Les Pavillons Hotel - Maurituis

[Mark W]

Board Basis: All Inclusive
Date of Holiday: Nov 2005
Tour Operator: Thomas Cook
Submitted By: englandfan
Overall Rating: 10/10
Comments: We arrived in Mauritius after a very good but tiring flight with Emirates. First impressions were "where is the beautiful scenery?. Of course it was only the airport and surroundings. It was very small. After a short drive I was beginning to see what Mauritius is all about.

Pure beauty, is the only word I can describe. Mountains wherever you looked. Stunning. After about an hours drive we started to see the sea, pure turquoise colour. We followed the sea towards our hotel on the coastal road. Any tiredness soon began to disappear and thoughts of paradise took their place. We arrived at our hotel and were greeted by two members of staff, one with cool towels for us to wipe our hot faces and another with a choice of a fruit ****** or a glass of sparkling wine. What a nice welcome!!!

Our rooms weren't quite ready so we put our cases in a lock up room until we could go to them. Meanwhile we took a look around. The weather was perfect, and the hotel looked so welcoming.

After a while a rep came to us and welcomed us to Mauritius and Hotel Les Pavillons. We then went to our room. Our cases were already waiting for us. We had a couple of minutes walk through the beautifully kept gardens to our home for two weeks.

We had a standard room and I must say they were very good. Not luxurious, but very clean, very spacious and plenty of wardrobe and cupboard space. (Which of course we all need). There was a double bed, sofa bed, a bedside cabinet either side and plenty of lighting. There was also a fan as well as the air con. In the bathroom there was a bath, double sink (so you can be mega romantic and clean your teeth together) if the mood takes you!!. A big walk in shower and of course the toilet. For the girls there is a good full-length mirror. Also a big one in front of the sinks. You also had the usual coffee tea and kettle facilities. There was a mini bar/fridge as well.

Most people tended to go to the supermarket down the road and buy their goodies and pop them in the fridge. It was a hell of alot cheaper. Especially things like Smirnoff ice. It was 50p a bottle. Also while talking about the supermarket the sun lotion is cheap in there. There is a man walking along the beach who sells snorkelling equipment - don't buy from him. Go to the supermarket, it is far cheaper.

After un -packing we got our swimwear on and down to the beach it was. What can I say, it is beautiful. Behind the hotel is a 2000ft mountain called Le Morne. On the cloudy days the cloud used to cling to the mountain and I have to say it looked amazing. I had only just stepped into the sea and I had fish around my ankles. It freaked me out a bit, but I soon got used to it. So much so that I went and bought some snorkelling gear. My husband lived in the sea from then on, seeing all sorts of wonderful fish, and array of different colours.

That evening we got ready and went down for dinner. The restaurant was lovely. Completely open plan with stunning views of the ocean. What more could you want. You chose where you wanted to sit - smoking or none smoking. As soon as you sat the waiter came and asked what you would like to drink. Generally at dinner it was wine or beer. The wine was lovely. There was a choice of either red, rose or white. They were French and of a very good quality.

We were all-inclusive and it was well worth the up-grade as it can be very expensive if you like your food and drink. The menus were very varied. It was either table d'hote or themed buffet nights, which they went to great lengths to provide a wide choice. Even if you didn't like things they would always offer to cook you something else. For example steak, chicken etc. This only happened once for us as my husband is a fussy eater. It just showed how good the choice was as he was eating all sorts of things that he hadn't tried before and liked. Breakfast was very good too. Lots of choice. Choices of full English, cereals, breads, fruit, continental and even pancakes and fresh cream!!!

The all- inclusive bar started as soon as you wanted, generally as soon as you were on the beach. Lunch was our favourite, they call it snacks - but it is a three course one. There was a choice of Chicken or Beef skewers, steak or chicken with chips, salads, fish, spaghetti bolognaise, club sandwiches etc. Puddings too. My husband was addicted to the chocolate mousse. I must admit it was really good - but not if you are watching your weight. (But who would be doing that on an all-inclusive?). The ****** list was extensive on the all-inclusive. Lots of choice. You could order the ones not on the A/I at a price.

The water sports are very good. They take place at the boathouse. This is where you book them. There are free glass bottom boat trips. I booked to go parasailing. I was going to go on the morning of my wedding, but thought against it - just in case !!!. It cost about �18. Well worth it in my opinion. I am actually scared of heights, but thought I have got to do it here because of the stunning mountain backdrop. I am really glad I did. I was terrified but was really pleased with myself.

The trips are usually booked by the men walking along the beach. They are official ones and are fine to use. They don't come onto the hotel grounds, just along the beach. We went on a catamaran trip and it was great. They picked you up outside the hotel.

There are also men selling clothing etc. They are fine too. If you say "no thanks" they will smile and walk away. I bought a top from one and we hadn't got any money on us. The man said don't worry - take it and pay me tomorrow. The next day he returned and we paid him. There's trust for you. You wouldn't get that back home.

There is a taxi rank across the road from the hotel. We hire one for the day with another couple. It cost about �35 - �40 at the time. For that they take you anywhere you want to go. Unfortunately the day we went it was lovely on resort but dreadful weather where we went up in the mountains. We visited The Black River gorges. This would have been stunning if the weather had been good. Superb views to be had. We also went to Chameral Falls. These were very pretty, but in my opinion not as big as I had thought. We also went to the Coloured Earth. That was interesting but beware - EVIL MOZZIES. We got badly bitten. They came up as big bumps. There were mozzies at resort but not many and the bites were nowhere as bad as these. The entertainment was pretty good too. Some nights there was a group, other nights Mauritian dancers, and solo singers.

I would definitely recommend this hotel to people. It isn't the largest hotel on the island but there is something very special about it. The people are lovely; the hotel is kept immaculate at all times. If ever you need anything just ask. Our hairdryer broke while I was getting ready to go out. I phoned reception and someone was knocking on my door within 5 minutes repairing it. These people cannot do enough for you.

When it was time to leave our little paradise island I was in tears. We'd had such a lovely holiday and make so many friends. In fact for my birthday in two weeks time we are having a couple come to stay with us who we met in Mauritius. We can't wait Book this hotel - You won't regret it - you will love it

[awayfaraway]

Mauritius has that effect on you it is quite expensive but you are almost guaranteed a great holiday experience wherever on the Island you are

[Louisa]

Mauritius is fantastic!
Reccommend to anyone