There are very few independent boutique hotels in Mauritius, but this is one of those rare finds. Originally developed by an Air Mauritius pilot and his wife, it has a much more intimate feel than many Mauritian resorts, with only 36 rooms adorned with vintage prints and antiques.
Tucked into a residential area in the more developed northwest corner of the island, this isn’t your archetypal beach hotel. There’s a small pool, space to soak up the sun and a narrow beach, but the real draw is its location for those who want to get out and explore.
The coastal town of Grand Baie is a short (complimentary) ride away on the hotel’s shuttle boat, and there are a number of shops and restaurants within 15-20 minutes’ walk.
Considering the hotel’s small size, if you do decide on a day of relaxation, there’s a spa, restaurant and a bar that’s well-stocked with Mauritian rum.
OUR OPINION:
This pretty little Flemish hotel in the north is a great find, and is a firm favorite among Audley clients. There is a quirky feel to the hotel, with an interesting mix of retro and modern chic, and the hotel's size gives it much more of an intimate feel than most beach resorts on the island. Although the beach at the hotel is small, the hotel has lovely pools, and the convenient location within easy reach of Grand Baie, means it's less isolated than many other Mauritius resorts, making this ideal for those who would like to get out and about a bit more.
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Photos of 20 Degrés Sud
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![20 Degrees South, Grand Baie]()
20 Degrees South, Grand Baie -
![20 Degrees South, Grand Baie]()
20 Degrees South, Grand Baie -
![Boat trip, Mauritius]()
Boat trip, Mauritius -
![Lady Lisbeth, 20 Degrés Sud, Mauritius]()
Lady Lisbeth, 20 Degrés Sud, Mauritius -
![20 Degrees South, Grand Baie]()
20 Degrees South, Grand Baie -
![Beachfront Suite - 20 Degrés Sud]()
Beachfront Suite - 20 Degrés Sud -
![Pool view, 20 Degrés Sud]()
Pool view, 20 Degrés Sud -
![20 Degrees South, Grand Baie]()
20 Degrees South, Grand Baie -
![Pool Spa, 20 Degrés Sud]()
Pool Spa, 20 Degrés Sud -
![20 Degrees South, Mauritius]()
20 Degrees South, Mauritius -
![Restaurant, 20 Degrés Sud, Mauritius]()
Restaurant, 20 Degrés Sud, Mauritius -
![Charm room, 20 Degrés Sud, Mauritius North Coast]()
Charm room, 20 Degrés Sud, Mauritius North Coast
Rooms
There are 35 rooms in the hotel, decorated in a charming, fresh style, blending antiques with more contemporary elements for a relaxed, homey feel.
Each room is slightly different, but all are set within two-story buildings, and have a terrace overlooking the coconut grove that borders the sea. All have air-conditioning, television, minibar, safe and en suite bathroom, with bathtub or shower.
Please note that some of the balcony balustrades are lower than the EU recommended height. Please let us know if you have any concerns about this and do take care when using the balconies.
Location
20 Degrés Sud sits across a narrow waterway from the restaurants, shops and bars of Grand Baie. The hotel runs a complimentary water-taxi service four times a day on a traditional pirogue boat to the town, just five minutes away, making it easy for you to dine out or shop. At other times of day, it’s only 10 minutes by road in a taxi.
The hotel has a small beach cove with sun loungers, canopy beds and cozy, cushioned shell seats. Although the hotel only has a small beach, just five minutes' drive away is Mon Choisy Beach, a long stretch of blonde sand.
Food and drink
There is one restaurant at the hotel, situated 15 meters from the water's edge, with a terrace almost touching the beach.
Dining quality is superb here, under the direction of a talented local chef, with dishes created principally from the finest of the island's local produce. There is a lovely evening ambience as you dine beside the sea, soothed by soft music from the grand piano in the library.
Lunchtime snacks may consist of a delicious salad or plate of carpaccio, while dinners are à la carte, with a choice of some of the best seafood on the island. Dining is also possible on board the MS Lady Lisbeth, a 17-meter, 1920s teak boat, carefully restored to its former glory. Every evening, the boat departs with a maximum of eight guests for a private dining cruise inside the bay.
Please note, there will be a formal dress code required whilst dining at the restaurant in the evenings. Despite this, the hotel is very flexible with dining, allowing you to finish a bottle of wine the following evening & even swap your inclusive dinner (if on half board) for lunch should you choose to dine out one evening.
Families
The hotel is only suitable for older children, who must be 12 years or older to stay.
The hotel has two pairs of charm rooms, with interconnecting doors. A third bed can also be added in certain rooms for an adult or a child.
Facilities and activities
Despite its smaller size, the hotel doesn't lack facilities. There are two swimming pools, and the hotel's position on the edge of the lagoon, at the mouth of the bay, means it's a good location for water sports for both novices and those who are more experienced. Water sports, such as wind-surfing, dinghy sailing and sea kayaking trips, are included in the cost of your stay, while waterskiing, big-game fishing and diving can also be arranged at an extra cost.
The hotel also offers one hour-long complimentary snorkeling trip every day to the nearby reef. It also has a selection of complimentary bikes you can borrow, so you can easily cycle around the area.
Local excursions
The hotel runs regular afternoon snorkeling trips off the islet of Coin de Mire. Trips to local attractions like Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and Sugar Museum and the capital, Port Louis, are interesting, and only a short distance away.
The village of Grand Baie is just a short complimentary boat ride away, in a traditional Mauritian pirogue that departs three times a day. This is the nightlife hub of Mauritius, with a variety of bars and restaurants for a casual drink, or a fancy night out.
Diving
There isn't a dive center at the hotel but staff will be happy to help you arrange something with local operators.
Spa Facilities
The boutique spa has four small treatment rooms, a Turkish bath and a Jacuzzi. They use Comfort Zone products, and have a wide range of treatments and massages available. After your treatment you can relax by the spa pool with an infusion of tea or aromatic water at the Infusion Bar.
Tour ideas in Mauritius
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at 20 Degrés Sud as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.