MauritiusBalaclava
InterContinental Resort Mauritius, an IHG Hotel
Oceanfront lagoon resort
Balaclava Mauritius
Opened
2009
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Wellness LocalOutside the door
The house
IHGOceanfront lagoon resort
Low-rise pavilions line Balaclava Bay, where resort life revolves around the calm lagoon and open sea.
What it’s good at
Listed
Seaside morning yoga sessions accompany traditional Mauritian massage rituals in the spa.
Listed
Open resort kitchens serve Mauritian curries and flatbreads baked in glass-walled tandoors.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
It’s set on a substantial parcel of land overlooking Balaclava Bay, and spreads across several low-rise buildings, so that all of its 210 rooms and suites face the sea.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On Balaclava Bay along the northwest coast, set on private grounds twenty minutes north of Port Louis.
1 of 4
The rooms
Every room looks out toward the water from a private balcony or terrace, styled in warm Mauritian colors.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Heated infinity pools stretch along the beachfront, lined with thatched parasols and palms facing Balaclava Bay.
The spa
Treatment rooms host Balinese therapies, and daybeds line a marble relaxation lounge beside the saunas and steam rooms.
Gym and hydrotherapy
Cardio machines face full-height ocean windows in the 24-hour gym, and a raised marble whirlpool sits among indoor loungers.
At the table
Outdoor timber decks serve grilled seafood at sunset, and Friday evenings bring lantern-lit dining onto the sand.
How it began
The resort was built alongside the ruins of an 18th-century colonial fort, using hand-chiselled limestone and volcanic rock.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.