Explore Mauritius further with a stay in the island's lush interior with its waterfalls and mountains, before relaxing at a boutique beach hotel.
What's Included:
3 nights Chamarel Mountains, half board; 7 nights 20 Degrés Sud, including half board and excursions as detailed. Includes flights and transfers.
13 days from £2,360pp
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On the beach - 7 days
20 Degrés Sud, North Coast
This small boutique hotel with an elegant yet homely feel perfectly captures the mood of this stunning island. With a limited number of rooms and highly personal service, 20 Degrés Sud is a magical place to stay.
Despite being one of Mauritius’ smallest hotels, 20 Degrés Sud offers excellent facilities. The hotel’s elegant design features quirky details that give it an original, local charm and along with the small beach there is also a lovely pool and a variety of water sports on site. The hotel’s boat, the Lady Lisbeth, is the only original Mauritian sailing boat on the island and is available for sunset cruises or memorable private dinners on the bay. Being so close to Grand Baie means you can take advantage of the bustling restaurants, bars and shops, then return to the calm of the hotel’s grounds hidden behind two huge doors that separate you from the outside world. There is also a small but charming spa.
The individually decorated rooms feature beautiful, imported Flemish furniture and have a lavish beach-house feel. Some have a private pool or Jacuzzi.
Before the beach - 3 days
Chamarel Reserve
The west of Mauritius is dominated by the Chamarel Mountains, a pristine and undeveloped tract of land. Although the country is renowned for its outstanding beaches, inland there are areas of extraordinary beauty with rolling, tree-lined hills, majestic waterfalls and fantastic birdlife. Take a guided walk in the Black River Gorges National Park where you might spot kestrels, pink pigeons and brightly coloured parrots, or rent bicycles and head to the famous Seven Coloured Earth, a striking natural phenomenon.
The Lakaz Chamarel is a luxurious boutique lodge in the heart of the forest. The 20 beautiful rooms each reflect a different culture on the island, the pool is set in tropical gardens, and dinner is accompanied by the traditional music of local musicians.
20 Degrés Sud, North Coast
36 rooms, 1 restaurant, 2 pools
Description
There are very few independent boutique hotels in Mauritius, but this is one of those rare finds. Originally developed by an Air Mauritius pilot and his wife as a labour of love, it has a much more intimate feel than many Mauritian resorts, with only 36 rooms adorned with vintage prints and antiques.
Tucked into a residential area in the more developed northwest corner of the island, this isn’t your archetypal beach hotel. There’s a small pool, space to soak up the sun and a narrow beach, but the real draw is its location for those who want to get out and explore.
The coastal town of Grand Baie is a short (complimentary) ride away on the hotel’s shuttle boat, and there are a number of shops and restaurants within 15-20 minutes’ walk.
Considering the hotel’s small size, if you do decide on a day of relaxation, there’s a spa, restaurant and a bar that’s well-stocked with Mauritian rum.
For families
The hotel is only suitable for older children, who must be 12 years or older to stay.
The hotel has two pairs of charm rooms, with interconnecting doors. A third bed can also be added in certain rooms for an adult or a child.
Location
20 Degrés Sud sits across a narrow waterway from the restaurants, shops and bars of Grand Baie. The hotel runs a complimentary water-taxi service four times a day on a traditional pirogue boat to the town, just five minutes away, making it easy for you to dine out or shop. At other times of day, it’s only 10 minutes by road in a taxi.
The hotel has a small beach cove with sun loungers, canopy beds and cosy, cushioned shell seats. Although the hotel only has a small beach, just five minutes' drive away is Mon Choisy Beach, a long stretch of blonde sand.
Our opinion
This has become one of our top choices in Mauritius for those looking for something that’s a little different to the large resort-style hotels so common in the rest of the island. There’s a quirky feel to the hotel, with an interesting mix of retro and modern chic, and the hotel's size gives it an intimate feel.
Although the beach at the hotel is small, the convenient location within easy reach of Grand Baie means it's less isolated than many other Mauritius resorts, making this ideal for those who would like to get out and about a bit more. As children have to be 12 years or over to stay, it has a relaxed, laid-back ambiance that we feel is ideal for couples or honeymooners looking for a comfortable stay.
Rooms
The 36 rooms are decorated in a refined style with white drapes, canopy beds, and vintage monochrome photos of Mauritius adorning the walls. Neutral fabrics and antiques add a relaxed, homely feel.
Each room is slightly different, but all are set within two-storey buildings and have a terrace or balcony. All have air-conditioning, a television, minibar, safe and en suite bathroom, with bathtub or shower.
Please note that some of the balcony balustrades are lower than the EU recommended height. Please let us know if you have any concerns about this and do take care when using the balconies.
Cosy
These are slightly smaller than the charm rooms and have slightly obstructed views (for example, some views may be restricted by a palm tree).
Charm
Charm rooms are compact but cosy, with a small balcony or terrace, and a charming style.
Beachfront room
There are ten beachfront rooms. Set on the waterfront, they are closer to the sea than the charm rooms, with better views of the water. Beautifully furnished, they offer a comfortable home in Mauritius, and they also offer a Nespresso machine.
Suite
The two suites are only 20 metres from the water, with sweeping views over the bay from their terrace. They also have an outdoor Jacuzzi and a Nespresso machine.
Austral Suite
The four austral suites are the highest room type at the hotel, and offer spacious accommodation at 80 square metres. Each is slightly different, but they are all only steps from the water. The suites on the ground floor have a private pool overlooking the sea, while those on the first floor have a Jacuzzi.
Pictures of the rooms
Activities, diving & excursions
There are two small pools: one in the middle of the hotel and a smaller, tranquil spa pool. Non-motorised water sports, such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing and sea kayaking trips, are included in the cost of your stay, while waterskiing, big-game fishing and diving can also be arranged at an extra cost.
The hotel also has snorkelling equipment and a selection of complimentary bikes you can borrow, so you can easily cycle around the area.
There isn't a dive centre at the hotel but staff will be happy to help you arrange something with local operators.
Food & drink
There’s one restaurant at the hotel, with dishes created principally from the island's local produce. While most tables are inside, there are a few by the hotel pool, which are particularly ambient in the evening. Lunchtime snacks may consist of a salad or plate of carpaccio, while dinners are à la carte, often with a choice of fresh seafood.
Dining is also possible on board the MS Lady Lisbeth, a 17-metre (55 ft), 1920s teak boat, carefully restored to its former glory. The boat is available to book for a maximum of eight guests for a private dining cruise around the bay.
Please note, there will be a formal dress code required whilst dining at the restaurant in the evenings.
Spa Facilities
The boutique spa has four small treatment rooms, a Turkish bath and a Jacuzzi. They use Comfort Zone products, and have a wide range of treatments and massages available. After your treatment you can relax by the spa pool with an infusion of tea or aromatic water at the Infusion Bar.
Chamarel Reserve
Location: Mauritius West Coast
The west of the island stretches from south of Port Louis to Bel Ombre, and is probably the most varied part of the island in terms of topography.
The coastline has a number of stunning beaches, many protected by the reef, so there are turquoise lagoons and calm waters. A coastal road winds through fishing villages and small towns such as the lively Flic En Flac.
Inland, there are highlands with dense tropical foliage and a welcoming coolness. Walks can be taken in the Black River Gorges National Park on trails that weave through the countryside and around the town of Chamarel. If you ask Mauritians their favourite part of the island, many will say the Chamarel area for its flowers, forests and birds.
Finally, at the southwest tip of the island is the imposing crag of Le Morne Brabant, a photogenic rock rising from sea level to 556 metres high.
Lakaz Chamarel
Accommodation: Lakaz Chamarel
Wonderfully located in the forests of the Black River Gorges natural heritage site, Lakaz Chamarel offers a different perspective on Mauritius. The island's outstanding beaches are the focal point of any visit to Mauritius, but travel inland and you will find some areas of extraordinary scenic beauty, with rolling tree lined hills, waterfalls and fantastic birdlife. Lakaz Chamarel is an ideal escape into the picturesque tranquillity of these areas.
The boutique style lodge is unpretentious, peaceful and run like a friendly, upmarket bed and breakfast. Standards of luxury are high, with a spa, two swimming pools and a stylish lounge area where you can sit and while away the hours with a good book. Each of the 20 rooms has a different theme and aesthetic, reflecting the various cultural influences that have impacted on Mauritius over its history. All of them are spacious and comfortable, with en suite open air showers and fantastic views over the brilliant green gardens and surrounding forest. Walks and cycling in the area are superb, all contributing to the unique Mauritius experience to be had at Lakaz Chamarel.
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
Today you will take your overnight flight to Mauritius.
Day 2
Upon arrival in Mauritius you be met by our representatives and taken to your driver for the private road transfer to the Chamarel Mountains, a journey that should take just over an hour.
Settle into the charming Lakaz Chamarel, your home for the next three nights. Flight times vary but you should have time today for an afternoon at leisure, exploring the grounds of the hotel and surrounding mountains with a short walk.
Day 3
One of the highlights of Lakaz Chamarel is its fantastic location surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Black River Gorges National Park.
There are a number of different activities you can arrange from the hotel including guided walks to valleys and waterfalls or an energetic hike up to Piton Canot. It's also possible to explore on foot by yourself from the hotel.
Day 4
Today you have another day at leisure to enjoy as you choose. You might like to visit the nearby rum distillery, take a bike ride into nearby Chamarel village and the unusual Seven Coloured Earth. Slightly further afield you could visit sleepy coastal towns on the southwest coast.
Day 5
You will be collected by your private driver and guide for your sightseeing trip to your next hotel. En route you will visit Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, home to over 650 varieties of plants. With a stop for lunch there will be time to explore La Demeure Saint Antoine and discover more of the island's history. Then visit Chateau de Labourdonnais, a beautiful example of a grand French colonial home before heading to your next hotel, 20 Degrees South.
Day 6
Today you are at leisure to do as you wish and there are a number of activities which we can offer should you choose to be a little more active. Hiring a car is a great way to explore the island independently and meeting some of the charming local people.
Day 7
Sailing trips are a great way to get a different perspective on the island and you might like to take a catamaran trip to Deux Cocos today.
Day 8
Today you'll learn more about Mauritius' Creole heritage on a private full day tour. Together with your driver-guide, you'll spend time in Port Louis, with a local family, and discover some of the island’s fascinating cultural mix through its food and drink.
Days 9 - 11
At leisure.
Day 12
Today you will be collected from your hotel for the private road transfer back to the airport. This transfer should take just over an hour.
Day 13
Arrive back in the UK.
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Tailoring your trip
This itinerary is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible.
We can tailor this trip to suit your specific requirements
Any aspect of the itinerary can be altered, from excursions to accommodation
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