For one blissful week, I experienced a slice of heaven at the five-star Long Beach resort on the stunning island of Mauritius. It was the ultimate escape from the UK's winter gloom, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and adventure.
Arrival and First Impressions
After a convenient hour's drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, I arrived at Long Beach. The immediate sensory welcome was unforgettable: swaying palm trees, the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, endless blue skies, and a warm, gentle breeze. This luxury resort, part of the Sunlife portfolio, is situated on the island's eastern shore and is rooted on a kilometre-long stretch of pristine white sand.
The service was exceptional from the start, with incredibly friendly staff. The resort caters brilliantly to a diverse crowd; during my stay, I met loved-up couples, families with children, honeymooners, and solo travellers, all enjoying the lovely, inclusive atmosphere.
A Sanctuary of Luxury: The Room and Resort Amenities
My home for the week was a stunning ocean-view suite. Waking up to the sound of the waves and stepping onto the patio to see the glistening blue waters was a daily delight. The room was spacious, featuring a separate living area and a large bathroom with a walk-in shower. Of the 255 suites at the resort, guests can choose from garden-view options, ground-floor suites with direct beach access, or interconnecting rooms perfect for families.
The resort's facilities are outstanding. I spent heavenly hours at the adults-only infinity pool, lounging on domed sunbeds with breathtaking views of the beach and ocean. For ultimate relaxation, the on-site GLOW Spa was a paradise within paradise; a couples' massage amidst waterfall features and palm trees was incredibly rejuvenating.
Adventure Awaits: Excursions and On-Site Activities
While it was tempting to never leave the resort, Mauritius has too much to offer. The hotel's excursion team expertly organised unforgettable trips. A highlight was a visit to the breathtaking private island, Île aux Cerfs, accessible by a short boat ride, where we spent a dreamy day relaxing under palm trees.
We also explored major island attractions in one packed day: the Black River Gorges National Park, the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths, the impressive Chamarel Waterfall, and the Rhumerie de Chamarel distillery. The views were insane, and the free rum tasters were a fun bonus. Another day featured a guided trip to Flic en Flac market with one of the resort's chefs, sampling sugar cane juice and learning about Mauritian cuisine.
Back at the resort, activities were plentiful. We enjoyed a cooking class with the head chef and took a bike tour to the nearby Bras d'Eau National Park to see giant tortoises.
Culinary Delights and Evening Entertainment
Dining was a world-class experience with a fantastic variety of restaurants requiring prior booking. Options included: Le Marché for buffet breakfasts, Chopsticks for Pan-Asian flavours, Hasu for Japanese cuisine, Sapori for Italian dishes, and the wonderfully relaxed Tides right on the beach. Evenings often ended at Shores bar for entertainment, drinks, and dancing.
My holiday was the perfect mix of pampering and exploration. So much so, that my boyfriend and I are already desperate to return and discover other regions of Mauritius. Long Beach provided a once-in-a-lifetime experience that truly deserves its five-star status.
Factbox: Junior Suites at Long Beach start from £317 per night on a half-board basis. Rates include complimentary water sports, kids' club access, and privileged golf access at Île aux Cerfs Golf Club. Air Mauritius flies direct from London Gatwick from £668, and British Airways from Heathrow from £732.
