Mauritius - a favourite holiday destination of mine

* Is it the great all-year summer weather? * Is it the natural beauty with coconut trees and the most beautiful sunsets? * Is it the rich and diverse culture? * Is it the Mauritian cooking? * Is it the wide selection of water sports? * Is it the popular white sandy beaches? * Is it because one can be busy all the time, or just do nothing at all?

I don’t know. It could be any of the above, or it could be any other aspect of the Mauritian way of life…

I recently visited Mauritius for our annual Travel Counsellors Conference and I was once again intrigued by this fascinating island. It really offers something for everyone; from the youngest child; to the honeymoon couple; to the tired business man looking for a break; to the well travelled senior citizen.

Furthermore it caters for various budgets from self-catering to 5 Star boutique hotels or resort style hotels, including B&B’s, self catering, half board, full board and all inclusive options. Spa treatments, golf, snorkelling, day excursions, catamaran cruising, deep sea fishing, sailing lessons, glass bottom boats, undersea walks, horse riding, botanical gardens, museums, the second oldest race course in the world, national parks, biscuit factory, mosques, chapels, shrines... there is so much that you can do, just too little time!

I visited the new 5 Star Long Beach Hotel – a one of a kind, luxury resort style hotel. I adored the contemporary designs, the open-air living spaces, the neutral colours and fresh feel to the rooms. (I felt proud to know that the architect of the hotel was a South African.) The 2.5 staff to 1 guest ratio compliments the experience without intruding at all. There are 5 restaurants to choose from – one of the most difficult decisions you will have to make is to decide where, when and what to eat or drink. It has a wonderful Spa and the mind blowing attention to detail was given to the Kiddies and Teen’s Clubs. There is even a rock climbing wall. The design of the swimming pool is something to talk about and the very well equipped gym will impress any fitness fanatic.

I have visited the vibrant 4 Star Le Preskil Beach Resort, just a couple of minutes from the airport. The hotel is close to the village of Mahebourg on a private peninsula. What a gem with: sandy beaches, a lovely swimming pool, Ylang spa, tropical gardens, mini club, large selection of free water sports. All rooms have either a terrace or a balcony and are spread throughout the gardens. The hotel even has its own catamaran – what’s nicer than enjoying a relaxing sundowner cruise to end a perfect day?

Another property I could recommend is the Astroea Hotel. This is a 3 Star boutique hotel recommended for honeymooners or clients that want to get away from it all. It is built right on the beachfront and has an intimate, calm and very laid back feel to it. There are only 16 rooms – some with garden views and some with sea views. It looks like a beach house and not like a hotel at all. I loved the white and aquamarine colour theme throughout. There is also a spa which offers guest numerous treatment options. Guests can also use the facilities of the nearby Le Preskil Hotel which can be reached by means of a 3 minute speedboat ride, regular transfers or even by a 15 minute walk.

The 5 Star Shandrani Hotel is a firm favorite of the South African market. This hotel is only 5 minutes from the airport and very well known for conferencing. The all-inclusive Serenity package works especially well for families and conference delegates as all meals and drinks are included, even the use of your mini bar. There are 5 restaurants, a stunning Spa, mini club, 3 beaches, floodlit tennis courts, mashie 9 hole golf, pedalo boats and various other motorised and non-motorised water sports on offer. The hotel is currently busy refurbishing their deluxe and family rooms. Without thinking of any specific reason I can honestly say I am ready for another trip to Mauritius.