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It’s been 14 years since Nicky Edwards was last in Mauritius, so when she had the opportunity to head back, she jumped at the chance...

​​​​​​​​​​​​The reason for her excitement? Well aside from getting to revisit this little slice of paradise, it meant getting the chance to reconnect with two old friends...the island's recently revamped leading lady, One&Only Le Saint Géran, on the northeast coast's golden peninsula of Belle Mare; and on the northwest coast, The Oberoi Mauritius: nestled in 20 acres of beautiful sub-tropical gardens on idyllic Baie aux Tortues.​

"I absolutely LOVE Mauritius – for me it's the ultimate tropical escape, where the welcome is super-warm; the living is most definitely easy; and the food – like the island itself – is spicy, colourful and aromatic: an incredibly tasty blend of native African, French, Chinese and Indian cuisine, which also perfectly reflects the amazing ethnic diversity of its people."

Start your holiday as you mean to go on and arrive on the island in style: being met from the plane by the 'suited-and-booted' chaps from the YU Lounge, and whisked away from the crowds by Porsche Cayenne. It's a real rock star moment when fellow passengers look on in amazement wondering 'who you are' or 'what you've done'!

Freshen up, choose from a selection of drinks, fresh fruit platters and little gourmet delights, or explore the duty free shop – all while the YU team clear you through immigration (and your luggage through customs). And when you're ready, just head to the car for your luxury transfer to your chosen resort. Simple!​

One&Only Le Saint Géran

​From the moment we stepped into One&Only Le Saint Géran's lighter, brighter lobby, and were greeted by the big Mauritian smiles of the incredible staff (most of whom have been there for years), the memory of our 24-hour journey simply melted away – even more so when we were offered a welcome massage at the blissful One&Only Spa… so good I woke myself up snoring (but they do say that's the sign of a good massage, so I'll take it!). 

Those who've embraced One&Only Le Saint Géran as their second home over the years will be happy to know that the bones and enduring warmth remain intact: so expect the same style and elegance, with just a pinch or two of modernity inside and out. Accommodation now includes spacious two- and three-bedroom suites (plus multiple interconnecting options for larger families), while the gorgeous facelift throughout the existing rooms and suites has introduced a more authentic, local vibe. 

 

In fact, the entire resort all feels a little more relaxed and a little less formal than I remember. As before, it's ideal for couples and families of all ages (maybe now even more so), with so much to do activity-wise.

Motorised and non-motorised watersports are available at the brand-new Boathouse, found on the lagoon side of the resort (which ensures the beautiful stretch of fully-serviced sands on the west side of the resort remain super-serene); while new additions include Club One – the hub for all things active which also houses the brilliant kids' and teen's clubs, and Palm Grove's spectacular new pool area, complete with private cabanas and a fab new beach restaurant (lunch here can easily turn into an extended affair, due to the idyllic views and gorgeous food).


 

 

Speaking of which, the eateries here are all absolutely knockout… from the proper French pâtisserie to Tapasake, their adventurous Pan-Asian "tapas" bar, where we were treated to signature sushi dishes and the yummiest of cheesecakes!

Best of all, there are lots of quiet spots throughout the gardens and decking area too if, like me, all you want to do is lie on a sun-lounger (or one of the hammocks dotted around the grounds) and immerse yourself in a good book.

Stay 7 nights at One&Only Le Saint Géran from £2075 per person, including breakfast and round-trip economy class flights (a free half board meal plan upgrade is available when you stay between 5 May-5 oct 2019).

The Oberoi Mauritius

​Like One&Only Le Saint Géran, I hadn't seen The Oberoi for 14 years, so again was really looking forward to getting there. I had a vague memory of the amazing welcome pavilion, and as soon as we drove in this time, it all came flooding back as to how breathtaking it is! 

Unlike One&Only Le Saint Géran however, at The Oberoi it's like time has stood still, with the entire resort (including the rooms and villas) looking exactly the same as I remember. That's not a bad thing though; in fact, it's the complete opposite as they've brilliantly managed to maintain their amazing standards without changing a thing, and I fell head over heels for it all over again.​

 

​There’s such an air of calm around throughout this village-style resort, its meandering pathways, glorious gardens, adult- and family-focused pools (fully-serviced of course). But there’s plenty more if you want a bit of activity, with a choice of watersports, and pursuits like wine-tastings, nature walks or cookery classes.

Being on the northwest coast, you get the most incredible sunsets (no better excuse for sundowners on the beach), and the beautiful pool villas here are just perfect if you're craving a spot of secluded serenity. Evenings are just as low key and peaceful as daytime, and while the flame-lit bar and restaurant ooze romance, the setting is just as good for families to reconnect. (The food is rather fabulous too, particularly the local Mauritian curry, served in a coconut and absolutely divine)!"​

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