Honeymoon Review: LUX* Belle Mare

Why Go?

A freshly reimagined design destination on Mauritius’s east coast, LUX* Belle Mare pairs barefoot beach vibes with head-turning interiors, show-stopping gastronomy, and a vast stretch of powder-white sand that rivals the Maldives.

Honeymoon Style

For couples seeking an effortlessly stylish honeymoon – part design-led escape, part laidback beach retreat – this is where Palm Springs cool meets Indian Ocean soul.

Set the Scene

LUX* Belle Mare feels instantly different. The green and white palette, reminiscent of a 60s Riviera dream, sets a crisp tone – think fresh palms, terrazzo tiling, and sharp-lined parasols that wouldn’t look out of place in a Slim Aarons frame. The resort’s social heart is Beach Rouge, a beach club and restaurant where DJs spin mellow beats and the mood is pitch-perfect St Tropez – cool, without trying too hard. Wandering through, guests flit from spa appointments to poolside cocktails, or down to the water for a morning paddleboard across the lagoon’s still surface. And with one of the most beautiful beaches on the island mere steps from every room, it’s easy to see why honeymooners are drawn here.

Rooms

For a honeymoon splurge, book an Ocean View villa – these are standouts. Crisp whites, wood accents, private plunge pools and indoor-outdoor bathrooms lend a breezy elegance, with views that don’t need a filter. It’s a scene-stealer of a suite: morning light spilling through sheer linen curtains, the turquoise shimmer of the sea beyond, and the kind of generous layout that makes you want to unpack immediately and never leave. Thoughtful details – proper coffee, local snacks, generous wardrobes – complete the picture.

Food and Drink

LUX* Belle Mare brings serious culinary clout. For guests, dining here isn’t just about variety – it’s a curated journey. Start with pinch-me-romantic champagne and oysters right on the sand, before slipping into the velvet-dark moodiness of Duck Laundry for spiced duck pancakes and moreish dim sum. Next up, it’s Amari by Vineet – a modern Indian kitchen created by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia – where delicate plating and heady, layered flavours make it one of the prettiest spots on site.

For something more casual, Royce Street – an Asian-inspired food truck (actually a Rolls Royce parked under palms) – serves up mouth-watering bao and crisp dumplings, perfect for a barefoot lunch.

The Story

A flagship of the LUX* group, the resort has recently undergone a full redesign following a devastating fire in 2022. Spearheaded by Mauritian architect Jean-François Adam, the design brings a new sense of playfulness to this Indian Ocean icon. The vibe is distinctly island-chic, with a considered approach to colour, space and light.

Family Friendly

While it hits the honeymoon brief perfectly, LUX* Belle Mare also charms families, with thoughtful touches like the mini buffet at MONDO being child height – letting little ones serve themselves. It’s the kind of detail that makes travelling with kids feel effortless, without compromising on style.

Spa

Wellness here is meaningful. At the serene Niyama Gardens, a Sound Healing & Breathwork session invites guests to reset body and mind – all framed by rustling palms and birdsong. Meanwhile, the signature LUX* Me massage draws on the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) and is tailored in pressure, scent and focus to the guest’s needs. Post-treatment, sip soothing ginger tea in the Tea Garden and soak up the stillness – it’s a perfect honeymoon wind-down after the wedding celebrations.

Eco-Friendly

Sustainability is more than skin deep here – from the garden-grown produce to the water stations that replace single-use plastic. A sense of stewardship underpins the operations, without being overplayed.

Location

Set on the island’s quieter east coast, LUX* Belle Mare offers that rare balance: seclusion with soul. A short boat ride across the lagoon brings you to SALT of Palmar – LUX*’s sister property and a wildly different aesthetic. Here, bold colour pops, curated playlists and a rooftop bar with a talented mixologist (Bhavish – ask him for a masterclass) make it an essential detour. SALT’s new dining concept, The Experience Kitchen, is intimate, inventive and under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Shiva Moonien – an unexpected highlight of the trip.

Nightly rates start from £352 at LUX* Belle Mare for a Junior Suite on a half board basis. For more information please visit luxresorts.com.

Nightly rates start from £130 at SALT of Palmar with breakfast. For more information please visit saltresorts.com