Mauritius - Tropical Paradise
I had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful island for the Travel Counsellors Annual Conference from 17-20 May 2012.
With an early start to the day and a very comfortable four-hour journey on SAA, I arrived in Mauritius at around 15H20 to a warm welcome - and I don't just mean the weather.
A short 15 minute drive had us arriving at the 5 Star Beachcomber Shandrani Resort & Spa, welcomed by the Resort Manager and a cold hand towel to refresh after a long day. Check-in was swift and soon I was relaxing on the lounger on my patio overlooking white beaches and the beautiful waters of Blue Bay Lagoon.
Shandrani Resort is a beautiful resort on the southern tip of Mauritius in a protected Marine reserve. The hotel is made up of 327 rooms (110 Superior, 69 Superior Beachfront, 108 Deluxe of which 18 interconnect, 36 Family Apartments, 2 Senior Suites and 2 Family Suites), 5 restaurants, 2 bars, a conference centre, La Source spa and a fitness centre. The list of activities available to keep you busy is endless, to list a few: tennis, mashie golf, sailing, skiing, snorkelling and bicycle hire, all forming part of the All Inclusive Serenity package offered by the resort. If activity is not what you are after and you would just like to laze on the beach, you can choose from 3 beautiful beaches, my favourite being the Wild Beach which is on the far end of the property away from the hustle and bustle, and as the name suggests “Wildly” beautiful.
The resort really has the resources to cater to everyone’s needs from a family getaway to a honeymoon or that much needed break, and if Mauritius is where you want to get married, you won’t be disappointed.
After a day and a half of information packed conference sessions we were privileged enough to go spend the afternoon with a supplier of our choice and visit other properties on the island and this is what I found:
• 3 Star Astroea Beach Resort: This hidden gem is a new hotel to the Mauritian island, it is small and intimate and perfect for the traveller that wishes to feel as if they are on a deserted island, the hotel is made up of 1 restaurant, 1 bar and 4 room types, namely: 5 Standard, 4 Comfort, 2 Deluxe and 4 Family Villas, the rooms are decorated in refreshing turquoise and cream giving a wonderful island feel. With a maximum capacity of around 44 guests, the service is personal and exceptional. The resort itself offers few activities but should you wish to have a day filled with activity you are welcome to use the facilities of the sister resort, Le Preskil just down the road. With a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach and sparkling waters, your days promise to be relaxing and sun-kissed. • 4 Star Le Preskil: “Le Preskil” meaning “Before the Island” offers it guests a privacy that cannot be guaranteed elsewhere by the fact that there is only one entrance to get onto this island hotel. This is a lovely resort, larger than its sister hotel down the road boasting 114 Lagoon rooms, 28 Prestige cottages, 14 Deluxe penthouse rooms, a spa, 3 restaurants and activities galore. Catering for the more budget conscious, the hotel offers an all-inclusive option to take the fright out of the end of your stay and makes Mauritius an option for all travellers.
We ended our day being spoiled with a Catamaran cruise, snacks, sparkling wine and an energetic crew who were determined to show us a good time. Anchoring out in the bay, we had a refreshing swim and were treated to Mauritian style entertainment onboard before returning for our coach back to the Shandrani.
I recommend Mauritius because of its beauty, friendly culture and for being an island rich in history.
If you want advice on your next island holiday to Mauritius, feel free to contact me and I will be happy to assist with the best option for your needs.
South African's do not require a visa for travel to Mauritius; however you need to ensure that you have a valid passport with no less than 6 months validity left on it. If this is in order, pack your swimming gear and I will send you to Mauritius…