Mauritius

Visiting Mauritius was always something I wanted to do. This trip started with a real treat, an upgrade to Club Class seats from London to Dubai and then again from Dubai to London. What a way to travel. We had a 2 hour connection in Dubai airport which is really big. Now, with the new Terminal building one can easily spend hours there. If you have any difficulty walking it is worth booking the airport assistance to get you from one gate to another. As Mauritius is only 2 hours ahead of GMT, you don't get much jet lag. This is the county of now the extinct Dodo, and you see pictures and sculptures of them everywhere. French and English are widely spoken and Mauritians are very friendly. Although their Summer is in our Winter time, temperatures don't vary much throughout the year. One thing it may be worth considering is that in June - Sep the East coast will be windier and could feel cooler than the West or South West coast. We visited lots of hotels in our 10 day trip but the first one, Shanti Anada, is something special. It is a Spa Destination hotel, its sister hotel is at the foothills of Himalayas. Every aspect of the stay is carefully arranged to suit the clients. If they want a quiet, get-away-from-it-all, resting kind of holiday, they will get it here. If they are into lots of Yoga, Spa or any Ayurveda treatments, there are experts on hand to help. Food was heavenly. Beach small but almost deserted. Mauritius does not have private beaches, but this one is as close to private as it gets. We were really sorry to leave here. Over the next few days we visited: Le Telfair - nice, French colonial look, good food and great beach, good for families. Anahita - a very up market time share style complex attached to Four Seasons. Four Seasons- uber chick, but a little new and grounds need 1-2 years to make it special. Le Touessrok - great family and active resort, with extensive facilities and a private golf course. Rooms were of a very high standard and great location. Royal Palm - 5* hotel close to Grande Baia, with world class facilities, food and decor Oberoi - small (72 rooms) but perfectly formed. All the Pavillons have a nice view, but the pool ones are great for privacy. Beach here is one of the best on the island. Food was really good and the staff are so friendly. Great feel to the whole place. Prince Maurice- on the East coast with some fabulous overwater suites close to the lagoon. It was popular with British and mainly adult clientele. Belle Mare Plage - a perennial favourite with many first time visitors. The grounds are very extensive and the rooms are of a very high standard. Main buffet restaurant had a nice feel and good food and the beach is very long. One and Only Le Saint Geran - very, very upmarket and exclusive. Prince Edward was staying in their Villa during this stay (allegedly), and the whole resort just oozes elegance. There is Spoon restaurant by the famous Alain Ducasse here which is very popular. Their children's club was really good and catered for all ages. Residence - Very classy and high repeat clientele. Nice Junior Suites for 2 adults and 2 children. Beau Rivage - Great for all, good facilities and food. Taj Exotica - Small, boutique with all rooms having a private pool. Paradis - one of the best family hotels we visited. Location is spectacular and use of their sister hotel (Dinarobin) facilities make is a great choice. The one thing I got to know is that you can go out and about quite easily and do lots of other activities, horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, cruises, nature and a safari parks, etc... I was sad to leave, but happy to have had a chance to experience a really unique place.