Paradise Reimagined: A Journey to Preskil Island Resort

I. The Hidden Gem of the Indian Ocean

Nestled off the southeastern coast of Mauritius lies a crescent-shaped jewel few have yet to discover: Preskil Island Resort. More than a resort, it’s an experience—a self-contained world of turquoise lagoons, sugar-white beaches, and a rhythm of life so relaxed it’s as if time itself takes a breath.

Set on a private islet connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, Preskil manages the delicate balance of seclusion and accessibility. The name “Preskil” (derived from the French presqu’île, meaning “peninsula”) nods to its unique location and its French-Creole roots—a cultural blend that weaves its way into every corner of the resort.

From the moment guests step foot onto the palm-fringed grounds, a sense of serenity takes hold. The journey may have involved planes, customs, and transfers, but all of that melts away in the island breeze scented with frangipani and sea salt.

II. Arrival: A Welcome Like No Other

The welcome ritual at Preskil is more than a gesture—it’s a rite of passage. Guests are greeted with a cool towel infused with ylang-ylang, a glass of lemongrass iced tea, and the soft notes of a local Sega musician playing beneath the shade of a thatched pavilion.

The lobby is open-air, crafted from natural stone and reclaimed timber, blending luxury with authenticity. From here, one can gaze straight out to the lagoon, where sailboats rock gently and the shadowy outline of Lion Mountain rises in the distance.

Each guest is assigned a dedicated ambassadeur—a personal concierge ready to arrange everything from scuba diving excursions to private sunset dinners. This touch of personalization is emblematic of Preskil’s ethos: intuitive luxury.

III. Accommodations: Designed for Daydreaming

Preskil offers a selection of suites and villas designed with understated elegance. Think driftwood accents, billowing white linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the outdoors in. Whether it’s the Lagoon Rooms perched just above the shoreline, or the opulent Island Villas with private plunge pools, every space whispers indulgence.

The décor borrows from Mauritian tradition—woven baskets, volcanic stone tiles, and hand-painted murals of island flora. The furniture is locally sourced and crafted, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.

At night, the sound of the waves replaces the need for white noise, and the glow of moonlight on the water becomes nature’s own nightlight. Each morning, sunrise spills across the lagoon like a secret between the island and the sea.

IV. Dining: A Global Palette with Local Soul

Dining at Preskil is a culinary journey that honors Mauritius’ multicultural heritage. Three main restaurants—Mosaik, 1810, and Tapas Grill—serve an array of flavors ranging from Mediterranean to Asian, but always with a Creole twist.

Mosaik, the resort’s flagship buffet, offers a rotating menu of international dishes with live cooking stations. Whether it’s coconut crab curry or saffron-infused paella, the ingredients are locally sourced and ethically harvested.

At 1810, named after the year of the historic Battle of Grand Port nearby, guests dine beachfront under lanterns, with the Indian Ocean lapping at their feet. Freshly grilled fish, mango chutney, and hand-rolled samosas elevate the experience to something unforgettable.

For a more casual affair, Tapas Grill offers small plates, cocktails, and spectacular sunset views. The rum menu alone is worth the visit, showcasing artisanal blends aged in oak barrels and spiced with island botanicals.

V. Experiences: From Reef to Peak

Adventure is never far at Preskil. The resort’s water sports center is a gateway to some of Mauritius’ most pristine marine ecosystems. Snorkeling excursions to Blue Bay Marine Park reveal coral gardens alive with clownfish, lionfish, and parrotfish. For certified divers, the nearby shipwrecks and underwater caves offer a more adrenaline-fueled encounter.

Land lovers can hike Lion Mountain, a jagged ridge whose summit offers panoramic views of the lagoon and beyond. Guided tours highlight native flora, including rare orchids and endemic ebony trees, once nearly extinct.

For those in search of serenity, the Yemaya Spa—named after the ocean goddess of African folklore—offers treatments that draw from Ayurvedic, Creole, and Polynesian traditions. Sea salt scrubs, sugarcane wraps, and bamboo massages are delivered with care and reverence.

And then, of course, there’s the beach—endless and uncrowded. Here, guests can do everything or nothing at all, drifting between naps in a hammock and pages of a forgotten paperback.

VI. Culture: A Living Heritage

More than just a backdrop, Mauritius is a story that Preskil is eager to tell. The resort hosts weekly Creole Nights, where guests can taste traditional foods, watch Sega dance performances, and hear the oral histories of the island told by local elders.

There are cooking classes with Mauritian chefs, rum tasting sessions with distillers, and visits to nearby Mahebourg, a sleepy fishing village with a rich colonial past. At the small but powerful Preskil Heritage Corner, guests can trace the island’s journey from Dutch settlement to British colony to independent nation.

The staff, nearly all Mauritian, share their stories freely, proud of their mixed heritage and eager to ensure visitors leave with more than just a tan.

VII. Sustainability: Luxury with a Conscience

Preskil is not only beautiful—it’s responsible. The resort was rebuilt from the ground up following a cyclone in 2018, with eco-conscious principles in mind. Solar panels power much of the resort, wastewater is recycled for landscaping, and single-use plastics have been eliminated.

The coral restoration program, run in partnership with local NGOs, is a particular point of pride. Guests can sponsor coral fragments or even help plant them—a rare chance to give back to the ecosystem that gives so much.

Preskil’s farm-to-table program supports island farmers and reduces the carbon footprint of its cuisine. Food waste is composted, and surplus meals are donated to community kitchens on the mainland.

VIII. Love, Family, and Everything in Between

Preskil caters effortlessly to all kinds of travelers. For honeymooners, there are candlelit dinners on floating decks and couples massages under starlight. For families, there’s a supervised kids’ club, splash pools, and activities like treasure hunts and kite-making.

Weddings at Preskil are events to remember. With the ocean as a witness and palm trees as an altar, couples can exchange vows in a ceremony that feels both sacred and spontaneous. Vow renewals and anniversaries are equally cherished, marked by music, dance, and celebration.

IX. Departure: A Promise to Return

As the boat pulls away from Preskil’s jetty and the island begins to shrink in the distance, a strange thing happens. Instead of sadness, there’s a sense of completion, as though some unspoken part of the soul has been restored.

Staff gather to wave farewell, singing a gentle Creole song that lingers long after it’s out of earshot. In the welcome book, there’s a quote that sums up the Preskil experience: “You didn’t come to escape the world. You came to remember it.”

Epilogue: Practical Information

• Getting There: Preskil Island Resort is located 15 minutes from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Transfers are included in most packages.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October offers cooler, drier weather perfect for beach and marine activities.
• Rates: Room rates begin at $320/night, including breakfast and non-motorized water sports. All-inclusive packages are available.