Mauritius

Mauritius is so much more than just an island paradise. From shopping to spas, gardens to golf this Indian Ocean escape offers a profusion of things to do away from its glorious powder sand beaches.

The history of the island has resulted in a fusion of friendly, hospitable people and fantastic cuisine. The service really is outstanding. One of the best ways to get a real flavour for local life is to visit the islands capital Port Louis with its mutli cultural mix of colourful markets, street sellers and shops – defiantly worth a day off from the beach!

The island is very much known as a romantic retreat for couples especially honeymooners and anyone wishing to get married abroad. Some of the hotels have a one wedding a day only policy! However it’s equally well suited to families, there is an abundance of warm welcoming family friendly resorts with kids clubs and many other activities including taking a trip to the Casela Nature Park to check out the lions or wiz around on the quad bikes!

The north end of the island Grand Baie has a great range of restaurants, watersports, shopping and entertainment a great resort for people who want more than just a hotel based holiday.

Mauritius is now an internationally recognised Golf destination and in 2008 was highlighted at the IAGTO awards as a golf destination of the year for the region. There are seven 18 hole course and five 9 holes courses around the island. Diving is also very popular and available from most of the hotels with crystal clear blue seas it’s a great way to experience the under water world.

Mauritius is a great year around destination with only a three or five hour time difference depending on the time of year; it’s a 12 hour flight from London direct on Air Mauritius and BA and no visa or vaccination requirements. It’s a real paradise for those who want to enjoy the sea or soak up the sun, but there is so much more to the island than just lying on the beach! If you’re a couple searching for a romantic honeymoon, a keen golfer, a family looking for fun in the sun or someone who likes to indulge themselves in a Spa then Mauritius could be the next hot spot for you!  Here is my view on some of the hotels I visited:

Paradis Hotel & Golf Club

Paradis is widely regarded as one of the premier resorts on the island. With its beautiful beach location, a fantastic choice of luxury accommodation, great activities and wonderful cuisine it’s the perfect blend of luxury and leisure. Positioned next to the Le Morne Peninsula the surroundings are stunning. The calm blue lagoon waters and 5km of golden beach make it an ideal spot for water sports, including water skiing, sailing and deep sea fishing. There is an impressive range of land sports including the spectacular 18 hole Paradis Golf Course. Kids will also be well catered for in the Bob Marlin Miniclub. Spa by Clarins is also a great place to rejuvenate.

Shandrani

Shandrani has a great location situated in the unspoilt historical south of the island on a private peninsula which is surrounded by the Blue Baie Marine Park along with its gorgeous tropical gardens. With three distinctly different beaches for you to choose from the unique “Wild Beach” offers a romantic seclusion whilst the two others are tranquil lagoons. Shandrani is fully inclusive allowing you to dine at all four restaurants three of which are a la carte and offers a huge selection of branded drinks including champagne by the glass, a number of land and water sports are also available. Shandrani really does offer you amazing choices.

Le Victoria

Enjoying a great west coast position on the island Le Victoria offers you an idyllic setting and best of all the most amazing sunsets overlooking the Indian Ocean. Le Victoria is set between the vibrant capital Port Louis and the trendy Grand Baie so you can easily explore the local culture and atmosphere. Le Victoria offers lovely surroundings, very spacious rooms and excellent activities, a perfect combination for couple or families. All the rooms look out on to the tropical gardens and are ocean facing to make the most of the beautiful location on offer.