Marvellous Mauritius!

To quote Mark Twain, 'Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius.' So does this island situated in the Indian Ocean 1200 miles off the South East coast of Africa live up to this claim? I recently had a chance to find out for myself as we celebrated our Designer Travel 10th Anniversary. Mauritius has beautiful white sand beaches, sugar cane fields and mountains, the friendliest people and some of the best hotels in the world. Beachcomber Hotels were the first hotelier to build on the island in 1952, now they have 8 hotels in total all offering something different and they had the first pick of the best locations. We were lucky enough to stay at 2 of them. The 5* Dinarobin is in the South West and is adjacent to Paradis so you can very easily use the facilities at both. The surroundings are just beautiful and the first thing that strikes you is the spectacular backdrop of the Le Morne mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The resort features luxurious all-suite accommodation, 5 swimming pools, 8 restaurants and an 18-hole, par 72 golf course. Children aren't forgotten either as they offer family suites and babysitting services plus the secure environment of the kids club. Dinarobin - Pool We also spent a couple of nights at the equally lovely Trou aux Biches Hotel in the North West, close to the lively resort of Grand Baie. It's the first eco-friendly resort in Mauritius and offers luxury accommodation set out to offer privacy and a feeling of relaxation. It is also perfectly positioned to enjoy the beautiful sunsets from the sheltered beach and its crystal-clear waters. Le Mauricia is also close to Grand Baie and represents excellent value for money and lively Le Victoria, a little further away between Grand Baie and the capital Port Louis, is set in 25 acres of tropical garden and has a laid-back atmosphere.  Le Victoria is one of the most popular family resorts in Mauritius and offers very spacious rooms and a comprehensive programme of activities for children aged 3-12 years. We ended or stay at Shandrani Hotel in the unspoilt south of the island and fairly close to the airport. Shandrani has the usual very welcoming Mauritian feel to it and a lively vibe with plenty to offer all the family. Shandrani - Deluxe Room The hotels have a range of dining possibilities from bed and breakfast right through to all inclusive and various land and watersports are always included whichever Beachcomber Hotel you choose to stay at and whatever board basis. The food is world class and there are plenty day trips out you can do including a nature park visit, hiking in Black River Gorges National Park, dolphin trips, glass bottom boats and snorkelling and diving trips. Mauritius is also very popular as a year round honeymoon, renewal of vows or wedding destination. Even in the Winter (our Summer ) temperatures are still in the 20's and there are some great offers to be had at this time. And there is only one Wedding a day at a Beachcomber hotel which is good to know. So as Mark Twain right? I think so, it's a beautiful island well worth a visit and only 3 hours ahead of UK time so not much jet lag to worry about. If you would like to find out more about  booking a holiday at a Beachcomber Hotel or indeed any hotel in Mauritius, please just ring or email me at anytime and I'll be happy to share my knowledge with you! Many thanks Karen