Perched immediately upon a flawless stretch of vanilla sands and swaying palm trees, with uninterrupted views of the ocean and the turquoise lagoon of Poste Lafayette, this hideaway beckons you into a serene sanctuary that brings you home to a unique, blissful existence on the North East coast of Mauritius. A contemporary tropical take on a traditional Balinese Rumah adat, Villa Koki Bonheur opens its doors to a laidback, enchanting space of elegance and grace. Family heirlooms, treasured antiques, whicker, and timber furnishings with soft, neutral tones and layers of texture elevate every aspect of the villa. You’ll be ensconced in luxury, yet at your leisure to fine-tune your own daily itinerary in sync with the island’s clock.
With its open-plan entertaining, living, and reclining spaces, exotic outdoor dining areas, its two swimming pools – one blending in with the lagoon and the other cocooned in the tranquil, tropical courtyard – its four spacious ensuite bedrooms and direct access to the eternal body of blue – this hideaway is ideal for special seaside gatherings and celebrations in one of the most scenic parts of the island.
From the moment you rise, with the sun creeping its way above the horizon and laying its pink and golden marks on the curling tide, you’ll be inspired to wander down to the water. A long meander of the shoreline, wading in and out of the warm Indian Ocean. After a hearty breakfast at the villa, some of the clan might enjoy a bit of snorkelling amongst the coral reef, mimicking the dolphins, bobbing up and down like turtles. Others might opt for paddle in the kayaks or a trek onto the mountain trails, traversing the endless routes renowned for running, hiking, and biking.
With the Constance Prince Maurice Resort being located just a stone’s throw away from the villa, you’ll have access to the use of their spa, tennis courts, and communal entertainment areas for those other moments of exertion. The Bras D’Eau National Park and a bevy of beautiful beaches are also within the region so there’ll be plenty for everyone to satiate their eager holiday appetites. The rest of the euphoric feels will come from the villa, as you recline by the pool, around the tables, beneath the pergolas, and enveloped in the living areas, as the amazing housekeeping staff tend to your needs. With the property being finely attuned to that of a five-star luxury retreat – with daily housekeeping, a house cook and concierge service, a gardener, and a handyman at the ready – you’ll be contemplating this blissful existence as an immortal way of life. A state of Bonheur indeed!
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie