Review: The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius

During a trip to Mauritius, my wife Ashley and I stayed at three Marriott Bonvoy properties on the island nation. To wrap up our Marriott tour, we spent a night at The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius.

Located in the Balaclava region on the northwest coast of Mauritius, The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa is in a location that’s particularly known for its breathtaking sunsets.

Before my visit, I’d read many positive reviews about this property, and I was keen to compare it with the other Marriott properties we experienced during our trip.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius – Booking

This time, I booked our stay through Marriott Luminous, a preferred partner program. After we launched our luxury travel agency, Prince Collection, I was keen to see the benefits offered through the program in action. 

The average cash rate for a standard room at this hotel typically falls between $400–450 (USD) per night. Interestingly, this rate remains quite consistent throughout the year, and doesn’t vary much with different seasons.

At the time of our stay, it was possible to book this property using Marriott Bonvoy points; however, that appears to no longer be the case. I wasn’t able to find any award availability for the next year when I went to write this review.

As for the cash rate, I was quite satisfied with the overall value from our stay. Amongst other benefits, we received a $100 (USD) property credit, which we used to indulge in a great dinner.

If you’re heading to The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius, be sure to get in touch with us, as we have access to Marriott Luminous.

You’ll pay the same as the best available refundable rate, but you’ll enjoy a suite of benefits, such as free breakfast, a room upgrade, and more.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius – Location

Positioned in the serene northwest region of Mauritius, The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa is situated in Balaclava amidst white sandy beaches and coral reefs.

Located right on Turtle Bay, the property joins the ranks of neighbours like the Oberoi, the InterContinental, and Maritim, creating a luxurious cluster of resorts.

While its secluded location in Mauritius offers an exclusive retreat, it also means limited walkability to nearby towns, a trait shared by many resorts in the area.

However, shuttle services and car rentals provide easy access to vibrant attractions such as Grand Baie, the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, and the capital city, Port Louis, all less than 20 minutes away.

For those guests arriving from afar, the resort is about an hour’s drive from Mauritius’s Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Unless you have a rental car, the resort is best accessed through a pre-arranged airport transfer.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius – Check-In

After our late check-out from Le Méridien Ile Maurice, we embarked on our next adventure up the coast to The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa.

As we arrived, the concierge greeted us and offloaded our luggage, while I found convenient parking nearby.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius welcomed us with a very pleasant exterior. 

Wandering through the lush surroundings, we marvelled at a venerable banyan tree at the entrance roundabout. Then, we made our way to the hotel’s vestibule, which features a grand glass wall, offering a panoramic view of the ocean.

As we entered the resort, I was tempted to sound a large gong that stood in the entrance. I managed to hold off, but I’m sure other guests might not be able to resist the temptation.

The architecture of the resort blends open spaces and natural elements. Upon entering, we were greeted by high ceilings with rustic wooden beams and stone pillars.

The open-air design seamlessly connects to the beauty of nature outside. In the centre, a collection of seating arrangements is available, with rattan sofas and armchairs surrounded by coffee tables.

The cushions and throw pillows added a pop of colour, while tropical floral arrangements on the tables accentuated the ambiance.

The lobby’s panorama features a captivating display, offering a view of gentle water features that transition to the pristine beach and the ocean beyond.

Our interaction with the check-in staff was both delightful and efficient. We were offered welcome drinks and refreshing cold towels, and the staff came to us with an iPad while we enjoyed the views.

Originally, we were booked into a standard room; however, we were pleasantly surprised by an upgrade to a more opulent and expansive suite. The staff also confirmed the many benefits we’d enjoy through our Marriott Luminous booking, as well as those I enjoy with my Marriott Platinum status.

With that, a buggy ride took us to our room, located on the southern part of the resort.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius – Resort Layout

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius encompasses 190 rooms spread across 17 buildings. Each building, with its temple-like pitched roofs, stretches along prime beachfront real estate.

The property is adorned with lush gardens and plenty of banyan trees. A notable feature by the entrance is a large pond, home to koi carp and bordered by fragrant frangipani trees, serving as a natural focal point as you greet the resort.

The resort’s layout is thoughtfully planned to maximize the picturesque coastal surroundings. The main building, strategically located at the centre, houses essential facilities such as the lobby lounge, a shopping arcade, a banquet area, the spa, and some dining facilities.

The rooms are distributed in clusters around the resort, mostly located along the beachfront areas.

We spent the better part of the evening strolling around the resort’s grounds, which were bathed in sunlight and generally quite pleasant.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius – Junior King Suite

As we stepped into the Junior King Suite, its immense size immediately captured our attention. The room emanates an ambiance of casual opulence, though its décor whispers a touch out of date.

There are actually two separate entrances to our room, with one located closer to the beach and one along the main pathway.

As you enter, a well-stocked minibar awaits on the right-hand side, complete with a Nespresso machine.

Just beyond the minibar, the living area unfolds, featuring a dining table tucked into the corner on the right.

On the left, a comfortable seating arrangement is comprised of a sofa, armchairs, and a coffee table, all strategically placed by the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering an unobstructed view of the beachfront.

A warm and neutral colour palette dominates the space, with vibrant pink accents providing a hint of tropical vivacity. Soft, natural light filters through curtains, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

On the kitchen table, a bottle of wine and a thoughtful note from the Prince Collection team were graciously left for us.

We also found a Mauritian vacoas basket with beach towels loaded up for us, which we liked so much that we decided to take one home as a keepsake.

Adjacent to the main living area, to the right, there’s a separate seating area and a half bathroom. Here, we also found one of the suite’s two showers.

In the bedroom, a king bed commands attention, and is flanked by two nightstands. On the bed, we found a rather odd welcome gift in the form of a polo shirt, as well as a wrap.

At the foot of the bed, a long, low-back upholstered sofa is complemented by a matching ottoman, adorned with decorative cushions.

Opposite from the sofa and against the wall, a desk with a chair, a lamp, and a mirror above it serves as a dedicated workspace.

The primary bathroom exudes an aura of luxurious tranquility, with its use of marble tiles, wooden accents, and decorative frosted glass.

This well-appointed space boasts a generously sized oval-shaped bathtub, with a spacious glass-enclosed shower stall, dual vanities, and a dressing area with a well-lit mirror.

A delightful surprise awaited me in the form of a separate outdoor space, complete with two outdoor showers, which I discovered the following day. The space is accessed through a door in both of the room’s showers, which I missed during my initial walkthrough.

Set against a backdrop of natural stone walls and tropical surroundings, these showers provide a private, open-air experience, perfect for a refreshing rinse under the sun or stars, all while surrounded by lush greenery.

The room’s outdoor patio is also quite spacious, and comes adorned with cushioned wicker furniture and a mesmerizing view of the sea. This area also treats you to breathtaking sunset views and easy access to the beach.

We opted to enjoy a glass of wine out here before heading out on a sunset stroll.

Overall, the room exceeded our expectations in terms of size and amenities. It offered much more space than we actually needed, which was a delightful surprise.

In fact, the room would be entirely suitable for a family or group of friends, especially with the two bathrooms and showers. 

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius – Breakfast

Breakfast is served at Seasonal Tastes, located just by the lobby lounge. We only had one chance to experience breakfast, and we decided to make the most of it.

Thanks to both my Marriott Platinum status and the Luminous rate I booked, breakfast was complimentary during our stay.

The breakfast buffet was varied and diverse, going above and beyond typical breakfast fare. There’s a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, including some unique local specialties.

As for where we sat, we chose the outdoor seating to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views, which was a delightful choice.

For those who prefer, there’s the option of indoor seating, especially useful when the weather is too warm or wet outside.

The hot section of the buffet offered Western dishes, such as roasted herbed potatoes, a variety of eggs, sautéed mixed vegetables, baked beans, and sautéed mushrooms. Additionally, there was a made-to-order omelette station.

The Indian section included aloo gobi, bhaji pav, upma, and vegetable stir-fry.

The cold section boasted sweetened vermicelli noodles, an assortment of chutneys and pickles, a salad bar with diverse accompaniments, yogurt cups, sliced cheeses, cold cuts/deli meats, fresh fruits, and a spread of breads and pastries.

A highlight of the breakfast was the freshly made eggs Benedict, and the option to enjoy sparkling wine, adding a touch of luxury to our meals.

To begin, I savoured a plate generously filled with sausages, bacon, and sautéed vegetables. For my next round, I indulged in the eggs Benedict, which had velvety hollandaise sauce draped over a poached egg, and accompanied by a tangy tomato sauce, wilted spinach, and smoky ham, all resting atop a toasted English muffin.

Alongside my meals, a cup of cappuccino with its rich aroma and frothy foam, was the perfect accompaniment.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius – Pools & Beach

The pool area of the hotel was another highlight. The lounging options available were ample, and some pools offered noteworthy views, which makes for a very relaxing and scenic environment.

At the heart of the Westin Mauritius is its massive main pool. This expansive pool, covering nearly 15,000 square feet, isn’t only large, but also visually appealing,

The pool’s classic rectangular shape is enhanced by picturesque palm-tree islands, making it a vibrant centre of activity.

The area around the pool bustles with life, and is particularly popular among families and children. Comfortable loungers are thoughtfully placed throughout the pool area, and it shouldn’t be too hard to come by one for yourself.

Next to the main pool, you’ll also find some entertainment options, including a massive chess board and a ping pong table.

The Reflections Whisper Pool is a smaller, adults-only pool. It has a dramatic curved infinity edge, and overlooks a quieter section of the beach.

It’s an ideal location for adults looking to relax away from the more active and lively parts of the resort. We spent the latter part of the morning here, and then came back for a dip before our late check-out.

The resort is located along a stretch of Balaclava Beach, where I enjoyed several swims. The beach features sections of sand with tiny pieces of broken-up coral, which is typical for this part of Mauritius.

It’s worth noting that there are many loungers on the beach, and attentive staff providing amenities like cold towels and food and drink service. However, the beach experience at The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius wasn’t as exceptional as the one at the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort.

Still, we managed to enjoy a couple of saltwater swims, and spent some time soaking up the sun before it became too intense.

At the resort’s main beach stretch, a variety of water activities are offered, including kayaking, snorkelling, water-skiing, and more. For those looking for additional adventures, the resort also offers activities like parasailing and diving at an additional cost.

Lastly, the resort features a “whisper zone,” an adults-only section of the beach known for its calm waters, protected by a barricade of volcanic rocks.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius – Dining

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius has ample on-site dining options, in addition to what’s offered at Seasonal Tastes.

One of the most delightful dinners during our stay in Mauritius was at Kangan, the resort’s Indian restaurant. The staff there were lovely, and we found the food to be exceptionally tasty.

Adding to the pleasure of our meal was a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, which was provided as a Luminous amenity. Conveniently, I used our $100 (USD) resort credit to cover the cost of our meal.

We also enjoyed lunch at Beach Grill prior to leaving, which stood out for its refreshing beach hut ambiance. This place, like the other dining venues in the hotel, had its own charm and distinct feel.

We had a casual lunch on the beach, and wound up splitting a pizza, some grilled fish, and a couple of cocktails.

I didn’t get a chance to try each venue, but other options include Fusion, which offers Mauritian-inspired cuisine, which is noted for its sophisticated ambiance.

Mystique Beach Lounge & Bar offers a more relaxed beach club atmosphere. The venue serves a variety of dishes, including pizzas, pastas, and an assortment of tapas and sushi in the evening, alongside a selection of cocktails and rums.

The Retreat is the main bar of the resort, with a wide selection of homemade, regional, and international rums, complemented by live music performances in the evenings.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius – Other Facilities

During my visit, I had the opportunity to briefly explore the hotel’s fitness centre.

Upon entry, I was greeted by the sight of modern treadmills positioned before large windows that framed the outdoors, providing an inspiring view for a cardio session.

This layout infused the space with natural light that was neither too bright nor too dim, ensuring a comfortable environment for exercise.

The fitness centre is of a moderate size, neatly accommodating the number of guests without feeling crowded. To the side, a selection of free weights and a versatile weight machine were arranged.

As for the spa, named the Heavenly Spa, I didn’t personally experience its services this time around. However, it was clear that the spa enjoyed a serene setting, tucked away from the lively main pool area.

You can conveniently book spa appointments through the concierge. The spa also offers access to certain amenities like steam rooms and saunas for guests without additional fees.

Conclusion

Overall, our stay at The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius was great.

The hotel’s prime location on Mauritius’s northwest coast was a major highlight, offering breathtaking sunsets from almost every vantage point.

The room upgrade we were provided went beyond our expectations in both size and amenities, especially with the discovery of outdoor showers.

Out of the three hotels in Mauritius we visited, we found that the dining options here stood out as consistently great. On the other hand, the beach at the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort was the best of the bunch, while we enjoyed the room décor and sunsets at Le Méridien Ile Maurice the most.

The breakfast buffet at Seasonal Tastes was a delightful spread with diverse choices, and our meals at Kangan and the Beach Grill were also memorable. Plus, most of our meals were covered with the $100 (USD) property credit offered through Marriott Luminous.

When we come back to Mauritius, we’d certainly be inclined to spend some more time at The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, as it was an all-around fantastic stay.