september 2010
Surrounded by the warm, crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers the ultimate tropical paradise holiday. This picturesque island is renowned for the hospitably of the locals, the elegant hotels and some of the world’s finest beaches and lagoons. Mauritius appeals to all types of peoples from honeymooners, to families and golfers. The standard of hotels in Mauritius is exceptionally high. Below are 5 of my favourite luxury hotels on the island:
Le Prince Maurice is the type of hotel that most couples envisage when they imagine a romantic island getaway. It ticks all the boxes: luxurious rooms, fine dining experiences, top class service and a secluded beach. For these reasons as well, the hotel will attract upmarket families and golfers. Classed as a 5 star superior hotel it is protected from the winds in a peaceful peninsula ensuring maximum privacy for its guests. The hotel offers two room types, the junior suite (some of which are on stilts in the lagoon) and villas. There are 9 villas which offer direct beach access and a heated private pool. 3 villas (without private pool) are on stilts overlooking the natural fish reserve. Le Prince Maurice offers incredible value for honeymoons during the winter months with a bride stays free special.
Belle Mare Plage is situated along 2 km of long white sandy beach which is protected by an offshore coral reef, therefore, making it ideal for swimming, water sports and snorkelling. Nominated as "Best Golf Resort", "Best Activity Resort" & "Best Honeymoon Resort" for Luxury Travel Readers Awards 2007 it is easy to see why. The rooms are luxurious and modern; the service is excellent and it is a golfer’s paradise. There are two 18 hole golf courses at the Belle Mare Plage (The Legend and The Links) which guests at Le Prince Maurice can also use.
I loved the choice of restaurants on offer and the size of the hotel ensures that you can find areas all to yourself. While it is great for families I don’t think honeymooners would be put off, particularly as the hotel offers excellent honeymoon specials. If you can stretch the budget I recommend option for the villas – they are out of this world!
Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort is a 5 star superior hotel situated on the south west coast. The hotel is a member of the "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" and is infused with the charm and style of a colonial sugar plantation past. The setting is simply stunning and the architecture is entirely unique. I grew up seeing the old sugar plantations in Durban, South Africa and I love these colonial buildings built in this style. Heritage le Telfair is sophisticated and I suppose I would say formal to a point. The decor of the rooms is understated with antique furniture and the gardens are really fragrant. I love the river running through the property and the bar really has to be seen to be believed. It reminds me of the colonial style Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town.
Attached to the Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort is the magnificent 18 hole "Golf du Château" golf course which covers 100 hectares. This hotel would suit anyone looking for something unique, and for anyone wanting top class service, exquisite food and luxurious surroundings.
The stylish 5 star superior Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa is situated along my favourite coast in Mauritius, the south-west, at the foot of the Morne Mountain. The suite-only hotel is spread along the wide stretch of beach so you don’t feel like everything is on top of you. The service is exceptional and I liked the fact that I could vary my time spent here by going across to the sister hotel Le Paradis and eating out or partaking in their activities. The resort will be particularly enjoyed by golfers (there is an 18-hole course at Le Paradis), however, couples and families will also find a lot to like at the Dinarobin. The family rooms in particular provide outstanding facilities.
In terms of setting and lay out, Les Pavillons Resort is my outright favourite of all the hotels in Mauritius. The mountain backdrop is simply stunning and I love the way the rooms are set back in beautiful lush gardens. The architecture reminds me of Bali. While the rooms possibly wouldn’t be as large or as plush as other resorts would offer, I personally love the decor and the elegant features. It is smaller than most hotels which again would be my personal preference and the beach is heavenly. In my opinion Les Pavillons is the perfect hotel for couples. Its prime location protects it from the trade winds and being on the West Coast it has the most beautiful sunsets.
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What could be more exciting to a child than stroking a baby elephant, feeding giraffes or discovering a lion in the wild? A safari is a perfect holiday for the family, because not only will children will be exposed to incredible wildlife but also a vastly different culture, allowing for a fun and educational experience. Imagine your children seeing a magnificent Maasai warrior for the first time or learning to make a fire from wood and stone!
Planning a safari for the whole family can be a daunting experience. Here are our top 10 things to consider before booking:
1. Consider countries in Africa which have more experience in dealing with families such as South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. These countries have hosted tourists for many years, they are safe and have all the facilities one would want when travelling with children.
2. If you want to take the children away during the European summer holidays it is generally warm and dry during the African winter months, however, if you want to visit The Cape in South Africa you may be in for some rain and lower temperatures (best from Sept onwards).
3. The peak season for safari is usually June to Oct which is the dry season. That isn’t to say, however, that travel outside of this season doesn’t provide a brilliant safari experience, nor does it rain all day every day. If you are looking to save a few pennies and you are tied to travelling during the European school holidays (ie the peak season), consider visiting South Africa or Namibia which are the exception - having their low season during these months. If you must travel in the December holidays, book early as it is an exceptionally busy and pricey time of year to travel throughout Africa.
4. Flights to East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) are shorter (around 8 hrs from Europe) so you may want to take this into consideration. Although in saying that, the 11 hr journey to Southern Africa is usually done on an overnight flight and with the time difference either 1 or 2 hours (depending on time of year) there is no jet lag to contend with.
5. Be sure to ask your tour operator whether or not your children can partake on game drives. Some lodges will not allow very young children to partake in shared game drives. You may need to consider a private vehicle or babysitting services. Your tour operator will know the lodges and camps which are child friendly offering specially tailored child-centred activities which will give parents a break and provide endless hours of fun and learning for the children.
6. Ask your tour operator about which countries require vaccinations and malaria tablets. If you are looking for a malaria free safari you will generally only find these within certain parks in South Africa.
7. Plan your itinerary so that you don’t have too long on a safari. If you are away for 2 weeks combine your safari with a beach break in the likes of Mombasa, Zanzibar or Mauritius. Most of the resorts or hotels on the beach offer kid’s clubs, brilliant activities and water sports and family rooms.
8. Consider a self drive holiday through either South Africa or Namibia. This not only saves money but can be quite an adventure, allowing you to visit a number of places and adding to the overall experience. South Africa in particular has a huge diversity of attractions. Not only can you experience an authentic safari but enjoy a beach stay, visit scenic cities such as Cape Town and experience a variety of cultures all within the one trip to the Rainbow Nation.
9. If you have adventurous teenagers to entertain why not consider Zambia's Victoria Falls? It is known for its adventure activities such as bungee jumping and white water rafting. Following Victoria Falls nothing could be more adventurous than a walking safari in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. Namibia may also appeal with adventures such as sand dune surfing.
10. Most importantly find a tour operator or agent that you trust! Safari holidays don’t come cheap and you want to be assured that the agent is fully bonded to ensure peace of mind. As well as this, choose someone that has experience planning family holidays to Africa in order that it is expertly organised and that the destinations chosen for you will be safe, providing not only entertainment but adequate facilities for children.
Photography Credit: Cheli & Peacock, Govenors Safaris, Kasaka River Lodge & Kwandos Safaris
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If watching the World Cup on televsion put you in the mood for a holiday to South Africa, you are not alone. Interest in the country has greatly increased as those returning from their visits raved about the country's natural beauty and the friendliness of its people. Before you plan your holiday to this diverse country follow these Top 10 tips and ensure your holiday adventure is one to remember, for all the right reasons...
1. Research the range of diverse experiences on offer well in advance of your planned departure dates to make sure you choose a holiday that meets your specific requirements. Indulging in a spot of escapism by reading up on your preferred locations and looking at photos is a wonderful way to whet your appetite.
2. Read Jock of the Bushveld by Percy Fitzpatrick before you travel. This iconic book is the first real book that almost every English-speaking South African parent reads to their children. With plenty of adventure combined with baboons, leopards, crocodiles, heroes and villains this easy read will warm you for your visit to Africa.
3. Go on Safari! A visit to South Africa wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of its mesmerising game reserves. The largest and most famous reserve is the Kruger National Park, similar in size to Wales and situated in the North East of South Africa. The Sabi Sands is arguably the best location for a luxury safari within the Kruger.
4. Splash out on your accommodation in South Africa as the favourable exchange rate with the South African Rand means you will need significantly less spending money compared to other destinations.
5. For most of us, we save all year round for our annual summer holiday. For financial peace-of-mind, make sure you only book with a travel company who is properly licensed e.g. by ATOL or TTA to ensure you are 100% protected.
6. Purchase your travel insurance before you book your holiday as you are generally entitled to a full refund if an unforeseen event prevents you from travelling.
7. Don’t waste precious days of your all-too-short holiday sitting on a plane, especially if you are travelling with children. Take one of the many overnight flights to South Africa and enjoy your holiday from the moment you land. South Africa is no more than 2 hours ahead of GMT.
8. Don’t take any risks – check with your GP at least 2 months ahead if you and your family require any specific vaccinations for the countries that you plan to visit. There are a number of malaria-free safari destinations if this is a particular concern – speak to an expert travel consultant who will advise you.
9. Travel off-peak to secure excellent rates if you are not restricted by school holidays. It may mean you can enjoy a luxury, 5-star experience, previously considered to be out-of-reach.
10. And most importantly of all... Only entrust your travel planning to a reliable, expert tour operator who has in-depth knowledge of your chosen destination.
Contact a specialist about a South African holiday
An amazing honeymoon to a range of exotic destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands is more accessible than you might think. Follow our Top 10 tips to ensure your honeymoon is one to remember, for all the right reasons...
1. Research the range of African destinations on offer well in advance of your planned departure dates to make sure you choose a safari or beach holiday that meets your specific requirements. Indulging in a spot of escapism by reading up on your preferred locations and looking at photos is a wonderful way to begin your planning.
2. Make better use of frequent flyer points and airline award programmes that you may have built up over years but never redeemed – putting these to good use may make a long-haul destination more viable than you had previously considered.
3. Visit South Africa. Whether you love or loathe the Football World Cup, the host nation South Africa did a marvellous job in not only organising but providing a fantastic insight into this amazing country... book up fast to avoid the stampede!
4. Play the currency market and take advantage of the favourable exchange rates and value for money in countries such as South Africa & Namibia, which both use the South African Rand; or Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar which trade in US Dollars.
5. For most of us, we save for years to afford this once in a lifetime holiday. For financial peace-of-mind, make sure you only book with a travel company who is properly licensed e.g. ATOL or TTA to ensure you are 100% protected. Also, make sure you have your travel insurance in place before you book your honeymoon as you are generally entitled to a full refund if an unforeseen event prevents you from travelling.
6. Don’t waste precious days of your all-too-short holiday break suffering from jetlag. Fly south to avoid traversing time zones and enjoy your holiday from the moment you land. Any African country is no more than 2 hours ahead.
7. Break out of your usual travel patterns and welcome new destinations for an enriched experience in this once in a lifetime trip. The rewards of travelling to countries such as Mozambique, Namibia or Uganda before tourism develops on a larger scale are manifold.
8. Travel off-peak to secure excellent rates, for the majority of the year peak season differs depending on which country you visit. It may mean you can enjoy a luxury, 5-star experience, previously considered to be out-of-reach. For example, the tropical paradise of Mauritius offers year-round sunshine and fantastic value outside of peak months, especially May and June.
9. Resolve to rely on your memory as much as your camera when travelling – soak in the scenic landscapes, sunshine and unique cultures of the locals. You can call upon these happy memories to help get you through the dreary days back home.
10. And most importantly of all... Only entrust your honeymoon planning to a reliable, expert tour operator who has in-depth knowledge of your chosen destination.
More about Safari and Beach Honeymoons
Gregory Fox from Mahlatini reveals his all time favourite safari holiday
In my opinion the ultimate holiday would be a safari in the vast and beautiful Okavango Delta in Botswana combined with a trip to the magnificent Victoria Falls and a luxury beach resort in Mozambique, Mauritius or the Seychelles.
The Okavango Delta forms when the floodwaters of the Okavango River spill out over the Kalahari Desert sands, creating a 15 000 square km water wonderland - the largest inland river delta in the world. This fan-shaped jewel gives life to Botswana's arid interior, with its mosaic of channels and islands forested with palms and its floodplains teeming with wildlife. Here, fish and birds along with hippo and crocodiles co-exist with herds of zebra and buffalo, elephant, lion and the wild dog. This biodiversity enables the Okavango Delta to offer remarkable land and water experiences.
One of the biggest attractions of the delta is the enormity of it. Imagine just two exclusive luxury tented camps with a total of 16 beds in 2,500 square kilometres of remote wilderness. Unlike other safari destinations you can find your vehicle alone amongst prides of lions, hunting leopards and countless herds of elephants. Stopping the vehicle at sunset for a tipple of your choice and a light snack you cannot fail to appreciate the majestic surrounds of this natural paradise and the adventure and romance this inspires.
Home to 400 species of birds, the big five and a multitude of other beautiful animals the expertly trained guides provide a wealth of knowledge to compliment your game viewing. The game viewing is conducted in open top land rovers, on foot, on horseback, in motorised boats and in a dug out canoe named a mekoro. This variety of experiences ensures each day is unique.
The accommodation and personal service in the luxury bush camps exceeds even the most luxurious 5 star hotels. The accommodation is all inclusive and any individual tastes are very well catered for. Botswana operate an environmentally sensitive tourism policy of high yield low volume, so you may pay a little more for the experience but you are guaranteed a more personal service away from any crowds.
Ending your safari at the magnificent Victoria Falls, only a short flight from the delta, provides an exciting addition to this holiday with the multitude of activities available and the awesome spectacle of this untouched natural wonder. To conclude this perfect holiday look no further than the palm fringed beaches of one of the exclusive luxury hotels in Mozambique, Mauritius or the Seychelles.
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As we all know your honeymoon is one of the most important holidays you will ever have. In days gone by, most newlyweds were happy with a bit of sun, a good beach and a nice hotel. These days as people marry later in their lives this often means that the couple have more disposal income at hand and may have already done a substantial amount of travelling before they get married.
Increasingly the travel industry is finding that honeymooners are after something unique. While tropical island beaches still come up as a number one choice for honeymoons, holidays with more adventure are now a lot more sought after. Couples are asking for the type of experience that is "once in a lifetime" that no one they know has done before, something that they are share together and have lasting memories of. Safari holidays in Africa can offer all of these things and as much romance you can muster. They can also offer the best of both worlds if you do want to combine your adventure with the more traditional beach holiday.
African Travel Specialists Mahlatini has compiled a list of their Top 10 memorable activities for a honeymoon in Africa.
1. Gorilla Tracking in Uganda or Rwanda – This is the ultimate in adventure and involves a day of tracking the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda or Rwanda.
2. Swimming in Devil’s Pool off the Victoria Falls - a small lagoon enclosed by rocks where, in the dry season, you can swim and even climb up on the very lip looking down at the crashing waters below!
3. A Hot Air Balloon Safari in Kenya or Tanzania – When people think of Africa this is one of the quintessential images – balloons floating over the vast plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti.
4. Shark Cage Diving in South Africa – This extremely popular activity, which takes place off the Cape coast, allows you to get within touching distance of Great White Sharks!
5. A Walking Safari in Zambia – while a safari in a game drive vehicle is exciting enough, for those wanting to get really close up and personal to the wildlife of Africa we recommend you try a walking safari which can be done across Africa but most recommended in Zambia.
6. A Mokoro Trail in Botswana – these traditional dugout canoes have been used for centuries by the local fishermen. Imagine spending 3 days gliding through the crystal clear waters of the Okavango Delta in search of wildlife and spending your evenings camping on the islands.
7. Climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania – for the really adventurous why not spend your honeymoon climbing Africa's highest mountain. It will take you up to 8 days but image the sense of achievement of reaching the summit!
8. Surfing Sand Dunes in Namibia – The Namib desert houses some of the largest sand dunes on the planet. There is no better way to experience these wonders than to zoom down them head first on a sand board.
9. Diving with Whale Sharks in Mozambique – the unspoilt coral reefs and crystal clear waters of Mozambique are just waiting to be explored in the hope of finding these gentle giants and a host of other marine species including manta rays.
10. White Water Rafting down the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe - Acclaimed as the wildest one-day whitewater run in the World, the Zambezi River is also recognized by rafting and kayaking enthusiasts as one of the top ten paddling rivers on the planet!
Is your budget holding you back from the adventure of a lifetime? Why not consider a honey money scheme where you can ask your friends and family to pay towards your honeymoon or various activities as a wedding present.
Contact a specialist about a Honeymoon Holiday