The One & Only Le Saint Geran is unquestionably the grand dame of luxury resorts on the island of Mauritius.

Originally opened in 1975 it underwent a serious facelift in 1999, and is today the epitome of discreet luxury.

Terraced and balconied rooms all face out to the Indian Ocean. Under the sway of thousands of coconut palms, immaculate gardens run down to the edge of the coral-sand beach, which wraps the peninsula for almost two kilometres.

The sheltered lagoon is perfect for lazy dips, while the incredible spa with its gorgeous private lap pool dispenses wonderful and professional treatments. Immortalised in Bernardin de Saint Pierre's novel ‘Paul et Virginie,' the resort's peninsula is near the site of Le Saint Géran shipwreck.

The hotel's stunning foyer features gob smacking floral creations - a signature of this beautiful property. Le Saint Geran would be most suited to the sophisticated honeymooner who wants the very best in food and wine. The resort offers arguably the best cuisine on the island with the ‘haute-couture' restaurant Spoon des Îles, creation of world-renowned Michelin-Star chef Alain Ducasse.

Spoon des Îles was the first venture out of Paris of Monsieur Ducasse's Spoon Food and Wine restaurant and offers magnificent multi-ethnic cuisine matched by wines, chosen by Monsieur Ducasse's trusted sommelier, Gérard Margeon. It's the equivalent of experiencing the best of Paris cuisine but in a magical, tropical setting.

By Sheriden Rhodes