Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius Review

Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius, reopens with renewed elegance, offering a soulful island experience defined by colour, culture, and curated luxury.

With that introduction, I’m taking poetic license from the song commissioned by Shangri-la Le Touessrok, Mauritius to mark the resort’s reopening after a four-month renovation in October 2024. Written and performed by local father-and-daughter team Toto and Fiora Lebrasse, ‘Come Home’ welcomes back returning guests and invites new ones to experience the legendary moments created here. “Come home to Le Touessrok, living in Shangri-la style/ Where we fill your world with colour, add a service with a smile.” With simple lyrics and heartfelt delivery, the song captures the resort’s essence: joyful, personal, and warmly familiar.

As I lunch with Bernard Ramen, Director of Sales and Marketing, I reflect on how I’ve witnessed this resort’s evolution – first as Le Touessrok, then under Shangri-La, and now reimagined anew. The transformation balances refreshed spaces with the enduring warmth and authenticity that guests have always treasured.

Lunch at Coco’s, the newly revived beach restaurant set at the heart of the resort, was a great way to start. With glorious sea views, a relaxed yet refined decor enhanced with shades of yellow and blue, Coco’s offers a taste of Mauritian hospitality through fresh, seasonal dishes and, of course, its signature Ti Punch. 

“We wanted this to feel like a Mauritian beach house,” says Ramen, pointing out dodo motifs that nod to local heritage. 

The name itself is a local term of endearment related to the coconut fruit but is also being used by locals to express their affection and love to people,” Ramen explains. “It’s the perfect name for this relaxed setting that introduces a sense of the French Riviera – Mediterranean modernity.”

Coco’s golden hour is a highlight – cocktails by the Beach Bar, live local music and the unbeatable sunset glow. “Supporting local musicians, keeping this part of our culture, is essential for us. Artists like Toto are part of the reason guests keep returning,” says Ramen.

The resort has a new look and feel – from menus to furniture to interiors – but the soul remains. “It’s good to evolve while keeping the legacy alive. Many staff have worked here for decades – welcoming guests like family, passing down their passion and service culture,” he adds.

Interior designer Asmaa Said of Odd Duck Design has elevated the spaces with inspiration drawn from the island’s natural beauty – from the earthy tones of Chamarel to the vibrant flora. Guest rooms are themed Coral, Hibiscus, or Frangipani, each evoking native elements in a subtle, soothing palette.

Rooms, suites, and villas now feel more tranquil and luxurious than ever. The Coral and Hibiscus rooms offer a sense of calm and comfort, with soft natural light and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. The Hibiscus Signature Beachfront Suites, at 130sqm, are ideal for families, with direct beach access and expansive terraces. For the ultimate escape, the three-bedroom beach villas provide privacy, space, and refined seaside living.

Dining across the resort has been reimagined too. From exclusive Friday night dining in the Chef’s Garden to home-style curries prepared by local mamas and Dine by Design evenings in secluded corners of the resort, there’s something for every palate. Executive Chef Luca Gallo cooks at those intimate gatherings at Il Giardino – his risotto and tiramisu are the best I’ve tasted.

TSK – Touessrok Soul Kitchen – has replaced Le Bazar as the culinary hub. Designed for all-day dining, TSK combines international techniques with Mauritian ingredients in a bright, versatile setting that works for everything from breakfast gatherings to lively dinners.

Safran’s menu is a love letter to India and features some of my favourite dishes. Meanwhile, Kushi is a Japanese hideaway where Chef Harry’s omakase selection is the perfect introduction to a varied menu.

Vinoteca, the resort’s curated wine cellar, is home to over 450 labels, emphasising biodynamic selections and rare finds. Whether pairing wines with dinner at TSK or browsing for a bottle to enjoy at sunset, the experience is tailored to personal taste.

Beyond the accommodation and dining, the essence of Le Touessrok lies in its location: six beaches spread across four kilometres of untouched shoreline, plus access only for guests via a short boat ride to Ilot Mangénie, the resort’s private island – a place to soak up the sun in peaceful seclusion. Make the most of butler service at your cabana and indulge in the signature truffle pizza and your preferred tipple. Stay as long as you like – just don’t miss the last ferry!

The sheltered lagoon that laps the resort’s shores is also impressive, not only for its proximity to one of the best snorkelling spots I’ve discovered along the east coast. You can also stand on the sandbanks to readjust your mask and get your bearings. The area is preserved, so motorised watersports are limited and mostly directed to nearby Ile Aux Cerfs.

Wellness is another focus. Chi, The Spa offers holistic rituals and treatments to reset and renew, while morning paddleboarding or beach yoga sessions provide a connection to the land and sea. For couples, the resort remains a top choice for honeymoons and romantic getaways, with private dinners on the beach, spa experiences for two, and accommodations designed to inspire connection.

Following its thoughtful renovation, Shangri-La Le Touessrok emerges more rooted, more refined, and more attuned to today’s traveller. Whether you’re seeking solitude, celebration, or soulful connection, there’s a place for you here.