Adrift in the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar, Mauritius is known for its dizzying beauty and tranquil isolation, both of which inspired the island's oceanfront Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury. Sheltered on the northwestern coast amidst lush gardens, the property is laid out so that all the suites face the lagoon, where guests enjoy complimentary water sports. Its pristine stretch of beach is as sparkling white as the uniforms of staff who know guests by name and can organise everything from a table at the gastronomic restaurant, La Goelette, to helicopter tours of the island. While the resort's acclaimed spa, amenities and activities are decidedly 21st-century, the views of the crystalline sea and the palm-lined coast could be plucked straight out of an 18th-century novel.