The out-of-the-world experience that comes with staying at this super-stylish resort begins before you even arrive at the villa. Flying in by private helicopter transfer, we landed and were quickly driven to the doors of Villa One for our in-villa check in - the most exhilarating and exciting way to arrive! The moment was made even more special as I was handed a glass of chilled Champagne and warmly welcomed by Suny from the villa's team of butlers, who boasts over 25 years' experience working at the resort. He had a twinkle in his eye and a friendly smile that immediately made me feel at home, as he reassured me that his team were on-hand throughout my stay to ensure I had everything I needed.
As we entered the villa, I was immediately struck by the incredible attention-to-detail that had been put into this dreamy abode; the hallway was opulently styled with a chandelier hanging overhead, leading through to the spacious living area where artwork showcasing the resort's 40-year history adorned the walls, and the open terrace doors invited in the exotic breeze as you admired uninterrupted views of Indian Ocean beyond. The villa also has a huge dining room alongside a fully-fitted kitchen, two sea-facing bedrooms with marble bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes, and of course, endless outdoor space for soaking up Mauritus' sublime sunshine. I was overwhelmingly excited to be spending the next few nights here! Suny assured me that I wouldn't regret taking advantage of the unpacking service - and I didn't. My clothes were perfectly hung and organised by colour in the wardrobe, while my make-up and toiletries were laid out so perfectly you wouldn't want to spoil them, allowing me plenty of time to settle into my home-away-from-home.
As I began to savour the utter seclusion, the team of butlers and my private chef were always anticipating my every whim before I even realised it myself! Suny and his team were always conjuring up surprises, my favourite of my stay being a delicious Afternoon Tea that arrived just as I had finished taking a dip in my private infinity swimming pool - after all, is there any better way to spend a few hours cooling off on your sun lounger than with a selection of indulgent cakes and pastries? Speaking of food, everything served up by my private chef was simply delicious! I savoured a bountiful al fresco breakfast on my terrace every morning as I took in the spectacular sunrise, while Sunny would efficiently ask me what I would like the chef to prepare for lunch and dinner every day.
If you're looking for peace and privacy, this paradisiacal retreat really does have everything you need: a footpath directly down to the beach, a private swimming pool, indoor and outdoor dining spaces and even the option for an outdoor cinema in the expansive tropical gardens! But the resort is so gorgeous, I couldn't resist taking in the atmosphere. There was a fabulous choice of watersports down at the beach and, as a guest of Villa One, I had a reserved pool cabana next to the main swimming pool, where it was easy to while away a few hours. There are also five tempting eateries around the resort, serving everything from seasonal Mauritian seafood to delicious French delicacies. With a table easily booked in advance by Suny, I spent an evening sampling tapas-style Asian food at overwater restaurant, Tapasake. The chefs created a theatrical experience as they flamboyantly cooked in the open kitchens, and the incredible sushi and sashimi always left you wanting more! After dinner, I took a lovely stroll along the beach back to my private hideaway. If you're not quite ready for bed, Suny is always happy to prepare you a nightcap, or to bring you a blanket so you can savour a few moments swinging in the villa's hammock, soaking up the undisturbed view.
As my stay was coming to an end, I was sad to be leaving the freedom and effortless lifestyle I'd grown to love at Villa One. Leaving Sunny and his team behind after they had done so much for me was difficult, I felt overwhelmed by how passionate they truly are about making every detail utterly perfect. As I left the villa and the resort behind, I knew this would be an experience I would never forget - and to this day, it's one of my most treasured, luxury travel experiences.