Travel Agent Equestria

No Problem – this is the motto of Mauritius! I experienced this from the moment I boarded the Air Mauritius flight. It’s not just the beautiful beaches and hotels of Mauritius that make me want to return but it’s also the calm culture of the people!

I was privileged to enjoy an educational trip to Mauritius with The Holiday Factory for 4 days which included visits to various hotels as well as a trip on the most fantastic catamaran cruise!

The first hotel we stayed at was La Plantation, a lovely 4 Star Luxe Resort located on the West Coast – the benefit of being on this side of the island are the beautiful sunsets. This hotel is only 20 minutes from Port Louis (in the South) and Grand Baie (in the North) making it suitable for business travellers. The facilities at the hotel include motorised (water skiing, wake boarding) and non-motorised water sports (pedal boats, canoes) as well as a stunning health spa – a must for those needing “rest and restoration” especially honeymooners/couples. The family rooms are well sized and even have a “mini gown” in the room for each child. Kids are entertained for hours at the kiddies club while mom and dad can relax. It is very well suited for families! The hotel grounds are covered in palm trees and pools of shallow water which you can walk through, something unusual and special!

Day3, we visited the following hotels:

• Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa (5 Star).
It is located on the West Coast in the same bay as La Plantation (Turtle Bay) and has a much calmer and quieter feel. I would recommend this hotel for the more mature, discerning traveller as it boasts a remarkable cellar and an executive chef! One area of the beach has been left in its natural condition. It is lush with trees from which hammocks swing whilst the other area is specifically for swimming, beach games and water sports.

• Intercontinental Mauritius Resort (4 Star Deluxe)
This hotel is one of my favourites as it caters for all travellers and offers an “up market” style. It is located 20 minutes from the market of Port Louis so holiday makers are able to enjoy day trips. You have a choice of beaches, a calm “pool-like” swimming area, a rocky beach and also a boating area. Something unique is an “island” in the sea that you can walk to, where you can have private dinners!

• Les Cocotiers Hotel (2 Star) & Hotel Bougainville (3 Star)
Not all the hotels in Mauritius are luxurious – which is what makes Mauritius so appealing to everyone as even the budget traveller is able to enjoy a holiday at a hotel like Les Cocotiers or Hotel Bougainville. These are much smaller hotels and offer basic facilities although they still offer everything just on a smaller scale like 1 restaurant and 1 health spa bed. The beaches are small and “cute” with deck chairs and volleyball.

• Indian Resort & Spa (4 Star Luxe)
It is protected by the silhouette of the famous mountain, Le Morne on the South West Coast. The unique feature is the Indian decor and architecture! This hotel suits a younger, family friendly vibe and offers great evening entertainment whilst the health spa provides the ultimate day time escape with its hydrotherapy pool, sauna, hammam and whirlpools! Offering the best water sport choices from catamarans, pedalo boats, and scuba diving to a kite surf school and more! The rooms have a fun “tropical” beach theme rather than an up market classy theme (like La Plantation and Ambre Resort)

Day 4, we visited the following hotels:
• One & Only Le Saint Geran (5 Star)
In a class of its own, its first choice for celeb’s and is absolutely exquisite, posh and exclusive! Located on the East Coast on the Belle Mare Peninsula and is the ultimate in luxury! The beach has pure white sand and is a postcard picture. I would however not recommend this hotel for families unless you plan to leave your children at the kiddies club for your entire stay, the hotel definitely has the best kiddies club!

• Ambre Resort & Spa (4 Star Superior)
Our last night was spent at Ambre Resort, also situated on the East Coast and is the biggest of the hotels that we visited with 298 rooms. All the rooms are decorated in smart black and white tones. I would however not suggest a garden view room, as sea view rooms are worth the extra cost. This hotel has the longest (more than 1km) and widest beach of all the hotels mentioned above where one can enjoy romantic long walks as well as all water sports.

Mauritius has so many hotels and so many lovely beaches that making the right choice can be intimidating So… call me to match your travel needs with your perfect holiday to Mauritius!

Regards

Nadia