Long Beach Mauritius: I had a week in paradise staying at the five-star luxury resort - with long white-sand beach, spa, and infinity pool
I stayed at the five-star luxury resort Long Beach in Mauritius for a week and it was quite simply paradise.
The Long Beach resort was only around an hours drive from the airport and once I arrived at the resort I was blown away. All around me were palm trees, the view of the Indian Ocean, blue skies up above me and a warm breeze - the perfect escape from the rain and wintry weather back home in the UK.
Mauritius has always been a bucket list destination of mine, and it did not disappoint - helped by staying at the breath-taking Long Beach resort. It is five-stars for a reason. The service is amazing, the staff are so friendly, you are treated to entertainment every night, a variety of restaurants and more. The resort has everything you could ever want.
It is perfect for couples. I went with my boyfriend and we had the best time. But we also met families who had children, a couple on their honeymoon, and some who even fancied having a holiday on their own. It was a lovely atmosphere at the hotel and it truly caters for everyone.
Our room was stunning. We were treated to an ocean-view suite and I thoroughly enjoyed this view for the time I was there. Hearing the sound of the ocean, and opening the patio doors to see the glistening blue waters every day was divine. The room itself was really spacious with the bedroom and living room area, and a huge bathroom boasting a walk-in shower, and two sinks.
There are 255 suites at the resort, all with natural tones. The ground-floor Junior Suites overlook the gardens, and if you want direct access to the gardens or to be just a few steps from the beach you can opt for a ground-floor Junior Suite Beach Access or Oceanfront respectively. Families can also choose between interconnecting Junior Suites.
Stepping out of the hotel room, and you are treated to three outdoor pools - and one is an infinity pool. It was heavenly swimming in this adults-only pool and having views of the long white beach and Indian Ocean. There were also domed sunbeds that you could lie down on, and it was really perfect.
The resort is rooted on a kilometre-long beach, on the island's eastern shore. I spent a lot of time swimming, and you can book onto so many different water sports for example snorkelling, and an open-bottom boat so you can see all of the different fish! There is also a GLOW Spa on site at the resort, and my boyfriend and I were treated to a couple’s massage. It was so relaxing and the spa area was a slice of paradise in itself with waterfall features, palm trees and a lovely calming atmosphere.
I could’ve spent everyday at the hotel relaxing, enjoying the beach, the pools, and the entertainment in the evening. However, you can’t go to Mauritius and not explore. And luckily, the hotel is amazing at organising excursions. One day we visited the stunning and breath-taking private island called Île aux Cerfs which I would highly recommend. We got a taxi from the hotel, and then a boat ride to the island where we relaxed all day and had lunch under palm trees.
Another day we visited a lot of the main attractions including the Black River Gorges National Park, Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths, the island’s highest waterfall called the Chamarel Waterfall, and Rhumerie de Chamarel. All were amazing, and the views were insane.
It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see views such as these, and it was great to see more of the island. I would highly recommend, and the rum distillery was a lot of fun with free shot tasters to try. Another day we also ventured to the Flic en Flac market, accompanied by one of the chef’s a the resort. We tried sugar cane juice, pickled fruit and learnt a lot about Mauritian way of life and food.
The hotel also offers great activities. We had a cooking class where we made delicious dishes with the help from the main chef, and even took a bike tour from the hotel to the closest national park called Bras d'Eau National Park where we saw huge tortoises. It was always great to come back to the hotel and have a variety of restaurants to choose from. You have to book in beforehand but the choice you have is amazing.
Le Marché Breakfast is served buffet-style, Chopsticks boasts the traditional flavours of China, Thailand and India, Hasu serves excellent Japanese cuisine and there is Tides which is an on-the-beach venue which has a relaxed vibe. Sapori is for your Italian dishes, and Shores bar is where you go for the entertainment, dancing, drinks and a good time.
I had the most amazing holiday, filled with relaxation, luxury but also adventure. I think it is the perfect mix and I didn’t want to come home. After the holiday, my boyfriend and I were both eager to book again to explore a different area of Mauritius. Long Beach is located on the east, but the north and west of the island piqued our interest. We had such a good time that we are desperate for more.
If you are looking for paradise, relaxation, a bit of adventure, and pretty much heaven on earth then this is the destination and resort for you. Don’t wait - book for next year!
Factbox
Sunlife has five luxury hotels in Mauritius: five-star Sugar Beach, five-star Long Beach, five-star The Bay Club at Anahita, four-star La Pirogue, and four-star adults-only Ambre, along with private island Ile Aux Cerfs, home to the world-famous Île aux Cerfs Golf Club.Junior Suites with capacity for 3 adults or 2 adults & 2 teens or children at Long Beach start from £317 per night on a half-board basis. To book, visit: https://www.yoursunlife.com/longbeachmauritius/. All bookings include:
- Complimentary Pool, Land, and Water Activities: water polo, aqua aerobics, volleyball, basketball, glass-bottom boat rides, kayaking, snorkelling, windsurfing, and more.
- Privileged access to Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club.
- Free Kids' and Teens' Club access.
- Complimentary and unlimited Green Fees at Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club including transfers.
- Air Mauritius flies daily direct from London Gatwick Airport to Mauritius from £668 per person. To book, visit: www.airmauritius.com.
- British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow Airport to Mauritius from £732 per person. To book, visit: https://www.britishairways.com/content/flights/indian-ocean/mauritius