BEST TIME IN MAURITIUS

It is hot, but not too hot to handle being outside on the beach all day. The rain is much less over this period too, but don't worry about rain because it has tropical island weather. It will rain and shortly after the clouds will clear up and the sun will be back out in full force so you can enjoy the water sports, a cocktail at the Beach bar or just lazing next to the ocean enjoying a good book.

This is my second visit to the beautiful LUX* Grand Gaube and as a transit stopover on my way back from a holiday in Australia, Mauritius is a great option for a relaxing holiday before heading back to reality!

My reasons for choosing to return to LUX* Grand Gaube is because of the delectable gastronomic experience, superior service, phenomenal rooms, adults-only Banyan tree area (when not travelling with my children of course) and all the activities on offer.

I believe that the only way to travel in Mauritius is on the All-Inclusive package. If you want to enjoy yourself without worrying about the cost of a cocktail or a meal or even a bottle of water/coke from the mini bar, then this is the right package for you.

Some chain hotels are interchangeable which means that even if you want to go and explore the island of Mauritius then you could stop at a sister hotel for lunch and a different experience, so you won't be losing out.

Just remember that the choice is yours when in Mauritius. You can spend all your time at your chosen resort, in which case you must choose carefully to ensure that they have enough activities and entertainment on offer that you will enjoy. OR you can choose to go and explore the island and all it has on offer. I can help you select the right hotel and make suggestions on what to do.

If you are an avid golf enthusiast, then Mauritius has so many golf courses to choose from. You can choose your resort which is linked to a golf course that you would like to play on. Here you can either have a complimentary game included or benefit from the hugely discounted rates on offer.

Here are some of the excursions that you can do while in Mauritius: (there are plenty more on offer) Day trips to Ile des Deux Cocos or Ile aux Cerfs: These are great times out on beautiful beaches with snorkelling and kayaking on offer in the clear blue ocean.

Catamaran cruises: Where you can cruise out to enjoy the sunset and partake in some jungle juice (not for the faint-hearted).

Visit the beauty of the Pamplemousse Botanical gardens and Chamarel to view the Seven Coloured Earth.

Kite surfing in Le Morne is a must if this is something on your bucket list.

One of my firm favourites is shopping, but only because I am a woman and a shopaholic.

Here are a few tips on where you should go shopping while on the island: * NORTH COAST: Goodlands - Every Tuesday & Friday for clothing * WEST COAST: Cascavelle Shopping mall (Flic en Flac) - 50 shops, restaurants and food court * SOUTH-EAST COAST: Mahebourg - Every Monday * EAST COAST: Flacq market - Every Sunday & Wednesday

I thought to end this off that I would share a few more reasons to go to LUX* Grand Gaube just because I can.

Have you ever wanted to phone home while overseas and because of the cost you never did? Well at any LUX* property there is a public phone that you can use to call anyone you want to anywhere in the world and share your amazing trip experiences with them EVERY day and it is FREE #LUX

Spa experiences when you are on holiday are just the BEST. LUX* for ME offers you a wide range of Spa experiences and at LUX Grand Gaube I had the pleasure of enjoying a 30-minute back massage. Wow, I wish it could have gone on forever! It was a wonderfully relaxing experience and the massage oils were so great that I had to buy some to take back home. They have their own LUX* range so be sure to go, take a look so you can take some home with you too. You get to relax next to the splash pools on a sun lounger sipping on some iced tea or detox water. I almost had a nap right there in the calmness of it all. But honestly, anything you want... The treatment area is broken up into 2. One side is the Beauty area. There is a men’s section which is like an actual old-fashioned barbershop with so many men's pamper products, it's crazy. A hair salon for the ladies, a nail bar and a Bridal section... Yes, you read correctly! A whole area just to prepare the Bride and her bridal party for their location wedding at LUX* Grand Gaube. The other side is the Spa with all the treatment rooms for massages, facials and body treatments.

I always say that if you put something you want out into the universe you stand a much better chance of that wish coming true, so why not go and add your wish to the Wishing Tree? The bonus is that they clear these trees once a year and draw one lucky traveller to win a holiday at that resort. How amazing is that? I think that might just be the wish I add to the tree... Don't forget to add your name!

French Kiss... Adult ice cream anyone? Available at the adults-only Banyan tree area. Ice cream is the best but includes alcohol with this and you have a dreamy yummy dessert made especially for adults.

G&T 100 Club is for all of the Gin lovers (like me) out there. It is open from 17h00 - 22h30 every night (except Tuesday) and you can try some of the over 100 gins on offer and with all types of mixes. They have had plenty of time to experiment with the Gin so believe me you want to go try the different combinations!

To eat at the only Turkish restaurant on the island of Mauritius currently, you must come to LUX* Grand Gaube. I met with the Turkish chef at Bodrum Blue and he was such a lovely guy. His food was stunning, such a lovely menu with food that leaves you wanting more. The ambience and the fact that you feel like you are right on the water just add to this wonderful experience.

I could go on and on about this hotel, but I will end off here. Feel free to get in touch with me if you want to know more about LUX* Grand Gaube or a holiday in Mauritius.