If you think a holiday in Mauritius is only about flopping onto a sun lounger and staring at the ocean until you turn the color of a lobster, we have news for you. While the beaches are mari zoli (very beautiful), there is a secret world hidden 400 meters above sea level that most tourists miss completely.
Welcome to Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge.
Nestled in the lush tropical highlands of the Black River Gorges, this place is not your typical resort. It is a boutique eco-lodge that feels less like a hotel and more like staying at the estate of a very wealthy, nature-loving friend who really enjoys silence. If you are looking to kas poz (chill/relax) in a way that truly disconnects you from the chaos of the world, and perhaps from your phone addiction, this mountain retreat is exactly where you need to be.
We spent time exploring every corner of this property, from the highest viewpoint to the bottom of the wine glass, to bring you this honest, detailed review.
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What Makes Lakaz Chamarel So Special?
Let’s be honest. Most of us book a trip here for the sea, the sand, and the cocktails with little umbrellas. But Lakaz Chamarel offers something different: absolute tranquility. Well, not total silence, you will hear the birds, the wind in the trees, and the sound of your own stress melting away.
Managed like a boutique guesthouse but with the service of a five-star hotel, the property is spread across 12 hectares of landscaped gardens. It is intimate, with only 20 rooms and suites scattered across the hills. This means you won’t have to fight for a buffet spot or wake up at 6 AM to reserve a pool chair with a towel.
It is no surprise that it earned TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award. The vibe is authentic. From the furniture crafted from local wood to the mango and lychee trees planted by the owners, everything tells a story. It embodies the warm spirit of Mauritian culture while delivering refined luxury. It is the kind of place where the staff knows your name, your coffee order, and probably your horoscope by the second day.
The Arrival: A Scenic Ascent
Getting here is part of the adventure. As you leave the coastal roads and start climbing towards Chamarel, the air changes. It gets cooler, fresher. You drive past sugar cane fields that sway like green oceans, through dense forests, and past the occasional monkey contemplating life on the roadside.
When you arrive at the lodge, you are greeted not by a grand, marble lobby, but by lush vegetation and warm smiles. Check-in is a breeze, usually accompanied by a welcome drink that tastes like liquid sunshine. You are then whisked away to your room on a golf buggy, which is helpful because the property is hilly. And when we say hilly, we mean you will get your daily cardio just walking to breakfast (though the buggy is always a phone call away if you are feeling lazy).
The Rooms: From Cozy Dens to Private Palaces
The accommodations here are thoughtfully designed to blend into nature. There are no televisions in the rooms (except the private villas), and that is by design. You are here to watch the view, not Netflix. They all feature open-air rain showers, which is a mari serye (very serious/amazing) experience, showering under the stars is a freedom you didn’t know you needed until you have tried it.
Kaz Standard Rooms (50m²) These are the entry-level options, but “standard” feels like the wrong word. They are themed double rooms with private terraces overlooking one of the swimming pools. Perfect for a cozy escape where you just need a comfortable bed and a good book.
Kaz Superior Suites (80m²) Need more space to spread out? These four suites come with a separate living room. They are great if you like to lounge around in your bathrobe and pretend you own the place. The decor is rustic-chic, think wood, stone, and earth tones.
Garden & Mountain Pool Suites (95m²) Now we are talking. These suites come with their own private swimming pools. They are north or west-facing and are a massive hit with honeymooners. Imagine waking up, rolling out of bed, grabbing an espresso, and falling straight into your own pool without anyone judging your bed hair.
Seaview Pool Suites (100-110m²) These are the heavy hitters. You get the mesmerizing ocean view paired with a private infinity pool. This is the spot for watching those legendary Mauritian sunsets with a drink in hand. You can see the West Coast stretching out below you, and for a moment, you feel like the king or queen of the island.
Exclusive Suite Piton Canot (110-120m²) Named after the mountain standing guard next to it, this is the ultimate hideaway. You get total seclusion, expansive panoramas, a large pool, and VIP treatment like daily fruit platters. If you are getting married in Mauritius or on a honeymoon, this is the splurge you want. It is so private you could probably run around naked (though we don’t officially recommend that because of the drones… kidding, no drones allowed).
Private Villas (140m²) The newest additions are huge. They can fit families (two adults and two kids aged 8-12) or three adults. It is like having your own luxury house in the jungle, complete with a TV (finally!), a massive pool, and enough space to get lost in.
The “Digital Detox” Vibe
One thing we absolutely loved (after the initial panic wore off) was the lack of TVs in most rooms. At first, you reach for the remote out of habit. Then, you realize there isn’t one. You panic for five minutes. Then, you step out onto the terrace, hear the rustle of the leaves, and realize you haven’t looked at a tree properly in three years.
Lakaz Chamarel forces you to slow down. It forces you to talk to your partner, read a book, or just sit and be. In a world where we are constantly bombarded by notifications, this silence is the ultimate luxury.
Pricing: Is It Worth It?
Lakaz Chamarel is a premium lodge, and the prices reflect that exclusivity. However, when you compare it to the massive beach resorts where you are just a room number, we think the value is exceptional because of the privacy and personalized service you get.
- Standard Rooms: Approx. MUR 3,000-5,000 (residents) / $245-300 USD (international).
- Pool Suites: Approx. MUR 24,000 ($478-600 USD).
- Exclusive Suite: Around MUR 25,000+.
Note: Prices fluctuate based on the season and exchange rates, so always check before booking.
Most rates include breakfast and dinner (half board), which is great because you are in the mountains and won’t want to drive out for food every night on those winding roads.
How to Get There
The journey is part of the adventure. The lodge is about 42-44 km from the airport.
- By Taxi: Easiest but costs around $100-130 USD. The driver will know the twists and turns.
- Self-Drive: This is what we recommend if you are confident. The drive winds through sugar cane fields and climbs up into the mountains. It is scenic and beautiful. Just make sure you are comfortable with curvy roads and occasionally giving way to a bus that takes up 80% of the road! Check our guide on buying and registering a car in Mauritius (which covers rental tips too) for driving advice.
Get Directions to Lakaz Chamarel on Google Maps
The Dining Experience: Makak Restaurant
Food is a big deal here. The kitchen is run like a family operation where love is the main ingredient. The Makak Restaurant serves food that guests often describe as “Michelin standard,” but with a local soul.
The Breakfast Ritual Breakfast is a buffet style but feels like a farmhouse spread. You have fresh tropical fruits (papaya, pineapple, mango when in season), homemade yogurts, pastries that crumble perfectly, and eggs cooked to order. The coffee is strong, and the view from the breakfast table makes the caffeine hit even harder.
Dinner Under the Stars Dinner is usually à la carte. The menu changes, but it focuses on authentic Creole cuisine. We are talking chicken and shrimp curry that has simmered for hours, fresh fish caught that morning, and venison from the local hunting grounds. The flavors are deep and authentic, not the watered-down versions you sometimes get in tourist traps.
The Mauritian Buffet Night Once a week, they do a Mauritian buffet with traditional entertainment (Sega dancing). Do not miss this. It is your chance to try authentic must-try foods in Mauritius like rougaille, vindaye, and various achards (pickles). The atmosphere is electric, with local musicians playing the Ravanne drum.
Room service is also available if you just can’t bring yourself to leave your private terrace.
Wellness and Activities: Chill or Thrill
The View Bar Sunset Ritual Every evening, around 5:30 PM, there is an unwritten rule: you go to the View Bar. Perched high on the property, this deck offers one of the best views in Mauritius. You grab a cocktail (try the local rum punch), find a chair, and watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in purples and oranges. It is magical.
The Spa The spa is tucked away in the vegetation. They use oils sourced right from the Chamarel mountains. The massages here are legendary. After a long flight or a hike, a hot stone massage is mari top (super good). You can hear the birds singing during your treatment, which beats Enya playing on a loop any day.
The Pools There are two main saltwater pools in the common areas. A heads-up: they are unheated. This is an eco-choice to stay connected to nature. In summer, it is refreshing. In winter (June-August), it can be a bit… brisk. Let’s just say it wakes you up faster than espresso!
Yoga & Meditation There are complimentary sessions in the garden. Doing yoga while surrounded by chirping birds and rustling leaves is a vibe you cannot manufacture in a city studio.
Hiking & Cycling You are in the heart of nature, so use it.
- Cycling: Grab a complimentary bike and ride to the village. Be warned: the ride back up to the lodge is steep!
- Hiking: The trail to Piton Canot starts right from the property. It is a steep 400-meter climb (about 45 mins to an hour), but the 360-degree view from the top is worth every drop of sweat. You can see Le Morne, the entire west coast, and the central plateau. For more trails, check our list of best hikes in Mauritius.
The Beach Shuttle Missing the sand? No problem. A free daily shuttle takes you to Le Morne Beach in about 15 minutes. You can spend the day swimming in the lagoon and then retreat to your mountain hideaway when the beach gets crowded. Best of both worlds.
Nearby Attractions
Since you are staying in Chamarel, you are neighbors with some of the coolest spots on the island. You don’t need to drive for hours; everything is just down the road.
- Seven Coloured Earth: The famous multi-colored dunes are practically next door. Go early to beat the buses.
- Chamarel Waterfall: A massive 100-meter drop. Stunning and photogenic.
- Rhumerie de Chamarel: Go for the rum tasting. Maybe take a taxi back if you plan to try all the flavors (the coffee rum is dangerous).
- Black River Gorges National Park: The green lung of Mauritius. Great for long hikes.
- Curious Corner: A fun museum of illusions right opposite the Seven Coloured Earth. Great if you want a break from nature and want to take some funny photos.
Check out our guide to hidden gems in Mauritius for more ideas in the region.
Best Time to Visit
Mauritius is great year-round, but the mountains have their own micro-climate. It is generally 3-5 degrees cooler up here than on the coast.
- May to December: Best overall. Drier and pleasant.
- Winter (June-Sept): Cooler (around 18-24°C during the day), perfect for hiking without sweating buckets. However, bring a light jacket or sweater for the evenings and mornings. It can get chilly!
- Summer (Jan-April): Lush and green, but higher chance of rain and humidity. The waterfalls will be flowing nicely, though.
Read more about the weather in our best time to visit Mauritius guide.
The Honest Verdict: Pros and Cons
We believe in being honest. No place is perfect, even paradise. Here is the lowdown to help you decide.
What We Loved:
- The View Bar: Sipping a cocktail here at sunset is a core memory unlocked. It is simply unbeatable.
- The Service: Peggy, Thierry, and the team treat you like family. It feels personal, not corporate.
- The Silence: It is a true escape. You sleep like a baby.
- The Food: Authentic, fresh, and delicious.
Things to Consider:
- Mosquitoes: You are in a tropical forest. They live here too. Bring strong repellent (Tropical strength). The hotel provides nets and coils, but come prepared.
- Terrain: It is hilly. You will walk up and down slopes and stairs. Golf buggies are there, but if you have severe mobility issues, ask for a room near the main area/restaurant.
- Pool Temperature: The unheated pools can be cold in winter.
- Nightlife: There isn’t any. If you want clubs and loud music, check our guide to nightclubs in Mauritius. This place is for sleeping, dreaming, and whispering sweet nothings.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
- Pack a Sweater: Even in summer, evenings can be cool. In winter, you will definitely want one.
- Shoes Matter: Bring comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. Leave the high heels at home; they don’t mix well with nature trails.
- Download Maps: Mobile signal can be patchy in the mountains. Download offline maps just in case.
- Book Spa Early: The spa is small and popular. Book your treatments when you check in.
- Bring a Book: Seriously, embrace the digital detox.
Conclusion
Lakaz Chamarel stands as proof that Mauritius offers far more than just pristine beaches. Sometimes, the most unforgettable island experiences happen in the mountains, where views stretch forever and every sunset feels like a gift meant just for you.
If you are willing to trade the swim-up bar for a mountain hike, the disco for a chorus of birds, and the TV for a view of the galaxy, this place will steal your heart. It is mari serye (absolutely serious/amazing). It resets your soul in a way that a busy beach resort simply cannot.
So, go ahead. Book the ticket, pack the bug spray, and get ready for a different side of Mauritius.
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