Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius

Shangri-La Le Touessrok at Trou d'Eau Douce on the east coast occupies a setting so inherently dramatic that it would be difficult to build anything on it that wasn't beautiful. The resort's main beach faces Île aux Cerfs — the most popular day-trip destination in Mauritius — and the resort has exclusive access to the adjacent, private Île Fangue, reachable by speedboat in four minutes, where guests have the island's beaches essentially to themselves. The architecture is elegant and restrained, the low-rise buildings in warm ochre tones setting off the electric blue of the lagoon. The 202 rooms, suites, and villas are among the most beautifully appointed on the island — the beach villas with their direct lagoon access and private pools are a particular highlight, combining the privacy of villa living with the full service of a five-star resort. Dining at Le Touessrok is a serious proposition: Safran serves modern Indian Ocean cuisine by the beach; Republik Plage is the beach bar and grill; and Panthere, the rooftop bar, has the east coast's finest cocktail programme and views to match. The spa draws on French luxury brand partnerships and has one of the island's most comprehensive facial menus. The Ernie Els-designed golf course at Anahita, a 10-minute drive, is bookable through the resort. Le Touessrok is the east coast's most consistently celebrated address.