Uncomplicated, idyllic and serene this is one of Mauritius's most elegant and relaxing luxury coastal hotels. Benefiting from a beautiful mountain backdrop, Shanti Maurice is a boutique hideaway with an exceptionally secluded and elegant feel. The suites and villa's lie peacefully amongst the swaying palms and mature tropical gardens. All suites have sea views across the gardens. One or two bedroomed villa suites are set on the ocean front and each has a private garden and its own swimming pool. All suites and villas are beautifully set and properly equipped with everything you might need. The hotel has a top class Nira Spa with plenty of treatment rooms and a huge catalogue of soothing Oriental, Ayruveydic and international therapies to suit your individual requirements.. The spa and fitness centre have a wide ranging holistic programme which you can join on an ad-hoc or private basis. These include Ayurveda lectures, fitness workouts, meditation, Vedanta sessions, well-being programmes with visiting masters, Yoga and Pranayama lessons. You can relax by the beautifully designed infinity pool overlooking the lovely beach, or if you are more active partake of some of the hotels other activities and various beach watersports. In addition Shanti Maurice offers two floodlit tennis courts, both of which are naturally sheltered by the landscaped gardens that surround them. The Concierge can provide a playing partner or for those wishing to improve their game or a private coaching session with a tennis professional. Complimentary transfers are provided to the Bel Ombre golf course. Creole and international cookery classes are a great way to relax and life-style and wellness menu planing are also available from guest services in consultation with the chef. The hotels restaurants include the Stars, serving mouthwatering contemporary Cape cuisine. Mauritian and wellness cuisine is provided at the calm Pebbles or try the new Fish and Rum Shack for an informal feast on the beach. Whether you like to take a brisk jog before breakfast, a leisurely stroll at sunset or a moonlit walk after dinner, you'll find that the gardens provide a beautiful backdrop accompanied by the melodic sounds of tropical birds. The lush gardens include ponds, lawns and a small indigenous forest. The plant and tree species, some with conservation status, are endemic to Mauritius. Mango and Leitchi trees grow in the orchard and Bread Fruit trees, Coconut palms, Bougainvillea and Frangipani can be seen across the public and private villa gardens. The nearby Frédérica mountain nature reserve is home to unique and protected fauna and flora. Covering an area of 2,500 hectares Frédérica rises to 400m above the sea, where a mixture of dry forest and coastal rain forest is to be found. The unique views, combining hilly landscapes, rolling plains and waterfalls (including the highest waterfall of the island, 162 meters high), provide an astonishing biodiversity of flora and fauna. Transfer time 35 kilometres by road taking about 40 minutes from the airport by private car. Style Contemporary, very relaxed tropical Mauritian south coast hotel with an excellent spa. Air/Con Yes Dining Yes, 2 restaurants and beach bistro. Children Yes, kids club and babysitting. This place is calm, rather than fast and furious so may not suite all families. No. of Bedrooms 61 Suites and Villas with private swimming pools. Pool Yes, two good hotel pools. Activities & Facilities Floodlit tennis, yoga, spa, fitness centre, winsurfers, lazers, hobicats, kayaks, cookery classes and kids club. Motorised watersports such as water skiing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, dolphin watching are available nearby. Golf is available at at Bel Ombre and there are some good nature walks, quad biking, mountain biking and challenging trekking to 400m/1300ft in the nearby Frédérica National Park. Price Range £285.00 per person per night, with specials, free nights and honeymoon discounts.