With its sugar-cane plantations, Hindu temples, coral reefs and searing Creole food, Mauritius is a thrillingly exotic winter destination. The three-hour time difference and an overnight flight means minimal jet lag too. No wonder everyone goes so crazy for it. LUX* Le Morne Resort comes with a correspondingly loyal following – guests who return year after year to tap into its chilled-out, kick-back vibe. The hotel happens to be on one of the best spots on the island, a UNESCO site. The Le Morne peninsula is quiet and protected and its long swathe of icing-sugar-soft white sand is framed by the dramatic peak of Le Morne mountain. While there are masses of activities available, your daily routine can involve simply mooching from four-poster bed to sun bed, watching kite-surfers take advantage of the warm breeze. The joy for repeat visitors is that there are all sorts of surprises being added by the LUX* team, who entertain guests with delightful pop-up treats. Trays of unexpected canapés appear just as you're feeling peckish. And there’s a wandering Aperitivo Bar, so you can help yourself to signature cocktails devised by the in-house mixologists. more