Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius

Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius at Choisy le Roi on the west coast is the island's most ambitious all-inclusive, a sprawling adults-only property that takes the all-inclusive concept seriously enough to make it feel like genuine luxury rather than quantity over quality. The 24-hour all-inclusive covers premium spirits at six bars, a la carte dining at three specialty restaurants (Italian, Asian, and steakhouse), and a range of motorised water sports that most comparable properties restrict. The beach is a natural white-sand curve sheltered by a reef, and the lagoon water here is unusually clear for the west coast. Rooms are generously large and decorated in a contemporary tropical style; ocean-view rooms on the upper floors have the best of the west coast's famous sunsets. The RiuFit gym is open around the clock, the Renova Spa operates a full day programme, and the entertainment team runs a daily animation schedule. The Riu Palace attracts a younger-skewing European clientele — largely British, German, and French — who are drawn by the brand's reputation for generous, no-surprises inclusivity. It is not a hotel for people seeking quiet contemplative luxury, but for those who want everything covered, a great beach, and a lively social atmosphere, it is hard to beat.