The first boutique hotel in Mauritius is elegant and exclusive without being over the top. It's the ideal place for those who like to head out and explore without being tied into a resort, and who also want somewhere peaceful and private beside the beach to come back to. 20 Degrees Sud is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux portfolio. In all, an intimate atmosphere prevails throughout the public areas and guest rooms, all built around one of two freshwater pools where sun loungers and cabanas beckon. 

A romantic and laid-back getaway for adults-only in a secluded cove-side setting on the island’s north coast, perfect for friends, couples and honeymooners. It's a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and was voted the Indian Ocean's Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2017 (for the fourth year running). Free activities at Paradise Cove include 2 floodlit tennis courts, yoga, water skiing, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking and stand up paddle.

A great value 4.5* hotel with a superb beachfront location between the capital Port Louis and vibrant Grand Baie, so it's a good choice if you are also looking to get out and about to explore. Set amidst lush tropical gardens, beside a white sandy beach, all of the spacious Swim-Up rooms lead directly from your private terrace to the pool, with gorgeous ocean views. There's complimentary land and water sports. Half the resort is for families, but the luxurious new Swim-Up wing (with just 17 rooms, at the far end of the resort) is adult-only. Guests can choose from Half Board or All-Inclusive at Victoria

If you're not dead set on Mauritius and love exceptional boutique hideaways, take a look at Huvafen Fushi - the ultimate in sophisticated luxury resorts. It's a contemporary Indian Ocean island paradise in the Maldives with superb staff and the world's first underwater spa. Set within its own lagoon, Huvafen Fushi is a naturalist’s wonderland where the landscapes above and below the waterline are breathtakingly untouched.

If you're not definitely set on Mauritius, but want to be in the Indian Ocean, why not consider Zawadi? It's a small beach-chic boutique hotel on Zanzibar's south east coast, with just nine guest rooms dotted along the cliff enjoying sublime views of the Indian Ocean. There's a small spa, swimming pool and an idyllic beach accessed by steps from the lodge, with a pretty cove with a sandy beach just a few steps away. Water sports can easily be arranged, with boat trips for snorkeling or diving on the reefs nearby, sailing and kite surfing in season and there's a Dive Centre on site. Have a look at Zawadi

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