Had enough of seeing your friends’ Insta-happy holiday snaps from around the globe while you’re trying to avoid developing frostbite in your fingers and toes? If you’re ready to swap the winter freeze for an island breeze and azure seas, then this article is for you!
International travel is more accessible than it was a few months ago. With two return flights per week between Johannesburg and Mauritius on FlySafair (Tuesday and Saturday), the island nation of Mauritius is open to all travellers and ready to welcome you.
WHERE TO STAY?
The sheer volume of resorts and hotels in Mauritius is staggering, so I’ll make your life easier by recommending a fabulous place to stay and play. Located on the East coast of Mauritius facing picturesque Palmar Beach, C Mauritius is the all-inclusive resort you never knew you needed! What sets C Mauritius apart from the rest of the crowd?
From the moment that you arrive until the moment you depart; the Citizens of C Mauritius ensure that you have the most fun you can possibly have on a tropical island holiday. Forget about your worries and reconnect with your inner child. Rediscover the joy of absolute freedom in nature’s playground and just let go! Eat, sip, stay and play to your heart’s content at this luxury resort that will satisfy every craving.
Catherine and her team welcomed us with warm smiles and cool cocktails upon check-in. Our luggage was taken care of, so we happily sipped our #Cignature cocktail and enjoyed the shimmering ocean views.
A DREAMY ESCAPE
With a choice of beautifully appointed Prestige and Deluxe rooms, you are in for a very comfortable and relaxing stay. All rooms offer delightful ocean views from a terrace or balcony; the beachfront rooms are closer to the ocean and are available in both room categories.
With locally inspired décor featuring a blend of vibrant colours and calming tones, the spacious and airy Deluxe room included a range of modern amenities. The comfortable furnishings include a king-size bed, desk, air-conditioning, private safe, mini-bar, large closets, complimentary Wi-Fi and satellite TV.
The bathroom area contains a double vanity with a large mirror, as well as a makeup mirror, hairdryer, a rain shower and a separate toilet. The slippers and soft-as-silk gown were lovely additions. I wish I had bought the gown in the gift shop to take home! It was ideal for slipping on after a shower and relaxing on the outdoor balcony.
Personal touches go a long way to make you feel welcome. From the lovely note and flowers on the bed to the bottle of bubbles on ice, the note indicated that there were hidden giveaways in the room, adding a fun element to our arrival.
It’s easy to support C Mauritius and their conservation efforts. The bright orange dice in the room is a reminder to conserve water, so only throw the dice on the bed if you really, really need your bed sheets and towels changed each day. Otherwise, they are changed every 3 days.
CHOW DOWN!
I’ve long been a fan of the all-inclusive concept, and C Mauritius does this really well. The eateries and bars will please every palate and treat your tastebuds! But where to start?
Taste your way around the world with international cuisine in the spacious and relaxed Dining Room. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a buffet-style setting, this smorgasbord of virtually endless choices will keep your tastebuds very happy.
East meets West at Wok ‘N Roll, an intimate 22-seat dining venue overlooking the beach. Take your pick from an appetizing Asian Fusion à la carte menu. All-Inclusive conditions apply.
The Beach Bistro is the spot for you if leaving the beach or bar feels like too much work. Go barefoot and feel the sand between your toes while you sip on a #Cignature cocktail, taking in the turquoise ocean views or lazing in the swim-up pool bar.
Chow & Carafe is a fun, deli-style outlet serving fresh, healthy and delicious speciality food and beverages. Take home a taste of the island with some local honey, rum, wine and spices. Fancy something sweet? This ‘Cpicerie’ will delight you with a fine selection of doughnuts, croissants and waffles, as well as pancakes, ice cream and cakes served at tea time.
The Cellar contains more than 50 wines from around the world, including biodynamic wines with some from South Africa. It’s definitely worth a look around the Cellar and its wonderful wine selection. Enjoy evening entertainment and local beer and rum at the Bar. Who knows? You may even bump into Jack Sparrow!
C Mauritius is a food and wine lovers paradise that will more than satisfy ALL your cravings. Bon Appétit and Santé!
PLAY OR NAMASTE?
Come Play. Let Go. Feel Free. That’s the C Mauritius motto! Whether you want to chill to the max or dive right in and experience every activity, C Mauritius has got you covered. In a world where many of us have forgotten the joy of play, C Mauritius invites you to let go, relax and feel totally free.
The Clubhouse offers a range of free watersport activities that include kayaks, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling equipment and windsurfing. Beach games include beach volleyball, beach soccer and ladder golf, just to name a few. All beaches in Mauritius are public beaches, so take a stroll along Palmar Beach in either direction and find a tranquil bay to swim in.
Back on solid ground, you’ll find a padel tennis court, a regular tennis court and fully equipped indoor gym and an outdoor circuit. Three sparkling swimming pools around the property are perfect for relaxing on a sun lounger, sipping a cocktail or taking a dip to cool off; always a good idea!
Swap the blues for greens and join C Trek for a guided scenic exploration of beautiful Le Pouce Mountain. Return transfers and a backpack with water, juice, snacks and fruits are on the house. There is a fee for the guided hike. Bookings are required.
C Spa is a serene sanctuary for full relaxation and rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul. Tranquillity reigns supreme in this beautiful space, so book a massage, scrub or body wrap where only Constance Spa all-natural products are used. Get into a zen mode with a private or group yoga session in the outdoor shaded pavilion. Fees apply to all C Spa treatments and yoga sessions.
Spa facilities include 4 single treatment rooms, 2 double treatment rooms, sauna and steam room. It’s no surprise that C Spa was one of my favourite spaces at C Mauritius. After being treated to a back massage and sauna time, I just about floated out of there!
If you’re an avid golfer, Constance Belle Mare Plage has two 18-hole championship golf courses – Constance Golf Legend and Constance Golf Links. Complimentary green fees are included at both Legend and Links golf courses for hotel guests, as well as a complimentary transfer service to and from both golf courses.
C Mauritius is very popular with kite surfers due to the Easterly wind and recently hosted the C Kite Festival in June 2022. Keep an eye out on their social media pages for information on the next festival. If you’re keen to learn to kite surf, lessons can be arranged at C Mauritius (fee applies).
Diving is available at Constance Belle Mare Plage (fee applies). Complimentary return transfers are provided to and from C Mauritius.
GOOD TO KNOW – USEFUL INFORMATION
~ High-speed Wi-Fi everywhere (rooms and outlets)
~ Courtesy Arrival/Departure Lounge with changing rooms and showers/WC, satellite TV channels
~ Doctor on call
~ Voltage on the island: 220 volts
~ Local currency: Mauritian Rupee
~ All extras at the hotel are charged in Mauritian Rupees and are subject to 15% VAT
~ Check in: 14.00 | Check out: 12.00
~ Early check-in & late check-out facilities available at an additional fee
~ Distance from airport to hotel: ~ 50 km (15 mins by helicopter & 60 mins by car)
~ A valid international driving license is required to rent cars
~ Time difference: +2 hours in summer and +3 hours in winter (Europe)
~ Day-time temperature: between 28°C and 34°C in summer and 20°C and 30°C in winter
~ Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard & Visa
~ Dress in style: During the day don’t stress about it!
~ For the evening, bring your A game in our restaurants with a Resort Chic look.
* Useful information provided by C Mauritius.
Time To Book!
It’s time to make your island dreams come true! Trade the winter blues with tropical hues and book this magical island holiday for you and a loved one, a group of friends or bring the whole family.
Book your stay directly with C Mauritius Hotel >> https://www.c-resorts.com/cmauritius/ and flights from Johannesburg to Mauritius with FlySafair >> https://www.flysafair.co.za/
Package holidays can be booked with your preferred travel agent or tour operator.
DISCLOSURE: I was hosted by African Synergy and C Resorts to experience and review C Mauritius. Thank you, Catherine and your uber-cool Citizens, for ensuring a fun and memorable stay. All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. Featured image supplied by Constance Hospitality Management.
Until the next adventure!
Yours in Travel, Food & Wine,
Nadine