Best Hot Springs and Spas Near Mauritius
Who doesn’t love a trip to deep blue ocean waters and relaxing beaches. If you aren’t familiar, Mauritius is a tiny island in the Indian Ocean due East of Madagascar and Northwest of South Africa. It was also home to the sad extinction of the dodo bird, one of the first animals I heard of going extinct as a child.
While Mauritius itself is a volcanic island, it is geologically "extinct" or dormant, meaning its thermal activity has largely transitioned into high-end mineral wellness and thalassotherapy.
However, its sister island, Réunion Island—a mere 45-minute flight away—is home to one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, Piton de la Fournaise.
Mauritius offers the world’s most luxurious hydrothermal spa circuits, while Réunion provides the raw, steaming earth. Together, they form a "Thermal Trail" that is unparalleled in the Southern Hemisphere.
The best time to visit the springs in Réunion is during the "Austral Winter" (May to September). The mountain air is crisp and cool, making the 38°C waters of Cilaos feel like a true sanctuary. In Mauritius, any time is hydrothermal time, but the southern winter offers lower humidity, making the "hot" part of the circuit more enjoyable.
1. Thermes de Cilaos
Located in the majestic high-altitude caldera known as the Cirque de Cilaos, this is the premier thermal station in the Indian Ocean. The waters of Cilaos were first exploited in the 19th century and are famous for their high bicarbonate and iron content.
Reaching this site is an adventure in itself, as you navigate the "Road of 400 Bends."
After climbing Piton des Neiges, you can stop at the Cilaos Thermal Baths on your way back.
You need to take an appointment before going there. Medical treatments take place in the mornings, while the afternoons are dedicated to wellness treatments. Overall, the atmosphere was quite "paramedical" due to the staff members' white coats and the flow between treatments.
Stay at Au Coeur du Paradis and enjoy mountain and garden views from their private balconies.
All treatments are timed, and it is not possible to adjust the power of the jets yourself (the receptionist comes to install us then leaves us alone in the room, so no adjustments are possible during the treatment).
Be careful, the power of the water jets is quite intense on the skin! We each had to move around a lot on the table to endure them for the 10 minutes.
The ferruginous or iron water is ideal for bone, joint and muscle pain. FYI, the white lining of my swimsuit came out rusty-colored on my back due to the rusty water, good to know. They even suggest a dark-colored swimsuit.
We took a "wellness" package for around thirty euros. A 20-minute hydromassage bath followed by a 20-minute hydromassage massage on a waterbed, finishing with a foot massage on a machine with a choice of three speeds.
We enjoyed this relaxing moment after hiking. You have several options; we went directly to the spa and were lucky to get a spot for a 1.5-hour slot.
Be careful, the parking lot can be crowded, as it was already full even though it wasn't peak season. Flip-flops, towels, and bathrobes are available. Not all treatments require a swimsuit.
The Chapel hike is worth doing (an easy circuit for a good walker). Be careful on the road leading to the cirque; it lives up to its name, "the 400 bends."
Water Quality: 5 Stars. The water is crystal clear at the source, naturally filtered through miles of volcanic basalt. There is a faint, clean mineral scent but no overwhelming sulfur odor.
Ease of Access: 3 Stars. While the road to Cilaos is paved, it is one of the most dizzying drives in the world. Once in the village, the Thermes are easily reached, but the journey from the coast is arduous.
Ability to be Alone: 3 Stars. As the only official thermal center in the region, it attracts health tourists from across the globe. However, the private cabins and hydrotherapy tubs offer excellent personal space.
Water Temperature: 4 Stars. The water emerges at a comfortable 31°C to 38°C (88°F to 100°F), perfect for extended soaking without the risk of overheating.
Health Benefits: 5 Stars. Exceptionally rich in iron and bicarbonates. It is world-renowned for treating rheumatism, digestive issues, and muscle recovery.
Nearby Amenities: 5 Stars. Cilaos is a vibrant mountain village. You will find charming Creole guesthouses, local lentil restaurants, and high-end spas within walking distance.
2. Shanti Maurice Hydrothermal Circuit
While Mauritius lacks bubbling "hot" springs on the surface, the Shanti Maurice resort has mastered the art of hydrothermal wellness by tapping into the island’s volcanic mineral heritage. This is the luxury interpretation of a natural spring.
Shanti means peace in Sanskrit and as soon as you enter the gardens of Shanti Maurice, you’re surrounded by tranquil groves of frangipani trees and bougainvillea blooming in the dappled shade. Set on a secluded cove on Mauritius’ quieter southern coast, the hotel looks out across the Indian Ocean, with the Chamarel Mountains rising up behind.
Stay in the Resort’s suites with private pools and sun bathers. The hotel’s restaurant serves local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the ocean, the resort’s garden or the nearby farms. They also have a kid’s club and four restaurants.
Shanti Spa is pure paradise. We have yoga rooms with specially designed flooring for exercising, meditation rooms, a Jacuzzi, lap pool, Watsu pool, an AquaFit swimming pool and a hair salon as well.
In terms of facilities, the spa was lovely and the classes nice - I had a great massage and singing bowls class - I love sound healing.
Ayurveda influences a variety of areas from cuisine to treatments at Shanti Maurice including:
5 dedicated Ayurveda treatment rooms
Authentic Ayurvedic massage techniques
Traditional Ayurveda rituals
Specialized Ayurvedic therapist team trained by “Ananda in the Himalayas”
Ayurveda Doctor on-site for daily consultation
Shanti Maurice offers a range of water sports including stand-up paddleboards, kayaking, snorkeling, a PADI dive centre and pedalo. There are a number of dive sites around the coast from a shallow lagoon reef suitable for beginners, to more challenging caverns and crevasses.
Water Quality: 5 Stars. Immaculately maintained. The water is crystal clear and free of any contaminants, utilizing sophisticated filtration systems to mirror natural mineral springs.
Ease of Access: 5 Stars. Located on the quiet south coast of Mauritius with valet parking and paved road access.
Ability to be Alone: 4 Stars. The spa is one of the largest in the Indian Ocean (75,000 sq. ft.). It features designated quiet zones and private "Watsu" pools for absolute solitude.
Water Temperature: 5 Stars. The circuit features multiple pools ranging from ice-cold plunge pools to hot mineral baths at 39°C, allowing for personalized thermal therapy.
Health Benefits: 4 Stars. The resort focuses on Ayurvedic principles and uses volcanic mud and mineral salts to simulate the effects of a high-sulfur spring.
Nearby Amenities: 5 Stars. As a five-star resort, the amenities are world-class, featuring award-winning dining and luxury lodging.
3. Sources de Hell-Bourg / Salazie (Réunion Island)
In the 19th century, Hell-Bourg was the premier "Spa Town" of the Southern Hemisphere. While the original thermal hospital is now a historic ruin, the mineral springs still seep through the lush, tropical walls of the Cirque de Salazie. The village of Hell-Bourg is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Creole houses, flower-filled gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere offer a true journey back in time.
It’s just a short walk from the center of Hell-Bourg, down a gentle path clinging to the cliff, where you can discover the ruins of the ancient thermal baths.
Two kid hunters discovered the Salazie hot springs on the right bank of the Bras-Sec gully in 1831; as a result of this discovery, the area, which has been described as a paradise, was called "soaloz", "the good camp". One thousand litres of water an hour poured out of the spring at an average temperature of 32°C,
Very little remains of the former bath establishment, but with some imagination, you can visualize what the building looked like over a century ago. In the center, a circular stone pond welcomes you to what’s left of that 19th-century popular destination.
Water Quality: 4 Stars. Naturally filtered through the most lush vegetation in the Mascarenes. The water is pristine but may contain minor forest sediment.
Ease of Access: 4 Stars. Hell-Bourg is easily accessible by car. A short, well-maintained path leads from the village to the ruins of the old thermal baths.
Ability to be Alone: 3 Stars. Being a historic site, it attracts hikers and history buffs. However, the surrounding forest offers plenty of hidden seeps for the intrepid seeker.
Water Temperature: 2 Stars. These springs are "warm" rather than hot, usually hovering around 24°C to 26°C. They are refreshing but don't offer a traditional "hot soak."
Health Benefits: 3 Stars. Historically used for treating anemia and general debility. Today, the benefits are primarily general relaxation and the "forest bathing" effect.
Nearby Amenities: 5 Stars. Hell-Bourg is classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and offers exceptional Creole architecture and dining.
4. JW Marriott Mauritius
Located in Le Morne, JW Marriott Mauritius Resort is on the beach.
Thalassotherapy is the "seawater hot spring." At the base of the majestic Le Morne Brabant, this center utilizes the high-mineral-density seawater of the lagoon, which is naturally heated by the tropical sun and further tempered for therapy.
The resort’s spa is a true oasis of tranquillity, featuring 12 dedicated treatment rooms, including two private couples’ suites, hair and nail salon, men’s grooming area, energy bathing space, and a relaxation terrace. Guests may indulge in the warmth of a traditional Hamman, unwind in the Jacuzzi, or revitalise their senses in the invigorating jet shower and sauna.
Water Quality: 5 Stars. The water is pumped from the pristine, UNESCO-protected lagoon of Le Morne. It is crystal clear and rich in oxygen.
Ease of Access: 5 Stars. Located on the Le Morne peninsula with ample parking and easy road access.
Ability to be Alone: 4 Stars. The Thalassotherapy circuit is designed for tranquil, semi-private experiences with designated "quiet" pools.
Water Temperature: 4 Stars. Pools are maintained at a precise 33°C (91°F), the temperature at which the skin most effectively absorbs minerals from seawater.
Health Benefits: 5 Stars. Seawater contains nearly every mineral found in human blood. It is excellent for skin conditions, thyroid health, and lymphatic drainage.
Nearby Amenities: 5 Stars. Luxury lodging, world-class kite-surfing, and gourmet restaurants are all within the resort grounds.
5. One&Only Le Saint Géran
The One&Only Resort utilizes the thermal conductivity of the island’s basalt rock. By heating the very earth that was once magma and using mineral-laden water from the island's interior, they create a synthetic thermal spring experience.
Luxury facilities include a hammam, sauna, indoor relaxation area, and oversized daybeds circling our adults-only, 18-meter pool.
Each spa session begins with an exploration of an olfactory universe, guests close their eyes and discover 4 Elixirs.
Eau Bleue is a multisensory face and body treatment that fuses the energising spirit of the island's waterfalls with the refreshing notes of Guerlain's Eau de Cologne Impériale. Starting with a footbath, this invigorating experience uses cooling spheres to ease muscle tension, enhance blood flow, and deeply nourish the skin, paired with jade gua sha to drain, sculpt and illuminate the face. An immersive plunge into the waters of this captivating paradise.
Tropical healing is an exclusive face and body treatment, where the zesty freshness of neroli blends with the healing power of herbal stamps and honey-based products to purify, soothe, and nourish the body. Through iconic Guerlain gestures, the face is deeply smoothed, brightened, and firmed, creating an enveloping and relaxing ritual that harnesses the sublime treasures of nature.
The stone prelude, a deeply relaxing foot bath ritual can be added to any treatment. Inspired by the island's lush landscape, this smooth prelude combines volcanic stone with circular movements and expert techniques, enhanced by soothing pressure, delivering an unparalleled sensation of lightness and flexibility.
Water Quality: 5 Stars. Crystal clear, laboratory-pure water used in their hydrothermal suites.
Ease of Access: 5 Stars. Paved roads lead to this private peninsula on the East Coast.
Ability to be Alone: 5 Stars. The spa features private outdoor pavilions surrounded by water, ensuring total seclusion.
Water Temperature: 5 Stars. Precisely controlled. The hot stone baths are maintained at a perfect 40°C.
Health Benefits: 3 Stars. While the mineral content is added rather than natural, the heat therapy on basalt stones provides excellent muscle relief.
Nearby Amenities: 5 Stars. This is one of the world's most awarded resorts with every imaginable luxury.
