Villa Bella Vita

At Villa Bella Vita, the house opens straight onto the water. A long blue infinity pool runs the length of a dark wood deck, with white loungers and parasols set along its edge, and the living rooms slide fully open to it under a wide white roof. Palms and thick green garden close in on every side, so the deck feels private even at midday. The villa sits inside the Azuri estate on the north-east coast of Mauritius, on 3,700 m² of grounds that run down to a river.

That river is what sets the villa apart. A private jetty on wooden posts cuts through the mangrove, and it is lit at night, so even a late walk down feels easy. The villa's own boat waits at the end of it. She has twin 150 hp outboards and comes with a skipper, who can take you along the river, across the lagoon and out to open sea. Some days that means fishing. Other days it means a slow trip on blue water, with a surfboard on board for anyone who wants to try.

Back on land, most meals happen outside. A thatched gazebo shelters a long timber table that seats the whole group, and there are several other spots to eat around the garden. Next to the pool, a second covered lounge has deep white sofas for the hot part of the afternoon. There is a barbecue area with a back kitchen behind it, a pétanque court on the lawn, and a wooden terrace with loungers that hangs over the river. The pool itself measures 93 m², which is plenty of room for lengths before breakfast.

Inside, the living room, dining room and kitchen flow together across more than 100 m². Floor-to-ceiling windows open to the terrace and veranda, and a large teak table sits in front of a stone feature wall. Wood, stone and a few sculptural pieces keep the look contemporary and calm. The kitchen is modern and fully equipped, with a pantry. Down the ground floor wing you will find a home cinema of about 35 m² with one big sofa, a massage room, and a gym of about 36 m² that opens to the garden. It has a treadmill, a spinning bike, a rowing machine, a multi-function station, free weights and a punching bag.

There are four bedrooms, and each has its own bathroom. They share white beds, warm wood and views of green. The master suite on the ground floor is 27 m², with a double bed, a dressing room of 8 m² and a 16 m² bathroom with a freestanding bath. Beside it, a 26 m² guest room has a double bed, a shower room, a walk-in wardrobe and a balcony over the garden. One level down, two 25 m² rooms, one double and one twin, each with a shower room and walk-in wardrobe, open onto a covered patio that steps straight into the garden.

The estate around you has two guarded entrances, a 9-hole golf course, tennis and covered padel courts, a fitness centre and a nautical club. The beach is a ten minute walk away, and the airport is about an hour and fifteen minutes by road. A housekeeper, pool and garden upkeep and a personal welcome come with the stay, while a chef, butler, nanny or yoga teacher can be arranged on request. Villa Bella Vita sleeps up to 8 guests, which suits a family or two or three couples who want time on the water together. It is part of our Signature Collection, and we at The Luxury Rental would be glad to tell you more about this corner of Mauritius whenever you are ready to plan.