Mauritius Long Beach
Sugar Beach Resort
– Mauritius
Long Beach is not a typical Mauritian resort. Developed by
Sun Resorts (Sugar Beach, La Pirogue, Le Tousserok), the hotel opened in April
2011 on the 60-acre footprint of the former Coco Beach on the east coast. Its
aim: to bring ‘a new vision’ of contemporary chic to the island. It takes a
moment to adjust to the plain architecture; but once attuned we were converted.
The buildings sit showily in the landscaped gardens; the rooms are airy and
comfortable, with African teak furniture. All have Wi-Fi access (at no extra
charge); private patios add to the sense of space. In total, there are two
Deluxe Suites and 255 rooms, 140 of which are inter-connecting; this is a
family-friendly resort, if an unusually stylish one. The main attraction is the
beach, which is long (as claimed) and white and pretty. Swimming off it is a
bit disappointing: there’s a fringe of stones to negotiate and the water is
quite shallow. For cardio exercise, head to the lap-pool at the excellent gym.
In the evening, guests migrate to piazza, to people-watch, shop, drink
cocktails, and debate where to eat. There are three restaurants in the
‘village’: Hasu (smart Japanese), Chopsticks (modern-casual Chinese) and Le
Marche (self-service buffet), and two on the beach: Tides (local cuisine) and I
Sapori (Italian). The stadd are diligent and the Mauritian general manager,
Nicholas Blandin de Chalain, is a bundle of energetic charm. ‘I want this to be
the most addictive resort in the world,’ he says. For those in need of a
modern-Mauritian fix, Long Beach could become a habit.
The Mauritius five
star hotels and resorts
When to go
May to early December. January and February, the peak
cyclone months, are best avoided.
Room to book
Those nearest the sea, numbered 501-535.
Morocco- Four Seasons resort Marrakech
Four Seasons
resort Marrakech - Morocco
Marrakech’s image as a destination for luxury-loving
sun-seekers is on the upswing thanks to a wave of projected new five-star openings.
First off the starting blocks was the new Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, which
opened last June. The hotel bills itself as an ‘urban resort’ and, although it
lacks the decadent charm of recent Marrakech Hot Listers La Mamounia and Royal
Mansour, it is an elegant understated and well-thought-out place to stay,
especially if you prefer suburban peace to medina hubbub. The architecture is
Berber-inspired but the bedrooms are pleasingly familiar, with enormous
bathrooms, and there is an excellent, laid-back poolside restaurant (from which
fresh juice shots and chilled cocktails and sent to sun loungers). The Bleu
d’Orange restaurant, atop a tower, is the smarter dining option and the spa is
outstanding, with therapists using Natura Bisse’, lla and local products. There
is plenty of family pool and two children’s clubs. At the time of our visit the
standard of service wasn’t quite up to the usual Four Seasons standard;
training is ongoing and the friendly staff are committed to improvement.
at Four Seasons resort
Marrakech
When to go
Avoid the stiflingly hot period from June to August.
Room to book.
The Grand Pavilion Suites, for having direct access to the
pool and private plunge pools. 00 800 6488 6488; www.fourseasons.com/marrakech.
Doubles from $510
Seychelles – Raffles Praslin Seychelles
Seychelles –
Raffles Praslin Seychelles
Built into the hillside above Takamaka Bay in the north-
east coast of Praslin, Raffles Resort has stunning views across the Indian
Ocean towards the nature- reserve INS land of Curieuse. The sloping metal roofs
of the 86 villas are a nod to plantation- style architecture but the
restaurants, reception area and bars have a bold metropolitan feel. The villas
are sumptuously furnished, and each has its own small plunge- pool and in- and outdoor
showers, while the suites have barbecue facilities; everyone gets the 24- hour
Raffles butler service. Losean Restaurant is a stylish venue for all- day
dinning, or there is the Curieuse poolside restaurant which specialises in
seafood. The enormous main pool (the largest of any in Seychelles) is a stone’s
throw from the delightful beach at Anse Takamaka, the gentle arcs of water
perfect for doing serious laps or for a relaxing dip. Families and honeymooner’s
are equally well provided for, as are the many clients from the corporate world
where the Raffles brand is well known. The spa is key to the Raffles
experience, with treatment rooms set in a tranquil garden surrounded by the
dramatic granite boulders which make Praslin seem like a natural sculpture
park. The Vallee de Mai nature reserve, home to the famed coco de mer palm, is
a short drive away.
Bed room
When to go
The Seychelles are warm all year round, lying just seven
degrees south of the equator. Humidity is highest during the north- west
monsoon from November to March, but seas are rougher between May and September.
Room to book
One of the 26 Panoramic Villas set high on the hillside
overlooking the nearby islands. 00 248 4296 780; www.raffles.com/praslin. Doubles from
$917
