Mauritius

Helene Kirkham on 06 July 2015
The Shandrani Resort & Spa is just 10 minutes' drive from the airport in the South East of the island and is a Deluxe All Inclusive property. The hotel is beautifully situated on three beaches and is lapped by the clear waters of a unique marine park. The All Inclusive Serenity Plus covers the hotel’s five restaurants ( including an excellent buffet restaurant), unlimited champagne from 6pm, unlimited premium wines and spirits, beach and pool service and mini bar. Unlimited water skiing, ‘Bob Marlin’ kids club (ages 3-12) and one 45 minute massage per adult per stay at the Clarins Spa.

The hotel has been recently renovated and the rooms (incl Family Apartments) are all bright and spacious! The Shandrani was certainly one of my favourite hotels out of all those we stayed in and visited but please note that due to its location to the airport, aircraft noise is noticeable.

The Dinarobin Hotel is a 5* Deluxe hotel situated on the South West coast of the island. The luxury accommodation is housed in six crescents of suites, five of which have pools and there are also two exclusive villas situated on a secluded beach.

The hotel has five restaurants (nine if you include those at its sister hotel Le Paradis) and has an excellent reputations for fine dining.

The Spa by Clarins has an excellent reputation and I can personally recommend a full body massage here!

Those who are looking for something more active will certainly enjoy the tennis courts and excellent water sports available here, not to mention three international golf courses - including the 18-hole Championship golf course at Le Paradis. Finally, five kilometres of beach tops off what is a beautiful hotel.

Just along the beautiful beach and accessible by buggy from the Dinarobin is its sister 5* hotel, Le Paradis.

Le Paradis lives up to its name in that it is located at the heart of a private peninsula with stunning views across the shoreline and set against an iconic mountain (Le Morne). This is a hotel for those looking for land or water sports and golf lovers will not be disappointed with the nearby prestigious golf courses.

The hotel is undergoing refurbishment of its public areas at present but will be open again mid July 2015. It offers a variety of bright and contemporary accommodations including junior and senior suites and 13 luxury villas.

Excellent dining again and with access to Dinarobin’s restaurants then guests have a total choice of nine restaurants during their stay. This is such a beautifully situated hotel with a lively atmosphere and I would highly recommend to couples and families alike.

Le Victoria is a lovely 4* hotel where all the accommodation is sea facing. The hotel has one of the largest lead in room categories and family apartments make this a perfect hotel for groups or families travelling together. It is situated on a beautiful beach and offers a unique ‘’Unlimited Diving Package’’ along with a wide range of land and water sports. Three restaurants include a buffet restaurant and the beachside L’Horizon restaurant which specialises in fresh seafood. Lively evening entertainment from a live band makes this a perfect hotel for familes, groups and couples!

Just a short distance away is Le Mauricia Hotel, a 4* hotel which attracts those looking for a more casual atmosphere. Located in Grand Baie, the hotel is at the heart of the best destination for shopping and lively entertainment which are all within walking distance.

The hotel suits those who are on a budget but still want to experience everything that Mauritius has to offer. The rooms are of a good size and the hotel offers an optional All Inclusive Package that is interchangeable with Le Cannonier.

Just a few minutes away is the 4* Le Cannonier Hotel which is situated on a stunning peninsula with rich history.

The hotel has a very ‘open’ feel to it with its winding pathways through seven hectares of tropical garden. Perfect for couples of families you can find lots of quiet corners including pools, ponds and small inlets. The grounds and gardens here are lush and cool under the warm sun.

The hotel rooms also include two bedroom apartments and a unique ‘baby care’ room equipped with facilities for parents and children under the age of 3yrs. Why doesn’t every hotel have one of these?

Two of the hotel’s most stunning features include its Wellness Centre which is built around the branches of an ancient Banyan Tree and Le Navigator restaurant which is located at the tip of the peninsula with spectacular ocean views. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves gourmet meals using fresh seafood. It is also the venue for amazing ‘lobster nights’, famous across the island. I can honestly say that I had one of the best meals in my life here – it was outstanding.

Le Cannonier was without doubt my favourite 4* hotel that we visited – it has such a relaxed atmosphere and is well managed with a light and airy feel throughout. We then made our way to the outstanding 5* Trou Aux Biches Hotel which is 10 minute drive from Le Cannonier.

This hotel offers luxury accommodation comprised of different categories of suites and private villas. An outstanding location and service makes this a perfect hotel for couple and honeymooners looking for a romantic setting and set on a beautiful beach that offers the most stunning of sunsets!

The suites are set in gardens bordering the beach and are modern, private and luxurious. The Clarins Spa is one of the largest on the island and is set in the midst of the hotel’s gardens.

Six restaurants offer menus inspired from around the world and you will truly be spoilt for choice during your stay here.

This was a hotel that I would have no hesitation in staying in for my own holiday! Their service levels are high and the accommodations are all of a luxury standard.

Our last hotel visit was to the 5* Royal Palm which was the first hotel in the Indian Ocean to become a member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’ and it reflects luxury and tradition in its 84 suites.

Recently refurbished, the Royal Palm has a high percentage of repeat guests and it’s easy to see why. Attention to detail is high and the ratio of hotel staff to guest is equally as high which assures impeccable levels of service. Staff are discreet yet attentive and anticipate every guest’s need. All 84 suites are elegantly decorated and are all sea facing.

Three world class restaurants are presided over by an award winning chef and the levels of haute cuisine here are outstanding as I was fortunate enough to experience!

The hotel is set on a beautiful beach with white sands and is sheltered from the trade winds which we had experienced in the South of the island.

The Royal Palm really is a world apart and if you are looking for an intimate hotel with world class facilities (including for families) then look no further!