away any tension from engaging in water sports.

Speaking of water sports, the resort’s Watersports Centre is a dynamic hub for both complimentary activities like windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling, and for more adventurous pursuits, it organizes excursions such as dolphin swims and big-game fishing.

Notably, the resort is proud to host the prestigious ION CLUB Prestige kite-surfing school, which caters to every level of experience from novice to expert.

In addition to these amenities, you’ll have access to a variety of shops within the property, ensuring a convenient shopping experience that caters to a range of needs, from basic sundries to luxury items.

Families can take advantage of the on-site Kids Club, and if you’re hoping to explore the area by bike, you can arrange for a rental near the fitness centre.

Conclusion

The JW Marriott Mauritius Resort stands out as an exceptional property, marking itself as a top-tier destination in Mauritius and a place I’d certainly consider for a return visit.

For those seeking relaxation or a dash of adventure, the resort caters superbly to both, with the majestic Le Morne Brabant within easy reach for activities.

The suites are impressively well-appointed, featuring luxurious spa-like bathrooms and offering direct beach access. Furthermore, we loved having a personal butler service to deliver morning coffee, which was indeed a novel touch.

The sunsets were memorable, and perfectly encapsulated the spirit of our two-day stay at the resort.

If you’re looking for a great place to relax and unwind during a stay in Mauritius, look no further than the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort.