WHAT? WHERE? 

Deep in the south west of this tropical Indian Ocean island lies Le Morne, an exclusive, tranquil peninsula blessed with white sand beaches, waving palms and a free-standing mountain. It’s a dramatic setting for a resort, nestled between ocean and mountain, and feels a little like being in a paradise bubble, far away from the rest of the world and its troubles. It takes around 12 hours to reach the island from London Gatwick, where Air Mauritius has just launched a new daily flight.

THE VIBE

Chic by the beach. Dinarobin’s large and spread out so never feels crowded, even in peak season. Overlooked by Le Morne Brabant mountain, the resort’s thatched suites stretch along a white sand beach and every feature feels laidback yet luxurious, from the beanbag loungers to the beach waiter service. Muddy felt totally relaxed amid the families flitting between pool, sea, tennis courts and kids’ club, and couples orbiting around the Zen area’s adult-only pool, sunset drinks and candle-lit suppers. 

THE SPA 

This is a knock-out, truly wonderful spa. A destination in its own right, where Muddy would happily holiday year-round. Reached via a wooden walkway above water, there’s an immediate sense of calm as you leave the buzz of the resort behind. Reception opens out onto a tranquil inner courtyard with a large pool overlooked by a Buddha statue and cosy cabanas for relaxation. Various treatment rooms lead off from the pool plus a stunning yoga studio, with dimmed lights, stone walls, rugs and giant gold Buddha head. 

My facial treatment with therapist Rita was powerful and unlike any I’ve experienced in the UK, or Europe for that matter. She began by asking about my beauty routine (lacking), accurately prescribed a hydrating facial and chatted about upping my water intake, all without telling me off (which is what usually happens when I meet a spa therapist). 

I lay down and was instructed to breathe deeply three times while she laid her hands on my heart before placing a row of stones along my torso and starting to gently cover my face with cleansing milk. Next, a series of exfoliating and moisturising lotions (organic and handmade on the island) were amazing – I could feel my skin soaking up the goodness. What blew me away even more than the products, however, was her technique. A hypnotic, Ayurvedic-style face massage that miraculously calmed and cleared my mind. The effect was particularly noticeable when Rita moved onto an Indian head massage and finally my hands and wrists, connecting with pressure points and soothing the chatter in my mind. Until Dinarobin, a facial had only ever been a beauty treatment for me, but her techniques lifted it into wellbeing. Impressive stuff.

An 8.30am yoga lesson with teacher Mohini was another revelation. As I lay out, tired on my mat, I was prepared for the usual cookie-cutter approach of many resorts, with a fitness rather than mental orientated yoga. Not so Dinarobin, where Mohini led us through a series of practices and asanas that were clearly of an Indian descent.

I loved learning how each pose was benefitting my body, and which she practices daily to ward off infections, keep fit and stay balanced. Apparently inhaling your arms straight above your head, then exhaling your fists down to your waist ten times is enough to keep you healthy, energised and focused for the whole day to come. Want to get rid of wrinkles? Mohini showed us a gentle face tapping technique to reduce puffiness and fine lines. She’s 55 and fizzing with energy and enthusiasm, so I took note. 

More into fitness? Next to the spa are four blue all-weather tennis courts, a gym and bikes to hire (by the hour). Watersports are, naturally, extensive and plenty of classes and experiences are free as part of the resort’s daily activities, think snorkelling trips, fully body training, circuits and beach volley ball.

EAT! DRINK! 

Umami is a swish Japanese restaurant that lives up to its name. Intricate sharing dishes emerge like works of art from the kitchen. Muddy tried fresh-from-the-sea sashimi, nigiri rolls crafted to melt in the mouth and a main of umbrina fish (we had to look it up, it’s a tropical fish found in the Indian Ocean FYI), a delicate white fillet which was incredibly good. Dessert was a light as air tiramisu accompanied by green tea ice cream.  

For lunch, saunter your way along the sand to La Plage for delicious seafood with your feet in the sand. There’s also L’Harmonie, the resort’s main restaurant where breakfast’s served, and Dina’s for locally-inspired, high end dining. If you fall for Mauritian food hard, book a cooking session with Jordanna, a friendly hotel chef and mum-of-two who knows parents want to whip up something healthy, quick and tasty that kids will love to. Under her tutelage I had a go at making a traditional chicken curry, using curry leaves, turmeric, garlic, onions, tomato paste and coriander and the results were good enough to serve for lunch. 

There are two bars, the main one has a showpiece central circular serving area with a soaring roof and a great space for evening entertainment, like Sega dancers and live bands. Muddy also loved the more hush hush Boutiq Bar tucked away in the Zen Area (read adult-only, keep out screaming kids) where you can chill on yellow bean bags at sunset sipping a glass of chilled rosé.  

STAY 

Spacious suites are designed in horseshoe-shaped clusters around four swimming pools along the beachfront, meaning you’re never going to be fighting for a lounger. Muddy stayed in Senior Suite 746 overlooking the beach and palm trees, which came with a large terrace, lounge, double bed, bathroom with a sunken tub and spacious wardrobe area. There’s a colonial vibe, with rattan furniture, whirring fans, tiles and dark wood – traditional tropical is Muddy’s take. It’s a haven to return to on a long, hot day, pouring yourself a glass of complimentary water and flopping onto the sofa for a snooze. Oh and high praise for the in-room, hard-wearing Dinarobin beach tote bag, which Muddy used for the whole trip. 

OUT AND ABOUT 

Paradis Resort, also part of the Beachcomber group, is right next door so it’s easy to walk along the beach (or bike there along the paths) and use their facilities – it’s just had a refurb and is due to reopen at the start of November. For something more adventurous, hike up Le Morne mountain with a guide arranged through the hotel. The views from the top are sensational, though be warned it’s a 6.30am start which might not appeal to everyone (this is meant to be a holiday, right?). Le Morne’s famous for kite-surfing and if you want to give it a go the resort will pick you up from the watersports centre and deliver you to a more blustery part of the coast nearby for lessons. 

GO THERE

Muddy flew with Air Mauritius, which has just launched a new daily service from London Gatwick Airport. Rooms from £318pn; Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.