Article Surfing Archive

When you mention luxury holidays in Mauritius it conjures up the exotic yet un-commercialized side of long haul travel to exotic destinations. Where Mauritius benefits over the likes of the more remote Seychelles or the Maldives, is that there is actually an awful lot more to the island than just wandering along desolate beaches.

The island is a paradise for honeymooners, and many discrete weddings are arranged along the palm fringed islands beaches, with the Indian Ocean gently lapping the golden sands in the background. If you are looking for the top 5 romantic things to do on holiday, why not book a trip to Mauritius with your loved one ' what a great Valentines or birthday surprise!

Number one has to be walking along the golden beaches while the sun sets. The hotels on the west of the island benefit from stunning uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. In the north, the Royal Palm Hotel is a Small Leading Hotel of the World, and certainly one of the most discerning hotels on the island. The exquisite suites, all overlook the ocean, and have large terraces and balconies. The beach itself is made of smooth pale golden sand, and you are ensured privacy. Le Mauricia and Le Canonnier are also in the north of the island, and offer all inclusive accommodation which is excellent value. Le Canonnier has a stunning location on the Point aux Canonnier, while Le Mauricia overlooks the vibrant Grand Baie. In my opinion the most romantic beach in Mauritius is at the idyllic Trou Aux Biches Hotel, located between Grande Baie in the North, and Port Louis. The sand is exquisite and the waves crash onto the coral reef in the distance, leaving you free to amble along the beach with the ocean gently lapping at your feet. The hotel is located in the tropical gardens with rooms scattered in Mauritian Village style accommodation leaving the big blocks of accommodation to the other hotels.

Secondly a Romantic candle-lit dinner for two is a speciality of Mauritius. La Ravanne Restaurant located between Paradis and Dinarobin hotels in the south west of the island is a real Mauritian treat, with your arrival from Paradis by boat, the hotels are beautifully illuminated by candlelight and on arrival you are greeted by a saga band dancing around a beach side fire. For a 'feet in the sand' dining experience, then a meal at L'Espandon at Trou Aux Biches is a must, with fresh seafood specialties. Your table is very relaxed with picnic style benches with parasols to keep off the midday sun.

Thirdly why not enjoy an evening stroll around a beautifully lit hotel? The Shandrani is located in the south east of the island, and has a very spacious situation, with three beaches surrounding tropical gardens, a golf course, bedrooms and suites, a spa and a number of restaurants. Much of the hotel is illuminated in candlelight and soft lighting in the evening, inducing one of the most romantic atmospheres you will ever encounter. No doubt during your stay you will have the special treat when they decorate the hotel in the Hindu style with oil lanterns around the fountains and swimming pools, their gentle light reflecting and flickering in to the night sky.

Fourthly and nearly finally, spend the afternoon in one of the amazing spas. Dinarobin has a Clarins spa (to be frank the afternoon may not be enough!), with a gorgeous pool, with sun loungers around it. You will see many a guest flaked out in their luxurious towelling robes after their hard 'work out' in the sauna. You really should pre book some treatments, the range is extensive with something for everyone. The relaxation is simply a superb way to start off a holiday, and help you to forget about life at home.

Finally why not sit quietly on your terrace or balcony enjoying a sundowner drink as the sun sets in the evening. Each of the rooms and suites in any of the Beachcomber hotels has its own private terrace or balcony. The Royal Palm and Dinarobin hotels only have spacious suites, and the balconies and terraces provide extra space, comfort and privacy as you would expect from 5 star luxury holidays in Mauritius. For the ultimate in privacy book to have your dinner served on your balcony where a butler will come and serve your carefully selected meal, wine and discreetly slip away allowing you to simply enjoy each other's company in one of the most romantic places in the world.