Mauritius - even better the second time around

Brian Telfer on 17 May 2012
Because our Gold Travel Counsellors Conference was being held in Mauritius, I took the opportunity to stay a few extra days at Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort, in Bel Ombre. This is a beautiful, colonial hotel with ocean frontage and an 18-hole championship golf course.

Despite the similarity in our names, one of the key reasons for staying there was that I had some clients staying there later in the year, so I wanted to meet the hotel staff and get to know the resort more, so I could pass on any recommendations.

Ingrid, from Guest Relations at Le Telfair, set the tone for my entire stay: very friendly and professional, and nothing was too much trouble for her. She’d even made a dinner reservation for our first night. Indeed all the staff were friendly, helpful and professional – a winning combination.

The Resort was inspired by Charles Telfair, a famous naturalist who lived in the 19th century in the Bel Ombre Sugar Estate. Built on the site of a former sugar estate, the Resort has a colonial feel, with beautiful, well-maintained buildings and grounds. See my photo of the view from Reception – superb.

We loved having lunch on the beach at Le Palmier pool & beach bar – just a few steps between the main pool and the beach – blissful. We also liked a drink there at the bar in the early evening, watching the sun go down. There are two swimming pools in this area, both in lovely settings. The beautiful Cavendish Bar and Lounge with its attentive and friendly staff was the place for our pre-dinner cocktails and after dinner coffee. There is live music there in the evening – all very chilled and relaxing. I loved the room where you could play snooker at the back of the Cavendish – see photos.

Annabella’s – named after Charles Telfair’s wife - was where we had breakfast each day and dinner at Gin’ja featuring Pan-Asian cuisine was a real treat, with its views of the ocean and river.

Le Telfair is a great place to learn water sports in the lagoon – every day we saw water-skiing, kayaks, kite surfing, and windsurfing and more. Just across a bridge from our room was the C Beach Club which has two restaurants, bar, another swimming pool and a kids and teens area. It’s right on the beach front, next to the hotel.

Le Telfair is also a great place to play golf - the spectacular 18-hole championship golf course (PAR 72) has won many awards. It combines exceptional panoramas into its challenging design to create a truly memorable golfing experience. The Resort was voted "Best Golf Resort” in Mauritius for the second consecutive year at the World Travel Awards 2011.

You can also get active in the well-equipped gym and tennis courts. There is a magnificent 600sq metre pool available for swimmers. However, the resort is also a lovely place in which to relax – and for additional relaxation, you can book treatments at the Seven Colours Spa Millesime Collection.

The only negative is that my visit was so short. I would have loved to have hiked around the nearby Frédérica Nature Reserve, the natural habitat of many plants, indigenous birds and animals unique to Mauritius.

On my return, I stayed at the Hilton Heathrow Terminal 4 hotel and it was a great way to ease back into normal life – quiet room, friendly staff and a brilliant breakfast.

Tempted by Mauritius? I'm already planning my next trip there! Please call me for more information and details of offers.