The Outrigger Resort is a stylish yet relaxed resort boasting a great beachfront location alongside the turquoise lagoon on the southern coast of the island. Nestled in the nature reserve of Bel Ombre, an easy 45-minute drive from the airport, this is a place where you’ll find just a few other hotels but little else other than spectacular scenery and a beautiful coastline.

The Outrigger blends the contemporary with the charming old-world style and tradition of an early 18th century Mauritian sugar cane plantation – in fact the heart of the resort was built using old sugar mill bricks! The resort (previously the Movenpick) was taken over by new management and completely refurbished to a high standard before its re-opening in 2014.

The low rise buildings and sandy pathways around the resort create a welcoming and relaxed resort which is unique amongst 5 star resorts in Mauritius in terms of its “barefoot” feel. Forget stuffy dress-codes – at the Outrigger you’ll enjoy an altogether more informal dining experience, this being one of the very few resorts on the island where gents don’t have to wear long trousers to dinner! (smart casual attire will suffice)

Don’t imagine for a second though that this means the Outrigger is somehow inferior in any way. On the contrary, this is a stylish resort offering a quality product. Talking of dining, the choices on offer are excellent with 3 superb restaurants. The main restaurant, Mercado (or market) specializes in live cooking stations showcasing various cuisines from around the world. Then there’s the contemporary style of the Edgewater, which as its name suggests is perched right on the edge of the lagoon overlooking the water.

A favourite of ours has to be Willie’s Rum and Crab Shack where you can dine on delicious seafood and sample a selection of the island’s world class rums whilst wiggling your toes in the beach sand! On the other end of the scale, the colonial Plantation Club offers a superb fine dining experience by night (during the day its facilities, including a lovely pool and lounge area, are reserved for the exclusive use of the guests staying in the Suites and Villas)

Talking of rooms, the Outrigger boasts a low-rise design with all rooms having stunning sea views and all have a contemporary, Mauritian design. There’s a wide choice of extremely spacious room categories with something to suit all budgets. If you’re travelling with kids then one of the best options to consider are the Deluxe Family Seaview Rooms; accommodating 2 adults and 2 children (up to 17 years), these rooms benefit from a separate bedroom with a bunk bed and a TV! They provide flexibility and privacy for parents and children alike.

In fact kids really are made welcome at the Outrigger. The kids-only Coral Club has its own pool and waterslide and friendly staff who will greet families at reception and show children around while parents relax after their journey.

The main restaurant, Mercado, also has a kids’ section (complete with chocolate fountain!) and staff who will entertain and feed the children whilst parents can enjoy a dinner together in peace and quiet.

The large stretch of beach and the lagoon which borders the Outrigger provides great opportunities for having fun with snorkelling, sailing and kayaking providing just a few of the ways to spend time enjoying the warm waters. Back on dry land and you'll find four fabulous swimming pools, a fitness centre and, tennis courts. The excellent 18-hole championship golf course at Bel Ombre is within a few minutes’ drive for golf fanatics. For those who crave some 'pampering', the Outrigger has the Navasana Spa offering a range of exotic treatments, signature massages and classic therapies in an exquisite garden setting!