Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius

Maritim Resort & Spa occupies the north-west coast at Balaclava near Turtle Bay, one of the island's protected marine areas and a noted dive site. The German-owned Maritim brand has operated here since the 1990s and the resort shows that confidence: the facilities are comprehensive and well-maintained, the staff professional and efficient, and the beach arrangement — facing into the calm waters of Balaclava Bay — is particularly good for families with young children. The 189 rooms and suites are arranged in low-rise buildings among 25 hectares of tropical gardens, and the garden rooms are spacious enough to feel like separate retreats. Turtle Bay itself offers some of the most reliable sea-turtle encounters in Mauritius: the protected waters host a resident population of green turtles that can often be seen from the shore or during snorkelling. The dive school operates trips to the Balaclava reef system, which includes cathedral-like coral passages and impressive fish populations. Dining at the Mauritius restaurant covers the island's culinary spectrum in a buffet format that is one of the more generous on the island; the a la carte Beach restaurant adds an element of choice and romance. The spa has a full Ayurvedic programme and a hammam that is popular with European guests. Maritim is a reliable, well-organised resort that delivers a genuine Mauritius experience without drama.