The Sands Resort
Wolmar, Flic En Flac, Mauritius

Pros
Beach view rooms
Free wireless Internet access
Great food

Cons
No elevator
Birds during breakfast

Just came back from a romantic 2-week honeymoon in Mauritius with my lovely wife at this beautiful resort. We stayed at the third floor on half-board. Our room was very private and quiet and romantic. It had a fabulous view of the beach although I was later told on that all rooms did face the beach but I still think it was special. Our room was cleaned twice a day. It was well-appointed and had complete amenities. Bed was huge and comfortable. Bathroom was nicely decorated and had the necessary toiletries. The room accommodation would have been perfect except for the fact that the hotel did not have any elevator for easy access to the different floors. I am quite heavy and so is my wife so going up and down from our room to the beach was exhausting.

Every meal was delicious and the menu changes every night that we really didn’t feel fed up with the food that they serve. The food was very generous and more than sufficient for the both of us that there was no need to order extra. That was a good thing because the drinks, on the other hand, were quite expensive so most of our pocket money went to buying cocktail drinks and wine. If there is anything that we didn’t quite like, that would be the pricey drinks and the birds that flock the restaurant during breakfast. It’s not like we don’t love birds but having them eat breakfast with us is another thing that we were not prepared for.

Another treat that I liked about the Sands, however minimal, is that they offer free wireless Internet access. It was not that fast and reliable but at least I got to send emails to my family while we were having our vacation just to let them know we are fine and enjoying our time together.

Overall, we had a pleasurable time. We might go back again especially if they invest in an elevator.

Mauritius wedding packages

If your dream is to have your wedding against the backdrop of exotic palms, warm blue Ocean, swaying palm trees and pristine white sands then Mauritius is the place for you. Mauritius is a favoured wedding destination and it is not difficult to see why.

There are several options for wedding locations. You can choose to have your ceremony on the beach, by the pool, on a catamaran (boat), in the hotel or even in a church. Any type of wedding, be it a religious one or a civil one can be organised.

Many hotels do offer customized wedding packages to suit all sorts of budgets. Packages will range from standard packages which will typically be a no-frills package to deluxe packages with a wide range of add- ons. The inclusions in the package will of course depend on how much you are willing to fork out. All packages however will typically include the fees for the registrar, the wedding licence and any other legal requirements. Extras include wedding cake, decorations for the venue, champagne, spa treatment for the bridal party and photographs.

Most of the hotels will offer a wedding package but some of the more popular hotels include the Oberoi, Le Touessrock and Le Pavillion. Prices will range from 500 pounds to several thousand pounds.

The Oberoi Mauritius
Baie Aux Tortues, Pointe Aux Piments, Mauritius

Pros
Big room and bathroom (with terrace)
Wide range of water sports
Great Entertainment

Cons
Anything not included was pretty expensive

My girlfriends and I went to Mauritius for a 10-day vacation before one of us tied the knot in August 2011. We checked in at the Oberoi and got for ourselves a large, clean and well-appointed luxury pavilion with a private terrace equipped with sun lounges for relaxation and friendly chitchat over morning coffee. Our room also had a large bathroom with a tub and some plush toiletries for some lavish girly bath.

The beach and the pools were also fantastic. They have some really cool statues by the pool and plenty of sun loungers for sun bathing. The beach boys were always on the lookout for our every need though we could not help but think it was just because we were all just gorgeous girls that they maintained close attention. Anyway, since it was the last fun outing for our friend, we tried all the free water sport activities that the hotel offered. We went water skiing, kayaking, sailing and wind surfing at no extra cost! Some of those activities we were not even familiar with but the staff was very helpful in teaching us how to do things properly so that we can safely enjoy the experience.

When it came to food, their Mauritian food selection is definitely a must-try. Luckily we were on an all inclusive package as the food and drinks can be quite expensive outside of hotel packages. Restaurant service was also commendable and we were amazed how they were able to remember how we each like our coffee halfway through our stay.

At night, the Oberoi also had live acts composed of talented local musicians. Nightly music was sophisticated and upbeat and the act changes every night so the variety was really good.

We had a fantastic time at the Oberoi. Next time one of us is about to get hitched, there is no reason for us not to come back.

One & Only Le Saint Geran
Pointe de Flacq, Belle Mare, Mauritius

Pros
Spacious room complete with amenities
Great food

Cons
Slightly old structure
Quite remote location

My boyfriend and I have just come home from a wonderful 10-day stay at the Le Saint Geran. We were there to celebrate our 3rd year anniversary and though the hotel is located quite far on the east coast, I can say that our stay was still fabulous and very memorable.

We got a Junior Suite, which was not only big for both of us but also well-equipped. The style and décor were not to my taste (looks old) but despite of that, the room felt cozy and homey. Our bed was huge and comfortable; the pillows were also soft and fluffy. We got a bedside table with a phone, a work desk, a walk-in wardrobe full of hangers, a full-length mirror, shoe brush and horn and hair dryer. The bathroom was stylish, had a big shower and separate toilet. We were provided with scented candles, bath oils and salts for a romantic dip in the tub as well as complimentary silk robes and slippers. There is also a cabinet where the fridge was and where the complimentary bottled water and other kitchen items were located. The mini-kitchen had a complimentary bucket of ice, kettle, fruit, knife & plate for fruit, coffee, tea, sugar and milk. Everything we needed was already provided for. Some little things that we also appreciated were the plug-in insect repellent which shows how much they really care for their guests and the terrace which, however small, gives a fascinating view of the beach. Our stay became even more relaxing when we tried their spa services.

Breakfast and dinner were inclusive in our package, both menus had a wide selection of food items and were tasty. Breakfast can be eaten by the beach which we thought was amazing. The beverage and wine were quite expensive though so we only had wine every other night of our stay. There was nightly entertainment which we enjoyed for the first few days but got boring in the latter part of our stay.

As you may notice, I cannot really find fault in this hotel. Though we haven’t really maximized everything it had to offer, LSG is one great hotel and we will be back as soon as opportunity allows, this has to be difficult to beat for holidays in Mauritius.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
Beau Champ, Mauritius

Pros
Great comfortable beds
Lovely Breakfast

Cons
Quite noisy and busy during the day
Expensive drinks

I just recently got married and I decided to take my wife out on a holiday to Mauritius last July. It was our first time in the area and also our first time to book ourselves in an unfamiliar hotel which is the Four Seasons. We stayed at the Four Seasons for a week and overall, we had a pretty good stay.

We got a beach villa because my wife and I both love the beach but it seemed that we made a bad choice as the beach villa offered very little privacy. Kids were running around the area for the entire day. We were offered to transfer to a mangrove or sea view villa after we complained but the proximity to the beach was what my wife wanted so we decided to stay despite the terrible noise.

Anyway, the villa was clean and had the most amazing and comfortable bed that we have ever slept in. It had a huge bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers. The bathroom toiletries were high class (my wife thinks its L’occitane). There was in-room internet but it was not for free so we did not bother to ask about it (after all, they had a business center that we could use).

We were on half-board so breakfast and dinner were included in the package. We loved the breakfast menu which included a delicious crab omelette and French toast – although, that was mostly what could be raved about it. Dinner was nothing exceptional but the themed buffet is something interesting. Drinks however, can be really expensive so whatever you have saved from the half-board option, you end up spending on beverage.

Other commendable things at this hotel would be the free water activities (i.e. snorkeling) and the kind and accommodating staff. It was not the perfect choice for a second honeymoon but the Four Seasons did give us quite a pleasurable stay.

Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa
Le Morne Peninsula, Le Morne, Mauritius

Pros
Spacious and lovely rooms
Beautiful view of the mountain and the beach

Cons
Poor quality food
Hit and Miss Service

I visited this resort with a colleague last August. The beautiful and peaceful surroundings of Dinarobin (the Le Morne mountain view is breathtaking!) and the golf course attracted us to it so we booked a Junior Suite for 5 days at this hotel. I could not really say that it was the most enjoyable vacation but the Dinarobin had good and bad points to it so I think it is best that I just relay what took place during our stay and let the readers decide for themselves if Dinarobin is worth considering.

We loved our room which was quite near to the reception area. It was larger than the rooms that I have been to in other hotels. The beds, pillows and the sofas were super comfortable. We had a spacious balcony overlooking the sea and we were actually surprised that we had free wireless internet access! Our room also had a large bathroom with a separate shower and a Jacuzzi tub and it was all clean, nicely furnished and equipped with a nespresso machine, Bose sound system and iPod dock.

We were on half board so we were able to try both breakfast and dinner buffet. Both buffets had great variety in terms of food choices. Although, the taste was very inconsistent and did not quite suit my palate. The resort had 3 restaurants and I could say that the food served in all three restaurants are prepared very differently from each other.

The same thing can be said of the hotel’s customer service which was a hit and miss during our stay. As I have mentioned, we stayed here for the golf course and in the two times that we went out to play, we encountered two different types of staff. On our first day of golfing, we were “assisted” by an ill-mannered guy who let us wait for more than half an hour for a buggy going to the golf course. On our second day, the staff (different person) who helped us get a buggy was kind and polite. I am not sure how management trains the hotel’s employees but I think that customer service needs to be consistant and of a high standard in vacation resorts.

So, this is what had transpired during our short stay at the Dinarobin. Hope I gave you some useful insights into our Mauritius holiday.

Sofitel So Mauritius Bel Ombre,Beau Champ, Bel Ombre, Mauritius

Pros
Peaceful and relaxing ambience
VIP service and superb customer treatment

Cons
Slightly expensive
Quite far from the shops and commercial centers

Located in the virgin island of Bel Ombre, this luxury resort is beautifully situated in the middle of mountains and sugar plantations that give off a very serene and peaceful ambience. The accommodation was more like a villa as it was single storey and self contained. It was a nicely decorated room with a large and comfortable double bed covered in soft and fluffy linen, a lavish bathroom complete with all the basic hygiene products, the latest flatscreen TV, BOSE system, DVD and movies, and free WiFi access. I felt pretty spoilt as we had our own butler to attend to all our needs. The staff were all very friendly as well. The hotel had great restaurants that serve excellent and delicious food our favourite was just on the beach front which combined a stunning view with a really nice menu. The hotel’s infinity pool also overlooks the sea. Everything about this hotel is simply paradise.

Our time at the Sofitel So was wonderful, at $600 per night you would expect a stunning experience and frankly it overdelivered. The hotel is very secluded and far from the next town so i would strongly suggest hiring a car to get around. As a luxury holiday destination this was right up there with the best holidays we have had and i can’t wait to be able to go back again which i think we will next year. If you are deliberating about the range of Luxury Mauritius Hotels i doubt you will find better than The Sofitel So.

Shanti Maurice A Nira Resort,Riviere des Galets, Chemin Grenier, Mauritius-Review

Pros
Clean and well-appointed room with beach view
Luxurious bathroom
Excellent Spa Service

Cons
Inconsistency of Food

My girlfriend and I stayed at the Shanti Maurice on vacation for 10 days last July. We had high expectations from this hotel given the good reviews that we had read about it over the Internet. We were not disappointed with our choice as the Shanti Maurice definitely lived up to our expectations.

We had a top level suite with a balcony overlooking the fantastic beach. It was a very private room, clean, nicely decorated and well-equipped. The bathroom was astonishingly bigger than the room (we don’t know why). I joked about it with my girlfriend that maybe we should sleep inside the bathroom instead of the bed. It was a very lavish bathroom because it had a separate shower and toilet and it also had a tub and a bidet. That is of course, on top of the hygiene products like lotion, soap, body wash, etc. The beds, linens and pillows were also all very soft and comfortable and perfect for a heavenly sleep.

When it came to food, most of the breakfast and dinner dishes that we ate were okay. They had two restaurants, Stars and Pebbles. We preferred Pebbles more than Stars because our food was slightly overcooked when we ate at Stars.

Since we were there on vacation, we tried their spa service and it was awesome! We were definitely relieved of our stress, thanks to Pinky for a wonderful massage. The spa services were first class yet affordable; performed by the best therapists I have had the pleasure to use(i use a lot of beauty therapy in the uk). To add to the relaxing mood, Shanti Maurice also offers yoga and meditation sessions, i attended twice and found it very authentic and spiritual.

Overall we had a great time at the Shanti Maurice. We would have stayed longer if we could but we could only dream of going back there now.

Shandrani Hotel,Blue Bay,Mauritius

Pros
All-inclusive package
Variety of outdoor activities

Cons
Located near the airport; quite noisy
Unreliable Internet Connection

I stayed at the Shandrani for two weeks on holiday with my fiancé. After a long flight it was nice to have such a short trip to the hotel. Unfortunately, there is a downside to this proximity to the airport because we could hear the planes flying over the bay which was a dissapointment as the place was tranquil and releaxed otherwise.

Anyway, the noise from the airport is nothing compared to the fabulous stay that we had in this hotel. We got an all-inclusive package and we couldn’t be any happier that everything that we needed, from friendly and accommodating staff, excellent food to beverages and high quality wines and cocktail drinks for romantic late nights were all provided for. Top it up with a lovely beach setting, my fiancé and I truly had a very passionate holiday at the Shandrani.

In the mornings when we were not all mushy and cuddly, the hotel offered a good range of water sport activities that my fiancé loved. I, on the other hand, spent time working out at the hotel’s well equipped gym. They also had a short 9 hole golf course but we never got around to playing. We loved their spas even though it was not included in our package.

In terms of the room, we had a deluxe room that was big enough and comfortable. It had a spacious bathroom with a separate shower cabin, a large bathtub and fixed and mobile showerheads. The room had a TV, wardrobe as well as US, French and British electrical outlets for their different types of guests. The hotel also had WiFi but very unreliable so we didn’t get the chance to use it that much.

Overall, we still had a great time and I would recommend the Shandrani Hotel for those who plan to go on a romantic holiday in Mauritius.

Les Pavillons Hotel,Le Morne Plage, Le Morne

Pros
Beautiful Beach
Great food choices
Free Internet access

Cons
All-Inclusive package is actually not all-inclusive
Quite dusty room

My wife and I decided to book a holiday to Mauritius to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary and we booked an all-inclusive package for four nights at the Les Pavillons Hotel. Our stay was generally good, Le Morne beach is absolutely stunning and the hotel itself was a pleasure. Our room had a wonderful view of the beach and watching the sunset from our room was one of those spin tingling moments that you know will remain a strong memory for the rest of our lives.

Aside from the beach, we loved the food. Whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet, they had an extensive selection of delicious food choices. They had generous servings and everything was served fresh especially the fruit juices and shakes. But we were quite disappointed that we couldn’t try everything especially from their nice selection of wines with our all-inclusive package. It seemed that the package did not include all that we assumed it did. We felt a bit cheated but because we did not want to trouble ourselves any further, we just paid for the wine we drank.

The hotel itself is gorgeous. It had magnificent pools which were a great alternative to the beautiful beach. Our room was well-appointed with a large bed, huge bathroom, DVD player, TV and other basic amenities. It had free Wi-Fi which was a plus. However, it was not very clean and a bit stuffy. Customer service was okay but not very impressive. There were a good range of Outdoor activities available but we just enjoyed kicking back.