As I got on the plane to leave for Mauritius I didn't know what to expect. After seeing so many pictures it was hard to believe that what I had seen of the stunning tropical beaches and beautiful hotels could be true.
As we got close to landing and saw more of the island from the air I was already surprised to see how green and different the landscape was to the impression I had in my head. Inland there are mountains, forests and the island is dotted with sugarcane plantations which captured my attention as it was already a side to Mauritius that surprised me.
After being presented with beautiful local flowers at the airport we set off to our first hotel in the south of the island. We travelled through laid back local villages, past small candle lit shrines and colourful Hindu temples off the side of the road, hinting at the multicultural flavour of Mauritius. It was almost time for the sugar cane harvest so most of the sugar canes had blue misty flowers making the fields look like blue clouds from a distance.
African drums announced our arrival at the Heritage Hotel where we were to spend our first night and I already knew that Mauritius would live up to all of the pictures. The hotel really made an impact from the moment we arrived. After looking around we had some time to relax on the beach and it was great to experience how genuinely friendly all the Mauritians were that we met. If you are on your own you are never lonely as someone is always interested in chatting and will strike up a conversation. At night the Heritage looked even more beautiful taking on a more sophisticated air as we sat and enjoyed sipping Mauritian rum in the piano bar.
The next day I got chance to do some sightseeing. I had heard about a new attraction at the Casela Yemen Nature Park called walking with lions so I was intrigued. I was a little apprehensive but also very excited as we got our safety briefing before the lions were brought out. Then we saw them come bounding out of their enclosure with the handlers. Even as juveniles they were big and you had to really jog to keep up with them but it was such a privilege to be so close to such beautiful animals, especially after seeing them in the wild and knowing how powerful they are.
I got some great photos before the lead guide pulled me to one side and told me to stand right in front of them for a picture. After our safety briefing I can easily say I was more than a little nervous, especially at being the first one asked to do this but thankfully the lions were more interested in eating treats at that point than pouncing on me! The lions decided after that they would cut our walk short as they spotted something fun to chase in the grass and sprung off at top speed back to their enclosure.
Once we got back I had chance to have a cheetah interaction. I can remember wondering if they were making a purring noise as I was stroking them or whether it was a low grumbly growl! It's a great experience that I'm glad I did and something really different to try on the island if you can pull yourself away from the beach.
Nowhere was I made to feel more spoilt than at the amazing villas at the Belle Mare Plage Golf and Spa Resort. With a private butler, two bedrooms, a lounge, an outdoor bath and shower, and a private pool I couldn't believe my luck! And then being made to feel even more special being guided around the kitchens by the head chef as he showed us some Mauritian specialities and allowed us to try some of the treats being produced in the chocolate kitchen (I am amazed they got me to leave, it was chocolate heaven!).
After seeing many hotels on the island I know why it is such a popular destination and why so many people keep returning. Not only is it a truly stunning place but the attention to detail that goes into your stay makes it really special, for example Legends Resort let you choose the scent that you fall asleep to in your room. Honeymooners and those celebrating an anniversary in particular will be made to feel special with romantic little touches like candle lit meals on the beach and couple spa treatments. That combined with the Mauritian hospitality is a winner in my book.