Royal Palm has been the island's address for polished, old-school hotel keeping for four decades, and it still runs on that. There are only 69 suites, all facing the sea, and the staff-to-guest ratio shows in the small things: towels appear, drinks arrive, names are remembered.
The beach sits in the lee of the north-west coast, out of the trade winds, which makes it a good choice in the breezier southern winter months. Grand Baie's restaurants and shops are on the doorstep, and golfers get daily green fees at Mont Choisy Le Golf, 10 minutes away.
It is formal by Mauritian standards and the style is classic rather than contemporary. Travellers who want a design-led, barefoot feel, or a huge beach to wander, will be happier elsewhere. Families are well looked after, with free kids and teens programmes, though the mood leans towards couples.