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provides generous expanse for the wide range of activities on off er. T e verdant land is fl anked by the azure of the Indian Ocean, with the hotel overlooking the evocatively named ‘Turtle Bay’. Following check-in, we were escorted via golf buggy to our room for the duration of the three night stay. We were based in a ‘prestige’ room, with a balcony overlooking the bay. T e room was spacious and generally very pleasant, with a hint of colonial elegance to the décor. T ere are six categories of rooms at the Maritim, ranging from ‘premium’ to the luxurious family villa, so it’s worth researching beforehand to make the most of your break. After acquainting ourselves with our surroundings, we enjoyed a lunch at La Marée Beach Restaurant with Moira, our host for the duration of our stay. T e Maritim is nestled in a northern
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enclave of Mauritius, around an hours transfer from the airport. Within the grounds of the hotel lie the Balaclava ruins, which bear the remnants of French colonial rule, with the original sea walls of the old fortress still holding strong. I can highly recommend spending an afternoon exploring these and the tropical plants and landscaped gardens that surround them, either by foot or hiring a bike from the hotel. T e vast estate is also home to a small animal farm and an adorable enclosure for giant tortoises, which are among the longest- living animals in the world. T ese amazing animals originate from the Seychelles and are a must see for visitors. Happily the sanctuary has had success in breeding these majestic creatures. It was evident that the Maritim is a well established family resort and, with it being half term, was fully booked when we were there. T e younger generation are perfectly catered for with archery, an equestrian centre, nine-hole golf course and numerous water sports on off er, many of which are
he fi rst thing that struck us about this resort was its size. T e Maritim is set among 25 acres of lush green tropical garden, which
complimentary. Some may fi nd the hotel a little too child
orientated for a romantic break, although we were always able to fi nd a secluded area of beach to unwind. T e evening entertainment wasn’t really to our tastes either, but again, this is perhaps for the benefi t of young families. Something we couldn’t fault was the Tropical Flower Spa, which we sampled on our second day at the hotel. T is facility is perfectly off set by the beautiful gardens and features 12 treatment stations and a tranquillity area behind a waterfall. We began with a foot therapy treatment,
which consisted of walking across stones with the end goal of relaxing the foot muscles. I was told to walk across the stones three times and that, although the treatment may feel painful at fi rst, I would eventually feel the benefi t. I’m afraid I had to forego the reward of pleasure, and gave up after the second crossing in too much pain! T e two hour frangipani and aloe vera body massage and lemongrass leg wrap was far more preferable to me, and was just the tonic after a day in the sun. T ere are several restaurant options at
the resort and we were fortunate enough to sample a number of them during our short stay. For our fi rst breakfast we were treated to a champagne à la carte menu in La Marée Beach Restaurant. Whilst the resort off ers half board the Belle Vue Resturant off ers a self service breakfast buff et, so if you want pancakes, full English or just fresh fruit and continental, this is the place for you. For us it was à la carte and all the fi nery
that goes with it. Joined once more by our accommodating host Moira, we enjoyed a fi ve course gourmet dinner at Château Mon Désir – the hotel’s fi ne dining restaurant - courtesy of the newly appointed chef. I can’t recommend the à la carte dining highly enough. Owing to its popularity, you will need to reserve a table at the Château, to ensure an evening to remember. For us it was the perfect way to conclude a fabulous stay.
Free wedding and special honeymoon off ers available !
MARITIM Hotel Mauritius Balaclava, Terre Rouge, Mauritius, Indian Ocean Tel: (+230) 204 1041 Fax: (+230) 204 1020
info.mau@
maritim.com www.maritim.mu
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