20 Degrés Sud, Mauritius

Every single one of the rooms and suites feel fresh and charming, mixing creamy colours and whitewashed walls with leather furnishings and dark woods. They're contemporary yet colonial, with beautiful antiques scattered throughout each accommodation to add to the aura of a private home, while the thatched roofs add a splash of the beach. The rooms are split into two different types, Beachfront and Charm, the latter peering out over the coconut groves.

For a little more space, all of the suites face the lovely turquoise lagoon of Grand Baie, all of which come with either a private plunge pool or outdoor hot tub. The Austral Suites are nearly twice the size of the entry-level Suites, nestled right on the water's edge with four-poster beds. There's also one double-storey accommodation, mysteriously known as the 'Secret Suite', which offers the ultimate in seclusion.

Enjoy breakfast by the pool or in the privacy of your room and at lunch or dinner, savour local specialities in the hotel's main restaurant, L'Explorateur. For a dining experience that's really unique, treat yourself to a meal aboard the resort's 1920s vintage teak boat Lady Lisbeth, the oldest motorboat found on the island. Lighter bites can be found at poolside La Voile, while the hotel also has a healthy stock of some 70 different rums (flavoured with everything from coffee to ginger), so you can create a different cocktail each evening!

The resort's palm-shaded sands are an excellent place to flop for the day (especially with a good hardback from the hotel's many bookshelves), while 20 Degrees South also boasts an impressive range of non-motorised water sports on-site, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling.

However, where the hotel really excels is its personal service and willingness to help plan and arrange any activity you'd like to do, without the need for you to even get off the sun lounger. There's a complimentary boat shuttle to the lively village of Grand Baie several times a day and if you're after wider snorkelling adventures, they'll drop you off at dolphin-rich Black River or Coin de Mire island. The resort is also well placed for a number of day trips to various sights, including the likes of Pamplemousses Botanical Garden or L'Aventure Du Sucre.

Back at the resort, the Secret Spa is a soothing place to relax thanks to the magic hands of its therapists and surrounding emerald foliage.