This hot hotel in tropical Mauritius is hotter than ever thanks to a stunning £50million makeover. The Mail checks in and discovers it also has the cool factor – thanks to an amazing new ‘snow room’

• Le Meridien Ile Maurice has the first – and only – snow room on Mauritius 
• The resort has had a £50m makeover, with 261 newly designed rooms and suites
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It certainly wasn’t on the To Do List when I landed in Mauritius… but after a lazy morning baking on the sun lounger at Le Meridien Ile Maurice, there was only one thing for it – a ten-minute burst in the island’s first and only snow room!

And the unusual new addition to the Explore Spa certainly didn’t disappoint. Yes, it was an icy shock to the system – but a welcome one that I braved far longer than my wife, who was back out in the heat within a minute.

The hot-cold therapy has many health benefits, including improvements in joint and muscle function, blood circulation and immune system. 

But I was glad I did it just to get out of the scorching heat.

The five-star Le Meridien Ile Maurice has undergone a £50m refurbishment

e Meridien Ile Maurice is positioned along a kilometre of beach in Pointe aux Piments on the northwest coast of Mauritius

The sandy beaches, turquoise waters and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean are to die for

Guests can dine on the hotel’s jetty, with the lapping waves providing the perfect soundtrack 

The resort is a fairytale setting for weddings – couples exchange vows against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean 

TRAVEL FACTS 

James was hosted in a Deluxe Ocean View room at Le Méridien Ile Maurice, which costs from £500 per night low season to £1,500 per night high season 

Rating out of 5: ****

And it was a fitting way to end a trip of phenomenal weather contrasts. The blazing sun and clear blue skies were regularly – and quickly – replaced by awesome, intense tropical downpours, especially late at night, explaining how the island is so lush, green and fertile.

We were always going to feel spoiled on our first holiday in Mauritius, with the sensational sandy beaches, tempting turquoise waters and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. But there was icing on the cake – our five-star hotel’s £50million refurbishment. 

Le Meridien Ile Maurice – positioned along a kilometre of sandy beach in Pointe aux Piments on Mauritius’s  northwest coast – is one of the island’s leading resort destinations with 261 newly designed guestrooms and suites, that world-class spa and fitness centre, three pools and a choice of four restaurants and three bars.

For those who don’t want to be surrounded by kids, Nirvana is the adults-only wing of the resort housing 51 guestrooms and suites, with a private infinity swimming pool and pool bar, a complimentary poolside tea, coffee and soft drinks service, and daily sunset cocktails and canapes.

A mouthwatering prospect, along with the main dining options. 

For international dishes there’s Nomad, with its open kitchen, expansive terrace, and 180-degree panoramic views. Whilst for Mauritian flavours, head to the beachfront Zoli Mamzel.

The lush, green island is watered by awe-inspiring tropical storms

Le Méridien Ile Maurice is one of Mauritius’s leading resort destinations

The recent £50m revamp means there are 261 newly designed guestrooms and suites for guests to enjoy

The spa and fitness centre is a relaxing haven… try out the snow room if you dare! 

Guests can choose from four restaurants and three bars – and breathtaking views. Above is Zoli Mamsel

This restaurant was where we spent an hour cooking a traditional Mauritian curry, with the wonderful chefs helping me produce a colourful dish that suited even my delicate taste buds.

Other cuisines on offer include Italian at Paparazzi Restaurant and perfectly spiced Indian fare at Kumin restaurant. Or dine on the hotel’s jetty under the stars, with the lapping of the waves providing the perfect accompaniment.

For those with a yen for excitement, there’s so much to do. Guests have access to a huge range of complimentary activities including kayaking, pedal boating, snorkelling, windsurfing, beach volleyball and tennis.

Or you can go further afield on the island, with the memorably friendly resort staff able to organise activities including catamaran cruises, dolphin swimming, fishing, water skiing, scuba diving and mountain biking.

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